Owner'S Manual K241, K301, K321 & K341
Owner'S Manual K241, K301, K321 & K341
Owner'S Manual K241, K301, K321 & K341
K241, K301,
K321 & K341
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 enginemaking a Kohler engine dependabledependability
you can count on. Here are some reasons why:
Kohler engines are easy to service. All routine service areas (like the points, condenser, air cleaner, spark
plug, and carburetor) are easily and quickly accessible.
Parts subject to the most wear and tear (like the cylinders, crankshafts, and camshaft) are made from
precision formulated cast iron. Because the cast iron cylinders can be rebored, these engines can last even
longer.
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.
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Safety Precautions
To insure safe operations please read the following statements and understand their meaning.
Also refer to your equipment owner's manual for other important safety information. This manual
contains safety precautions which are explained below. Please read carefully.
WARNING
Warning is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that can cause severe personal injury,
death, or substantial property damage if the warning is ignored.
CAUTION
Caution is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that will or can cause minor personal injury
or property damage if the warning is ignored.
NOTE
Note is used to notify people of installation, operation, or maintenance information that is
important but not hazard-related.
For Your Safety!
These precautions should be followed at all times. Failure to follow these precautions could result
in injury to yourself and others.
WARNING
WARNING
Explosive Fuel!
Gasoline is extremely flammable
and its vapors can explode if
ignited. Store gasoline only in
approved containers, in well
ventilated, unoccupied buildings,
away from sparks or flames. Do not
fill the 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.
Rotating Parts!
Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing
away from all moving parts to
prevent injury. Never operate the
engine with covers, shrouds, or
guards removed.
CAUTION
Hot Parts!
Engine components can get
extremely hot from operation. To
prevent severe burns, do not touch
these areas while the engine is
runningor immediately after it is
turned off. Never operate the
engine with heat shields or guards
removed.
California
Proposition 65 Warning
Electrical Shock can cause injury.
Do not touch wires while engine is
running.
Electrical Shock!
Never touch electrical wires or
components while the engine is
running. They can be sources of
electrical shock.
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WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
Accidental Starts!
Before servicing the engine or
equipment, always disconnect the
spark plug lead to prevent the
engine from starting accidentally.
Ground the lead to prevent sparks
that could cause fires. Make sure
the equipment is in neutral.
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 of children. Remove all
jewelry when servicing batteries.
Before disconnecting the negative
() ground cable, make sure all
switches are OFF. If ON, a spark
will occur at the ground cable
terminal which could cause an
explosion if hydrogen gas or
gasoline vapors are present.
Oil Recommendations
Oil Type
10W-30
SAE
30
Fuel Recommendations
WARNING: Explosive Fuel!
Gasoline is extremely flammable and its vapors can
explode if ignited. Store gasoline only in approved
containers, in well ventilated, unoccupied buildings,
away from sparks or flames. Do not fill the 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.
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 gasoline/ether blends are not approved.
General Recommendations
Do not overfill the fuel tank. Leave room for the fuel to
expand.
MODEL NO.
SPEC. NO.
DISPL (CC)
SERIAL NO.
Fuel Type
Operating Instructions
Also read the operating instructions of the equipment this engine powers.
Pre-Start Checklist
Starting
Stopping
Battery
Operating
Angle of Operation
This engine will operate continuously at angles up to
30. Check oil level to assure crankcase oil level is at
the F mark.
Refer to the operating instructions of the equipment
this engine powers. Because of equipment design or
application, there may be more stringent restrictions
regarding the angle of operation.
NOTE: Do not operate this engine continuously at
angles exceeding 30 in any direction.
Engine damage could result from insufficient
lubrication.
Cooling
NOTE: If debris builds up on the grass screen or
other cooling air intake areas, stop the engine
immediately and clean. Operating the engine
with blocked or dirty air intake and cooling
areas can cause extensive damage due to
overheating.
Maintenance Instructions
WARNING: Accidental Starts!
Before servicing the engine or equipment, always disconnect the spark plug lead to prevent the engine from
starting accidentally. Ground the lead to prevent sparks that could cause fires. Make sure the equipment is in
neutral.
