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Kohler RH265 Generator Set

The Kohler RH265 is a generator set powered by a Kohler RH265-0001 engine. It holds about 0.6 L (0.2 gal) of oil. The set measures 329.53×106×80.5 mm (13.0×4.2×3.2 in). An integrated tank holds 32.53 L (8.6 gal).

0.196 L
Displacement
0.6 L
Oil capacity
3
Document types

How to read your Kohler serial & model number →

Service parts for the RH265

Grouped by system, with how many of each the parts manual calls for.

Air intake

1 required
18 590 18Air filterfind

Prices captured from merchant listings; some links are affiliate links. Confirm against your serial number before ordering.

Specifications

Oil capacity0.6 L
Dimensions (L×W×H)329×106×80 mm
Fuel tank32.53 L

Engine

Kohler RH265-0001
Oil capacity0.6 L
Displacement0.196 L

Maintenance & consumables

for the Kohler RH265-0001
ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterAir Cleaner Base18 590 18 buy
Fuel filter—300 hr
Oil filter—100 hr
Battery—
Belt—
Coolant—
OilAll-season KOHLER® PRO 10W-50 Synthetic Oil—5 hr
Spark plugClean out spark plug recess. Remove plug and replace.—100 hr

Service intervals

6
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Cooling areasClean100 hr12 moAir cleaner/intake
Foam element (air cleaner)Clean100 hr12 moClean/replace; perform more frequently under severe, dusty, dirty conditions
Fuel filterReplace100 hr12 moIf equipped
OilChange100 hr12 moFirst service — Every 100 hours or annually
Paper element (air cleaner)Replace100 hr12 moPerform more frequently under severe, dusty, dirty conditions
Spark arrestorClean100 hr12 moIf equipped

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Service specifications

60
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceCamshaft bore I.D.14.000/14.018mmNew
ClearanceCamshaft bore I.D.14.048mmMax. Wear Limit
ClearanceCamshaft end play0.025/0.602mm
ClearanceCamshaft running clearance0.016/0.052mm
ClearanceCenter compression ring end gap0.347/0.594mmNew Bore
ClearanceCenter compression ring end gap1.50mmUsed Bore (max.)
ClearanceCenter compression ring side clearance0.020/0.060mmNew Bore
ClearanceCenter compression ring side clearance0.15mmUsed Bore (max.)
ClearanceClosure plate end main bearing journal O.D.24.95mmO.D.-Max. Wear Limit
ClearanceClosure plate end main bearing journal O.D.24.975/24.989mmO.D.-New
ClearanceConnecting rod crankpin end I.D.30.021/30.026mmNew, @ 21°C (70°F)
ClearanceConnecting rod crankpin end I.D.30.08mmMax. Wear Limit, @ 21°C (70°F)
ClearanceConnecting rod journal O.D.29.920mmO.D.-Max. Wear Limit
ClearanceConnecting rod journal O.D.29.975/29.985mmO.D.-New
ClearanceConnecting rod journal width25.02/25.08mm
ClearanceConnecting rod-to-crankpin running clearance0.041/0.051mmNew
ClearanceConnecting rod-to-crankpin running clearance0.12mmMax. Wear Limit
ClearanceConnecting rod-to-crankpin side clearance0.58/0.60mmNew
ClearanceConnecting rod-to-crankpin side clearance1.10mmMax. Wear Limit
ClearanceConnecting rod-to-piston pin running clearance0.01/0.027mm
ClearanceCrankcase governor cross shaft bore I.D.6.000/6.018mmNew
ClearanceCrankcase governor cross shaft bore I.D.6.037mmMax. Wear Limit
ClearanceCrankshaft bore (in closure plate)51.961/51.991mmNew
ClearanceCrankshaft bore (in crankcase)51.961/51.991mmNew
ClearanceCrankshaft end play (free)0.025/0.703mm
ClearanceCrankshaft runout (either end)0.025mm
ClearanceCylinder bore I.D.68.015/68.030mmNew
ClearanceCylinder bore I.D.68.195mmMax. Wear Limit
ClearanceCylinder bore max. out-of-round12.7microns
ClearanceCylinder bore max. taper12.7microns
ClearanceCylinder head max. out-of-flatness0.1mm
ClearanceExhaust valve stem O.D.5.305mmMax. Wear Limit
ClearanceExhaust valve stem O.D.5.47mmNew
ClearanceExhaust valve stem to guide0.098/0.112mmNew
ClearanceExhaust valve stem to guide0.12mmMax. Wear Limit
ClearanceExhaust valve stem-to-valve guide running clearance0.030/0.054mm
ClearanceFlywheel end main bearing journal O.D.24.95mmO.D.-Max. Wear Limit
ClearanceFlywheel end main bearing journal O.D.24.975/24.989mmO.D.-New
ClearanceFlywheel end main bearing journal max. out-of-round0.025mm
ClearanceFlywheel end main bearing journal max. taper0.025mm
ClearanceGovernor cross shaft O.D.5.85mmMax. Wear Limit
ClearanceGovernor cross shaft O.D.5.95/5.98mmNew
ClearanceGovernor cross shaft-to-crankcase running clearance0.013/0.075mm
ClearanceGovernor gear shaft O.D.6.018mmMax. Wear Limit
ClearanceGovernor gear shaft O.D.6.028/6.043mmNew
ClearanceGovernor gear shaft-to-governor gear running clearance0.09/0.19mm
ClearanceIntake valve stem O.D.5.32mmMax. Wear Limit
ClearanceIntake valve stem O.D.5.480mmNew
ClearanceIntake valve stem to guide0.024/0.039mmNew
ClearanceIntake valve stem to guide0.10mmMax. Wear Limit
ClearanceIntake valve stem-to-valve guide running clearance0.020/0.044mm
ClearanceOil control ring-to-groove side clearance0.040/0.200mm
ClearancePiston pin O.D.17.95mmMax. Wear Limit
ClearancePiston pin O.D.17.990/17.996mmNew
ClearancePiston pin bore I.D.18.002/18.008mmNew
ClearancePiston pin bore I.D.18.05mmMax. Wear Limit
ClearancePiston pin end I.D. (connecting rod)18.010/18.015mmNew, @ 21°C (70°F)
ClearancePiston pin end I.D. (connecting rod)18.08mmMax. Wear Limit, @ 21°C (70°F)
ClearancePiston thrust face O.D.67.85mmMax. Wear Limit
ClearancePiston thrust face O.D.67.965/67.985mmNew; measure 15 mm (0.5905 in.) above bottom of piston skirt at right angles to piston pin

