1 18 690 01 Rev. B KohlerEngines.com SH265 Service Manual 2 Safety 3 Maintenance 5 Specifications 12 Tools and Aids 15 Troubleshooting 19 Air Cleaner/Intake 20 Fuel System 24 Governor System 25 Lubrication System 26 Electrical System 30 Starter System 34 Disassembly/Inspection and Service 43 Reassembly IMPORTANT: Read all safety precautions and instructions carefully before operating equipment. Refer to operating instruction of equipment that this engine powers. Ensure engine is stopped and level before performing any maintenance or service.
2 Safety KohlerEngines.com 18 690 01 Rev. B SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WARNING: A hazard that could result in death, serious injury, or substantial property damage. CAUTION: A hazard that could result in minor personal injury or property damage. NOTE: is used to notify people of important installation, operation, or maintenance information. WARNING Explosive Fuel can cause fires and severe burns. Do not fill fuel tank while engine is hot or running. 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. Spilled fuel could ignite if it comes in contact with hot parts or sparks from ignition. Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent. WARNING Rotating Parts can cause severe injury. Stay away while engine is in operation. Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away from all moving parts to prevent injury. Never operate engine with covers, shrouds, or guards removed. WARNING Carbon Monoxide can cause severe nausea, fainting or death. Avoid inhaling exhaust fumes. Engine exhaust gases contain poisonous carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and can cause death if inhaled. WARNING Accidental Starts can cause severe injury or death. Disconnect and ground spark plug lead(s) before servicing. Before working on engine or equipment, disable engine as follows: 1) Disconnect spark plug lead(s). 2) Disconnect negative (–) battery cable from battery. WARNING Hot Parts can cause severe burns. Do not touch engine while operating or just after stopping. Never operate engine with heat shields or guards removed. WARNING Cleaning Solvents can cause severe injury or death. Use only in well ventilated areas away from ignition sources. Carburetor cleaners and solvents are extremely flammable. Follow cleaner manufacturer’s warnings and instructions on its proper and safe use. Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent. CAUTION Electrical Shock can cause injury. Do not touch wires while engine is running. CAUTION Damaging Crankshaft and Flywheel can cause personal injury. Using improper procedures can lead to broken fragments. Broken fragments could be thrown from engine. Always observe and use precautions and procedures when installing flywheel. WARNING Uncoiling Spring can cause severe injury. Wear safety goggles or face protection when servicing retractable starter. Retractable starters contain a powerful, recoil spring that is under tension. Always wear safety goggles when servicing retractable starters and carefully follow instructions in Retractable Starter for relieving spring tension.
3 Maintenance 18 690 01 Rev. B KohlerEngines.com MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS WARNING Before working on engine or equipment, disable engine as follows: 1) Disconnect spark plug lead(s). 2) Disconnect negative (–) battery cable from battery. Accidental Starts can cause severe injury or death. Disconnect and ground spark plug lead(s) before servicing. Normal maintenance, replacement or repair of emission control devices and systems may be performed by any repair establishment or individual; however, warranty repairs must be performed by a Kohler authorized dealer. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE After first 5 Hours ● Change oil. Lubrication System Every 50 Hours or Annually ● Service/replace dual-element precleaner. Air Cleaner/Intake Every 100 Hours or Annually¹ ● Clean low-profile air cleaner element. Air Cleaner/Intake ● Replace dual-element air cleaner element. Air Cleaner/Intake ● Change oil. Lubrication System ● Clean cooling areas. Air Cleaner/Intake ● Clean spark arrestor (if equipped). ● Replace fuel filter (if equipped). Every 100 Hours 2 ● Check and adjust valve clearance when engine is cold. Reassembly ● Have combustion chamber decarbonized. Every 125 Hours or Annually¹ ● Replace spark plug and set gap. Electrical System Every 200 Hours² ● Replace fuel line. Fuel System Every 300 Hours ● Replace low-profile air cleaner element. Air Cleaner/Intake 1 Perform these procedures more frequently under severe, dusty, dirty conditions. 2 Have a Kohler authorized dealer perform this service. REPAIRS/SERVICE PARTS Kohler genuine service parts can be purchased from Kohler authorized dealers. To find a local Kohler authorized dealer visit KohlerEngines.com or call 1-800-544-2444 (U.S. and Canada).
