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Home›Repair guides›Kohler›Oil and Oil Filter

Kohler — Oil and Oil Filter

Maintenance · Engine oil / oil filter

From a Kohler service manual covering: 10/12RESV, 12RES, 14RES, 20RES, 24RCL, 30RCL, 38RCL, 38RCLB, 48RCL, 60RCL, 6VSG, 8.5RES…. Check it applies to your exact model before use.

Applies to: Kohler 12RES, Kohler 14RES, Kohler 20RES, Kohler 24RCL, Kohler 30RCL, Kohler 38RCL, Kohler 38RCLB, Kohler 48RCL, Kohler 60RCL, Kohler 6VSG, Kohler 8.5RES

Before you start

  • Hot engine oil can cause severe injury or death. Avoid skin contact with hot oil.
  • Do not work on the generator set until it cools.
  • Accidental starting can cause severe injury or death. Remove the negative (--) lead first when disconnecting the battery.

Procedure

  1. Disable set: press OFF button, disconnect battery charger power, remove battery cables, negative (--) lead first.
  2. Drain the oil while it is warm. On most models a drain plug is on the service side, opposite the starter.
  3. For most models remove one oil drain plug and the oil fill cap/dipstick; aim the drain tube into a catch basin.
  4. For most models open the valve near the oil sump and allow ample time for complete drainage.
  5. Close the valve and place the tube back in the clip on the bulkhead wall.
  6. For 8/10/12RESV(L), cover the alternator with rags near the oil drain valve and oil filter.
  7. For 8/10/12RESV(L), place a drain tube (3/8 in. inside diameter) onto the oil drain valve into a drain pan.
  8. For 8/10/12RESV(L), open the oil drain valve, remove the dipstick and oil fill cap, and drain completely.
  9. For 8/10/12RESV(L), close the oil drain valve and remove the oil drain tube.
  10. Remove the old filter, tilting it upward to prevent spilling, and wipe off the adapter/base on the engine.
  11. Place a new replacement filter open end up in a shallow pan; pour new oil (provided) through the threaded center hole to the bottom of threads.
  12. Allow a minute or two for the oil to be absorbed by the filter material.
  13. Apply a thin film of clean oil to the rubber gasket on the new oil filter.
  14. Install the new oil filter; hand tighten clockwise until the gasket contacts the adapter, then tighten an additional 3/4--1 turn.
  15. Fill the crankcase with new oil to the F/FULL mark on the dipstick; reinstall cap/dipstick, reconnect battery cable negative (--) lead last, test run, check for leaks, and recheck oil level.

Tools required

Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.

Specs & values

  • Oil level between L/ADD and F/FULL marks on dipstick

Full service-parts list: Kohler 12RES →, Kohler 14RES →, Kohler 20RES →, Kohler 24RCL →, Kohler 30RCL →, Kohler 38RCL →, Kohler 48RCL →, Kohler 60RCL →, Kohler 6VSG →, Kohler 8.5RES →

Source: Kohler service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.

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