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Recommended fluids

FluidGradeStandardAmbientCapacityNotes
Engine oilAPI service class SJ or higher (including synthetic); Kohler oils recommended0.6 LSelect viscosity based on air temperature at time of operation as shown in the oil viscosity table. Capacity is oil capacity (refill).
FuelClean, fresh unleaded gasoline; octane rating 87 (R+M)/2 or higher; Research Octane Number (RON) 90 minimumE15, E20 and E85 are NOT approved. Up to 10% ethyl alcohol/90% unleaded acceptable. MTBE blend max 15% by volume approved. Do not add oil to gasoline. Do not use gasoline older than 30 days.
GreaseLithium greaseApply a light coating to crankcase and closure plate oil seal lips after installation.
OtherRTV silicone sealant (oxime-based, oil resistant)Permatex the Right Stuff 1 Minute Gasket, Loctite Nos. 5900 or 5910 recommendedUsed as gasket between closure plate and crankcase and between valve cover and cylinder head; Kohler 25 597 07-S

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Procedures

12
Adjust Valve Tappet Clearance adjustment

Tools: Flat feeler gauge

  1. Be sure piston is at top of compression stroke.
  2. Insert a flat feeler gauge between rocker arm and valve stem.
  3. Adjust clearance by loosening locknut and tightening adjuster. Turn clockwise to decrease clearance, counterclockwise to increase.
  4. Hold adjuster from turning and tighten locknut. Torque locknut to 10 N·m (88.5 in. lb.).
  5. Recheck that clearance is correct.
Governor Initial Adjustment adjustment
  1. Remove air cleaner cover.
  2. Reposition fuel tank to access governor shaft and lever joint, or disconnect fuel line and remove tank from engine.
  3. Loosen governor lever mounting nut.
  4. Move governor lever clockwise until it stops.
  5. Rotate governor shaft clockwise until it stops.
  6. Hold both in this position and torque governor lever nut to 7 N·m (62 in. lb.).
Low Idle Speed (RPM) Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Carburetor adjustments should be made only after engine has warmed up.