4 Maintenance KohlerEngines.com 18 690 01 Rev. B OIL RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend use of Kohler oils for best performance. Other high-quality detergent oils (including synthetic) of API (American Petroleum Institute) service class SJ or higher are acceptable. Select viscosity based on air temperature at time of operation as shown in table below. FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS WARNING Explosive Fuel can cause fires and severe burns. Do not fill fuel tank while engine is hot or running. 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. Spilled fuel could ignite if it comes in contact with hot parts or sparks from ignition. Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent. NOTE: E15, E20 and E85 are NOT approved and should NOT be used; effects of old, stale or contaminated fuel are not warrantable. Fuel must meet these requirements: ● Clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline. ● Octane rating of 87 (R+M)/2 or higher. ● Research Octane Number (RON) 90 octane minimum. ● Gasoline up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded is acceptable. ● Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded gasoline blend (max 15% MTBE by volume) are approved. ● Do not add oil to gasoline. ● Do not overfill fuel tank. ● Do not use gasoline older than 30 days. STORAGE If engine will be out of service for 2 months or more follow procedure below. 1. Add Kohler PRO Series fuel treatment or equivalent to fuel tank. Run engine 2-3 minutes to get stabilized fuel into fuel system (failures due to untreated fuel are not warrantable). 2. Change oil while engine is still warm from operation. Remove spark plug(s) and pour about 1 oz. of engine oil into cylinder(s). Replace spark plug(s) and crank engine slowly to distribute oil. 3. Disconnect negative (-) battery cable. 4. Store engine in a clean, dry place.
5 Specifications 18 690 01 Rev. B KohlerEngines.com 369.40 [14.543] 113.44 [4.466] 273.97 [10.786] 88.00 [3.465] 339.90 [13.382] 106.00 [4.173] 30.00 [1.181] METRIC FLANGE: 4X M8 X 1.25-6H THRU SAE A FLANGE: 4X 5/16-24 UNF-2B THRU METRIC FLANGE: 4X M8 X 1.25-6H 15.00 [0.591] SAE A FLANGE: 4X 5/16-24 UNF-2B 15.00 [0.591] 162.00 [6.378] 342.20 [13.473] 65.05 [2.561] 32.53 [1.281] 66.00 [2.598] 32.53 [1.281] 65.05 [2.561] 318.66 [12.545] STRAIGHT PTO 181.60 [7.150] SPARK PLUG OIL FILL DRAIN PLUG 37.98 [1.495] 37.50 [1.476] 78.00 [3.071] 2X Ø 10.00 [0.394] 2X 10.00 X 15.50 SLOT [0.394 X 0.610] 110.00 [4.331] AIR CLEANER COVER REMOVAL 12.50 [0.492] GAS CAP REMOVAL Engine Dimensions Dimensions in millimeters. Inch equivalents shown in [ ].
6 Specifications KohlerEngines.com 18 690 01 Rev. B ENGINE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS Kohler engine identification numbers (model, specification and serial) should be referenced for efficient repair, ordering correct parts, and engine replacement. Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SH265 Courage Engine Horizontal Shaft Numerical Designation Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SH265-0001 Serial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4223500328 Year Manufactured Code Factory Code Code Year 42 2002 43 2013 44 2014 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS 3,6 SH265 Bore 68 mm (2.7 in.) Stroke 54 mm (2.1 in.) Displacement 196 cc (12.0 cu. in.) Oil Capacity (refill) 0.6 L (0.63 U.S. qt.) Maximum Angle of Operation (@ full oil level) 4 25° TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS 3,5 SH265 Air Cleaner Mounting Screw (into intake manifold) 8 N·m (70.8 in. lb.) Blower Housing and Sheet Metal M6 Shoulder Screw 10 N·m (88.5 in. lb.) M6 Nut 8 N·m (70.8 in. lb.) Carburetor Stud 10 N·m (88.5 in. lb.) Primary Nut 8 N·m (70.8 in. lb.) Secondary Nut 10 N·m (88.5 in. lb.) Intake Cover Nut 4 N·m (35.4 in. lb.) Connecting Rod Cap Fastener (torque in increments) 12 N·m (106 in. lb.) Crankcase Oil Drain Plug 18 N·m (13 ft. lb.) Closure Plate Screw 24 N·m (212 in. lb.) Cylinder Head Fastener (torque in 2 increments) first to 12 N·m (106 in. lb.) finally to 24 N·m (212 in. lb.) 3 Values are in Metric units. Values in parentheses are English equivalents. 4 Exceeding maximum angle of operation may cause engine damage from insufficient lubrication. 5 Lubricate threads with engine oil prior to assembly. 6 Any and all horsepower (hp) references by Kohler are Certified Power Ratings and per SAE J1940 & J1995 hp standards. Details on Certified Power Ratings can be found at KohlerEngines.com.
