Kohler Magnum 12 HP Owner'S Manual Download Page 1

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Congratulations –

 You have selected a fine four-cycle, single cylinder, air-cooled engine. Kohler designs long

life strength and on-the-job durability into each engine…making a Kohler engine dependable…dependability you

can count on. Here are some reasons why:

• Kohler engines are easy to service. All routine service areas (like the dipstick and oil fill, air cleaner, spark

plug, and carburetor) are easily and quickly accessible.

• Parts subject to the most wear and tear (like the cylinder, crankshaft, and camshaft) are made from

precision formulated cast iron. Because the cast iron cylinder can be rebored, these engines can last even

longer.

• Dependable, maintenance-free electronic ignition system ensures fast, easy starts time after time.

• Every Kohler engine is backed by a worldwide network of over 10,000 distributors and dealers. Service

support is just a phone call away. Call 1-800-544-2444 (U.S. & Canada) for Sales & Service assistance.

To keep your engine in top operating condition, follow the maintenance procedures in this manual.

M

AGNUM

 

8,12,16 

HP

H

ORIZONTAL

 C

RANKSHAFT

O

WNER

'

S

 M

ANUAL

Summary of Contents for Magnum 12 HP

Page 1: ...to the most wear and tear like the cylinder crankshaft and camshaft are made from precision formulated cast iron Because the cast iron cylinder can be rebored these engines can last even longer Dependable maintenance free electronic ignition system ensures fast easy starts time after time Every Kohler engine is backed by a worldwide network of over 10 000 distributors and dealers Service support i...

Page 2: ...he fuel tank while the engine is hot or running since spilled fuel could ignite if it comes in contact with hot parts or sparks from ignition Do not start the engine near spilled fuel Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent WARNING WARNING California Proposition 65 Warning Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer birth defects or other rep...

Page 3: ...r equipment disable the engine as follows 1 Disconnect the spark plug lead s 2 Disconnect negative battery cable from battery Explosive Gas Batteries produce explosive hydrogen gas while being charged To prevent a fire or explosion charge batteries only in well ventilated areas Keep sparks open flames and other sources of ignition away from the battery at all times Keep batteries out of the reach ...

Page 4: ...that the cylinder head will require more frequent service Gasoline Alcohol blends Gasohol up to 10 ethyl alcohol 90 unleaded gasoline by volume is approved as a fuel for Kohler engines Other gasoline alcohol blends are not approved Gasoline Ether blends Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether MTBE and unleaded gasoline blends up to a maximum of 15 MTBE by volume are approved as a fuel for Kohler engines Other...

Page 5: ...on Numbers When ordering parts or in any communication involving an engine always give the Model Specification and Serial Numbers of the engine The engine identification numbers appear on a decal affixed to the engine shrouding Include letter suffixes if there are any Record your engine identification numbers on the identification label below Figure 4 for future reference Figure 4 Engine Identific...

Page 6: ... could result from insufficient lubrication Starting 1 For a Cold Engine Place the throttle control midway between the slow and fast positions Place the choke control into the on position For a Warm Engine normal operating temperatures Place the throttle control midway between the slow and fast positions For non certified engines place the choke into the off position For certified engines place th...

Page 7: ...gine is running or immediately after it is turned off Never operate the engine with heat shields or guards removed Engine Speed NOTE Do not tamper with the governor setting to increase the maximum engine speed Overspeed is hazardous and will void the engine warranty WARNING Rope Starting Pulley is Not a Drive Pulley Do not use rope starting pulley as a drive pulley Using starting pulley as a drive...

Page 8: ...and dipstick before removing it 2 Remove the oil drain plug and dipstick Tilt the engine slightly towards the oil drain to obtain better drainage Be sure to allow ample time for complete drainage 3 Reinstall the drain plug Make sure it is tightened securely 4 Fill the crankcase with new oil of the proper type to the F mark on the dipstick Refer to Oil Type on page 4 Always check the level with the...

Page 9: ...g and enter the engine causing extensive wear and damage Check the air cleaner daily or before starting the engine Check for a buildup of dirt and debris around the air cleaner system Keep this area clean Also check for loose or damaged components Replace all bent or damaged air cleaner components NOTE Operating the engine with loose or damaged air cleaner components could allow unfiltered air int...

Page 10: ...ar to be fuel system related check the following areas before adjusting the carburetor Make sure the fuel tank is filled with clean fresh gasoline Make sure the fuel tank cap vent is not blocked and that it is operating properly If the fuel tank is equipped with a shut off valve make sure it is open If the engine is equipped with an in line fuel filter make sure it is clean and unobstructed Replac...

Page 11: ...ting needles out counterclockwise increases the supply of fuel to the carburetor Carburetors on certified engines have a fixed non adjustable main jet In steps 1 and 2 perform only what pertains to the idle fuel needle Skip step 4 3 Start the engine and run at half throttle for 5 to 10 minutes to warm up The engine must be warm before making final settings steps 4 6 4 Main Fuel Needle Setting This...

Page 12: ...pment manufacturer s instructions for specific low idle speed settings To ensure best results when setting the low idle fuel needle the low idle speed must not exceed 1500 RPM 3 Start the engine and run at half throttle for five to ten minutes to warm up The engine must be warm before making final settings 4 Main Fuel Needle Setting This adjustment is required only for adjustable main jet carburet...

Page 13: ... the engine for 2 3 minutes to get stabilized fuel into the carburetor To empty the system run the engine until the fuel tank and system are empty 5 Remove the spark plug Add one tablespoon of engine oil into the spark plug hole Install the plug but do not connect the plug lead Crank the engine two or three revolutions 6 Remove the spark plug Cover the spark plug hole with your thumb and turn the ...

Page 14: ...se except catalytic mufflers which are warranted for two 2 years This warranty does not apply to defects caused by casualty or unreasonable use including faulty repairs by others and failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance The following items are not covered by this warranty Engine accessories such as fuel tanks clutches transmissions power drive assemblies and batteries unless sup...

Page 15: ... For warranty repairs the engine must be presented to a Kohler Co service center as soon as a problem exists Call 1 800 544 2444 or access our website at www kohlerengines com for the names of the nearest service centers The warranty repairs should be completed in a reasonable amount of time not to exceed 30 days If you have any questions regarding warranty rights and responsibilities you should c...

Page 16: ...nd maintenance of the engine Kohler Co recommends that all receipts and records covering the performance of regular maintenance be retained in case questions arise If the engine is resold during the warranty period the maintenance records should be transferred to each subsequent owner Kohler Co reserves the right to deny warranty coverage if the engine has not been properly maintained however Kohl...

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