Maintenance Schedule
These required maintenance procedures should be performed at the frequency stated in the table. They should
also be included as part of any seasonal tune-up.
Frequency
Maintenance Required
Change Oil
F Mark
Operating
Range
Oil Sentry
Fuel Filter
Carburetor Troubleshooting
and Adjustments
Spark Plug
Ground
Electrode
Gap
Battery Charging
WARNING: 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
of children. Remove all jewelry when servicing
batteries.
Before disconnecting the negative () ground cable,
make sure all switches are OFF. If ON, a spark will
occur at the ground cable terminal which could cause
an explosion if hydrogen gas or gasoline vapors are
present.
On engines equipped with an alternator charging
system, disconnect plug from rectifier-regulator prior to
charging battery.
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Troubleshooting
K241
K301
K321
K341
Low Idle
2-1/2 turns
2-1/2 turns
2-1/2 turns
2-1/2 turns
High Idle
2 turns
2 turns
3-1/4 turns
3-1/2 turns
Figure 8.
7. Recheck idle speed using a tachometer. Readjust
speed as necessary.
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Figure 9.
NOTE: The tip of the low idle fuel and main fuel
adjusting needles are tapered to critical
dimensions. Damage to the needles and the
seats in carburetor body will result if the
needles are forced.
1. With the engine stopped, turn the adjusting
needle(s) in (clockwise) until it bottoms lightly.
2. Preliminary Settings: Turn the adjusting
needle(s) out (counterclockwise) from lightly
bottomed as follows or to the rich side of
adjustment.
Walbro Fixed Jet
K241
K301
K321
K341
K241
K301
K321
K341
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Low Idle
1-1/4 turns
1-1/4 turns
1-1/2 turns
1 turn
Walbro Adjustable Jet
Low Idle
Main Idle
1-3/4 turns
1-1/8 turns
1-3/4 turns
1-1/8 turns
1-1/8 turns
1-1/4 turns
2-1/2 turns
1-1/4 turns
Troubleshooting
When troubles occur, be sure to check the simple causes which, at first, may seem to obvious to be considered.
For example, a starting problem could be caused by an empty fuel tank. Some common causes of engine
troubles are listed in the following table.
Do not attempt to service or replace major engine components, or any items that require special timing or
adjustment procedures. Have your Kohler Engine Service Dealer do this work.
Possible Cause No
Problem
Fuel
Will Not Start
Hard Starting
Stops Suddenly
Lacks Power
Operates Erratically
Knocks or Pings
Skips or Misfires
Backfires
Overheats
High Fuel Consumption
Improper
Fuel
Dirt In
Dirty
Fuel Line Grass Screen
Incorrect
Oil Level
Engine
Overloaded
Dirty Air
Cleaner
Faulty
Spark Plug
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Storage
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Parts Ordering
Major Repair
Model Designation
Designates
Oil Pan Type
Generator Set
Pump Model
Quiet Model
Gear Reduction
Electric Start
Retractable Start
Specifications
We warrant to the original consumer that each new engine sold by us will be free from manufacturing defects in materials or workmanship in
normal service for a period of one (1) year from date of purchase, provided it is operated and maintained in accordance with Kohler Co.s
instructions and manuals.
Our obligation under this warranty is expressly limited, at our option, to the replacement or repair at Kohler Co., Kohler, Wisconsin 53044, or at a
service facility designated by us, of such part or parts as inspection shall disclose to have been defective.
EXCLUSIONS:
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 supplied or installed by Kohler
Co. These are subject to the warranties, if any, of their manufacturers.
WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, including but not
limited to labor costs or transportation charges in connection with the replacement or repair of defective parts.
ANY IMPLIED OR STATUARY WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, ARE EXPRESSLY LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THIS WRITTEN WARRANTY. We make no other express warranty, nor is
anyone authorized to make any in our behalf.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages,
so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE:
Purchaser must bring the engine to an authorized Kohler service facility. For the facility nearest you, consult your Yellow Pages or write Kohler
Co., Attn: Engine Warranty Service Dept., Kohler, Wisconsin, 53044.
ENGINE DIVISION, KOHLER CO., KOHLER, WISCONSIN 53044
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