  1. Place throttle control into idle or slow position.
  2. Turn low idle speed adjusting screw in or out to obtain a low idle speed of 1800 RPM (± 75 RPM).
3/10 Amp Battery Charging System Test (No Charge to Battery) diagnostic

⚠ Voltage tests should be made with engine running at 3600 RPM - no load. Battery must be fully charged.

Tools: Ammeter, DC voltmeter, AC voltmeter, Ohmmeter

  1. Separate bullet connector in white lead from rectifier-regulator. Connect ammeter from female terminal to positive (+) battery terminal and DC voltmeter to negative (-) terminal. Run engine at 3600 RP
  2. If voltage is 14.0 volts or more, place a minimum load of 5 amps on battery to reduce voltage and observe ammeter.
  3. Separate bullet connectors in AC (white) leads. Connect an AC voltmeter across stator leads. With engine running at 3600 RPM, measure AC output from stator.
  4. With engine stopped, measure resistance from each stator lead to ground using an ohmmeter.
Compression Test diagnostic

Tools: Compression tester

  1. Perform on a warm engine. Clean any dirt or debris away from base of spark plug(s) before removing them.
  2. Be sure choke is off, and throttle is wide open during test.
  3. Compression should be at least 160 psi and should not vary more than 15% between cylinders.
Crankcase Vacuum Test (Manometer) diagnostic

⚠ Stay away while engine is in operation. Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away from all moving parts.

Tools: Water manometer, Rubber stopper, Tapered adapters

  1. Insert rubber stopper into oil fill hole. Be sure pinch clamp is installed on hose and use tapered adapters to connect hose between stopper and one manometer tube.
  2. Start engine and run no-load high speed.
  3. Open clamp and note water level in tube.
  4. Close pinch clamp before stopping engine.
Cylinder Leakdown Test diagnostic

Tools: Cylinder leakdown tester, Air source (at least 50 psi)

  1. Run engine for 3-5 minutes to warm it up.
  2. Remove spark plug(s) and air filter from engine.
  3. Rotate crankshaft until piston of cylinder being tested is at TDC of compression stroke. Hold engine in this position while testing.
  4. Install adapter into spark plug hole, but do not attach it to tester at this time.
  5. Turn regulator knob completely counterclockwise.
  6. Connect an air source of at least 50 psi to tester.
  7. Turn regulator knob clockwise until gauge needle is in yellow set area at low end of scale.
  8. Connect tester quick-connect to adapter hose. While firmly holding engine at TDC, gradually open tester valve. Note gauge reading and listen for escaping air.
Electric Starting System Test diagnostic

⚠ Do not crank engine continuously for more than 10 seconds. Allow a 60 second cool down period between starting attempts.

Tools: DC voltmeter, Jumper cables, Ohmmeter

  1. Test battery on unit: connect DC voltmeter across battery terminals and read voltage (switch OFF). Turn switch to start and read again.
  2. Remove electric starter cover panel and check fuse inside plastic holder; fuse outside holder is a spare.
  3. Disconnect blue relay lead. Be sure transmission is in neutral and PTO is OFF. Jumper positive battery terminal to relay terminal.
  4. Use a known good fully charged battery and jumper cables to test starter motor.
  5. Disconnect leads from starter relay and remove it for testing with an ohmmeter on Rx1 scale.
Electronic Ignition System Test diagnostic

Tools: Spark tester, Ohmmeter

  1. Disconnect cap from spark plug and attach it to terminal end of spark tester. Attach tester spring clip to a good ground, not to spark plug. Turn ignition switch ON and crank engine while observing fi
  2. If tester doesn't fire, unplug switch wire from ignition module and retest. If no spark is present go to step 2.
  3. Set an ohmmeter to Rx1 scale and zero meter. Trace two black leads from on/off switch and separate them. Connect ohmmeter leads to switch leads and check continuity in both switch positions.
Fuel System Test diagnostic

