5
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.
General Recommendations
Purchase gasoline in small quantities and store in clean,
approved containers. A container with a capacity of 2
gallons or less with a pouring spout is recommended.
Such a container is easier to handle and helps eliminate
spillage during refueling.
Do not use gasoline left over from the previous season,
to minimize gum deposits in fuel system and to insure
easy starting.
Do not add oil to the gasoline.
Do not overfill the fuel tank. Leave room for the fuel to
expand.
Fuel Type
For best results use only clean, fresh, unleaded
gasoline with a pump sticker octane rating of 87 or
higher. In countries using the Research method, it
should be 90 octane minimum.
Unleaded gasoline is recommended as it leaves less
combustion chamber deposits and reduces harmful
exhaust emissions. Leaded gasoline is not
recommended and must not be used on CH26 engines.
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.
Oil Recommendations
Using the proper type and weight of oil in the crankcase
is extremely important. So is checking oil daily and
changing oil regularly. Failure to use the correct oil, or
using dirty oil, causes premature engine wear and
failure.
Oil Type
Use high quality detergent oil of API (American
Petroleum Institute) service class SG, SH, SJ or
higher. Select the viscosity based on the air
temperature at the time of operation as shown in the
following table.
*
*Use of synthetic oil having 5W-20 or 5W-30 rating is
acceptable, up to 40°F.
**Synthetic oils will provide better starting in extreme
cold (below -10°F).
Figure 3. Viscosity Grades Table.
NOTE: Using other than service class SG, SH, SJ or
higher oil or extending oil change intervals
longer than recommended can cause engine
damage.
A logo or symbol on oil containers identifies the API
service class and SAE viscosity grade. See Figure 4.
**
Figure 4. Oil Container Logo.
Refer to “Maintenance Instructions” beginning on
page 8 for detailed oil check, oil change, and oil
filter change procedures.