7 Specifications 18 690 01 Rev. B KohlerEngines.com TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS 3,5 SH265 Flywheel Retaining Nut 74 N·m (655 in. lb.) Fuel Tank Mounting Nut 24 N·m (212 in. lb.) Mounting Screw 24 N·m (212 in. lb.) Inlet Fitting 1.5 N·m (13.3 in. lb.) Governor Arm Nut 10 N·m (88.5 in. lb.) Throttle Control Lever Nut 4.5-6 N·m (40-53 in. lb.) Ignition Spark Plug 27 N·m (20 ft. lb.) Module Fastener 8 N·m (70.8 in. lb.) Module Screw 10 N·m (88.5 in. lb.) Oil Sentry ™ Module Screw 8 N·m (70.8 in. lb.) Muffler M8 Exhaust Screw 24 N·m (212 in. lb.) M6 Muffler Shield Screw 8 N·m (70.8 in. lb.) M4 Muffler Shield Screw 2 N·m (17.7 in. lb.) M5 Spark Arrestor Screw 3.5 N·m (31 in. lb.) Retractable Starter Cover Screw 5.4 N·m (47.8 in. lb.) Screw 10 N·m (88.5 in. lb.) Rocker Arm Stud 13.6 N·m (120 in. lb.) Pivot Jam Nut 10 N·m (88.5 in. lb.) Valve Cover Fastener 8 N·m (70.8 in. lb.) 3 Values are in Metric units. Values in parentheses are English equivalents. 5 Lubricate threads with engine oil prior to assembly.
8 Specifications KohlerEngines.com 18 690 01 Rev. B CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS 3 SH265 Camshaft End Play 0.025/0.602 mm (0.0010/0.0237 in.) Running Clearance 0.016/0.052 mm (0.0006/0.0020 in.) Bore I.D. New Max. Wear Limit 14.000/14.018 mm (0.5512/0.5519 in.) 14.048 mm (0.5531 in.) Connecting Rod Crankpin End I.D. @ 21°C (70°F) New Max. Wear Limit 30.021/30.026 mm (1.1819/1.1821 in.) 30.08 mm (1.184 in.) Connecting Rod-to-Crankpin Running Clearance New Max. Wear Limit 0.041/0.051 mm (0.002/0.002 in.) 0.12 mm (0.005 in.) Connecting Rod-to-Crankpin Side Clearance New Max. Wear Limit 0.58/0.60 mm (0.023/0.024 in.) 1.10 mm (0.043 in.) Connecting Rod-to-Piston Pin Running Clearance 0.01/0.027 mm (0.0004/0.0011 in.) Piston Pin End I.D. @ 21°C (70°F) New Max. Wear Limit 18.010/18.015 mm (0.709/0.709 in.) 18.08 mm (0.712 in.) Crankcase Governor Cross Shaft Bore I.D. New Max. Wear Limit 6.000/6.018 mm (0.2362/0.2369 in.) 6.037 mm (0.2377 in.) Crankshaft End Play (free) 0.025/0.703 mm (0.0010/0.028 in.) Ball Bearing 0.003/0.25 mm (0.0001/0.0010 in.) Bore (in crankcase) New, without Main Bearing 51.961/51.991 mm (2.0457/2.0469 in.) Bore (in closure plate) New, without Main Bearing 51.961/51.991 mm (2.0457/2.0469 in.) Flywheel End Main Bearing Journal O.D. O.D.-New O.D.-Max. Wear Limit Max. Taper Max. Out-of-Round 24.975/24.989 mm (0.9833/0.9838 in.) 24.95 mm (0.9823 in.) 0.025 mm (0.0010 in.) 0.025 mm (0.0010 in.) Closure Plate End Main Bearing Journal O.D. O.D.-New O.D.-Max. Wear Limit Max. Taper Max. Out-of-Round 24.975/24.989 mm (0.9833/0.9838 in.) 24.95 mm (0.9823 in.) 0.025 mm (0.0010 in.) 0.025 mm (0.0010 in.) Connecting Rod Journal O.D. O.D.-New O.D.-Max. Wear Limit Max. Taper Max. Out-of-Round Width 29.975/29.985 mm (1.1801/1.1805 in.) 29.920 mm (1.1779 in.) 0.025 mm (0.0010 in.) 0.025 mm (0.0010 in.) 25.02/25.08 mm (0.9850/0.9874 in.) Runout (either end) 0.025 mm (0.0010 in.) Main Bearing I.D. (Crankcase/Closure Plate) New (installed) 24.994/25.000 mm (0.9840/0.9842 in.) 3 Values are in Metric units. Values in parentheses are English equivalents. 5 Lubricate threads with engine oil prior to assembly.