Tools: Approved fuel container

  1. Check for fuel in combustion chamber: disconnect and ground spark plug lead, close choke, crank engine several times, remove spark plug and check for fuel at tip.
  2. Check for fuel flow from tank to carburetor: remove fuel line from inlet fitting of carburetor, use approved fuel container to catch fuel, hold line below bottom of tank and observe fuel flow.
Install Cylinder Head installation

Tools: Torque wrench

  1. Check for nicks or burrs on sealing surfaces of cylinder head or crankcase.
  2. Rotate crankshaft to position piston at TDC on compression stroke.
  3. Install dowel pins into recesses around lower cylinder head bolt holes and install a new cylinder head gasket.
  4. Install cylinder head and start screws. Tighten screws initially to 12 N·m (106 in. lb.) in several increments using sequence shown.
  5. Tighten to a final torque of 24 N·m (212 in. lb.).
Install Ignition Module installation

Tools: Flat feeler gauge (0.254 mm / 0.010 in.), Torque wrench

  1. Turn flywheel so magnet is away from location where ignition module will be installed.
  2. Install ignition module loosely to bosses with screws. Move module as far away from flywheel as possible, then tighten screws just enough to hold it in position.
  3. Rotate flywheel clockwise until magnet is under 1 leg of ignition module.
  4. Insert a 0.254 mm (0.010 in.) flat feeler gauge between leg of module and magnet. Loosen nearest screw, allowing magnet to draw module against feeler gauge. Push against module to hold leg tight again
  5. Repeat for other leg of module. Torque both module screws to 8 N·m (70.8 in. lb.).
  6. Rotate flywheel back and forth, checking to make sure magnet does not strike module.
  7. Connect kill wire to ignition module bottom blade terminal.

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Common questions

Which engine powers the Kohler RH265?

The Kohler RH265 is powered by the Kohler RH265-0001 engine.

What's the oil capacity on a Kohler RH265?

The Kohler RH265-0001 engine in the Kohler RH265 has an oil capacity of 0.6 liters.

What size fuel tank does the Kohler RH265 have?

The Kohler RH265 has a 32.53 liter (9 US gallon) fuel tank.

What air filter does the Kohler RH265 use?

The Kohler RH265 uses air filter part number 18 590 18.

Troubleshooting

1

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCause
No FuelImproper Fuel, Dirt In Fuel Line, Dirty Debris Screen, Incorrect Oil Level, Engine Overloaded

Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing.

Repair guides

3

Step-by-step procedures compiled from the Kohler service manual for this model.

Parts

16
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
14 132 11-SSpark PlugSpark plug buy
18 590 18Air Cleaner BaseAir filter buy
18690-024Valve Guide – Specifi cation2Valve guide Amazon eBay
18690-025Valve Guide – Maximum2Valve guide Amazon eBay
18690-06Mounting screws for rectifier-regulator.1Mounting screws Amazon eBay
85612Blower Housing1Air filter Amazon eBay $12.99
25 455 11-SAlcohol Content Tester1Service part / kit buy
25 761 05-SAdapter 12 mm x 14 mm1Service part / kit buy
30913connecting rod with offset down and oil hole in 4 o'clock position shown.2Service part / kit Amazon eBay
DTI-031RCS-PRO Regulator Test HarnessService part / kit Amazon eBay
DTI-033RSpecial Regulator Test Harness with DiodeService part / kit Amazon eBay
DTI-721-01Design Technology Inc. - DTI-721-01Service part / kit Amazon eBay
DTI-721-10Rubber Adapter PlugService part / kit Amazon eBay
DTI-731-03Adapter 12 mm x 14 mm (Required for leakdown test on XT-6 engines)Service part / kit Amazon eBay
DTI-K828For properly sizing valve guides after installation.Service part / kit Amazon eBay
DTI-K830For hand reaming using Kohler 25 455 12-S reamer.Service part / kit Amazon eBay

Service, wear & replacement parts referenced for this model and its engine — confirm the exact part for your serial number. See the full parts catalog to search and cross-reference.

Available documents

Reference — Gasoline Full line (Kohler)Owner's manual — 18 590 12 EN (Kohler)Owner's manual — 18 590 18 EN (Kohler)Owner's manual — 18 590 23 EN (Kohler)Service manual — 18 690 06 EN (Kohler)

This page was generated from the 5 manufacturer documents above by automated extraction; every figure shown is copied from one of them. How the data is compiled.

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