9 Specifications 18 690 01 Rev. B KohlerEngines.com CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS 3 SH265 Cylinder Bore Bore I.D. New Max. Wear Limit Max. Out-of-Round Max. Taper 70.027/70.035 mm (2.757/2.757 in.) 70.200 mm (2.764 in.) 12.7 microns (0.0005 in.) 12.7 microns (0.0005 in.) Cylinder Head Max. Out-of-Flatness 0.1 mm (0.0039 in.) Governor Governor Cross Shaft-to-Crankcase Running Clearance 0.013/0.075 mm (0.0005/0.0029 in.) Governor Cross Shaft O.D. New Max. Wear Limit 5.95/5.98 mm (0.2342/0.2354 in.) 5.85 mm (0.2303 in.) Governor Gear Shaft-to-Governor Gear Running Clearance 0.09/0.19 mm (0.0035/0.0074 in.) Governor Gear Shaft O.D. New Max. Wear Limit 6.028/6.043 mm (0.2373/0.2379 in.) 6.018 mm (0.2369 in.) Ignition Spark Plug Gap 0.76 mm (0.030 in.) Module Air Gap 0.254 mm (0.0100 in.) Piston, Piston Rings, and Piston Pin Piston-to-Piston Pin Running Clearance 0.009/0.016 mm (0.0003/0.0006 in.) Piston Pin Bore I.D. New Max. Wear Limit 18.004/18.005 mm (0.7088/0.7089 in.) 18.05 mm (0.7106 in.) Piston Pin O.D. New Max. Wear Limit 17.992/17.995 mm (0.7083/0.7084 in.) 17.95 mm (0.7067 in.) Top and Center Compression Ring Side Clearance New Bore Used Bore (max.) 0.04 mm (0.002 in.) 0.15 mm (0.006 in.) Top and Center Compression Ring End Gap New Bore Used Bore (max.) 0.325 mm/0.4 (0.013/0.016 in.) 1.00 mm (0.039 in.) Top and Center Compression Ring Width New Bore Used Bore (max.) 1.5/1.51 mm (0.059/0.059 in.) 1.37 mm (0.054 in.) Oil Control Ring-to-Groove Side Clearance 0.06/0.18 mm (0.0023/0.0071 in.) Piston Thrust Face O.D. 7 New Max. Wear Limit 67.975/67.985 mm (2.6762/2.6766 in.) 67.85 mm (2.6712 in.) Piston Thrust Face-to-Cylinder Bore Running Clearance New 0.057/0.075 mm (0.0022/0.0029 in.) 3 Values are in Metric units. Values in parentheses are English equivalents. 7 Measure 15 mm (0.5905 in.) above bottom of piston skirt at right angles to piston pin.
10 Specifications KohlerEngines.com 18 690 01 Rev. B CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS 3 SH265 Valves and Valve Lifters Intake Valve Stem-to-Valve Guide Running Clearance 0.020/0.044 mm (0.008/0.0017 in.) Exhaust Valve Stem-to-Valve Guide Running Clearance 0.030/0.054 mm (0.0011/0.0021 in.) Intake Valve Stem O.D. New Max. Wear Limit 5.480 mm (0.2157 in.) 5.32 mm (0.2094 in.) Exhaust Valve Stem O.D. New Max. Wear Limit 5.47 mm (0.2153 in.) 5.305 mm (0.2088 in.) Intake Valve Stem to Guide New Max. Wear Limit 0.024/0.039 mm (0.001/0.002 in.) 0.10 mm (0.0004 in.) Exhaust Valve Stem to Guide New Max. Wear Limit 0.098/0.112 mm (0.0038/0.0044 in.) 0.12 mm (0.0005 in.) Valve Guide Reamer Size Standard Intake Standard Exhaust 5.506 mm (0.2168 in.) 5.506 mm (0.2168 in.) Valve Seat Width 0.800/2.00 mm (0.0315/0.787 in.) Nominal Valve Face Angle 30°, 45°, 60° 3 Values are in Metric units. Values in parentheses are English equivalents.
The Kohler SH265 Engine OEM Service & Repair Manual is an essential guide offering complete information for repairing, maintaining, rebuilding, refurbishing, or restoring your Kohler SH265 Engine. This manual, designed for both professional technicians and do-it-yourself mechanics, presents step-by-step repair and service procedures with high levels of detail.
This comprehensive resource is used by mechanics worldwide and includes:
Complete repair procedures and service schedules
Detailed maintenance instructions and wiring diagrams
Clear, numbered instructions with bold figure references
Illustrations, drawings, and photos to simplify each procedure
Sub-steps accompanied by notes, cautions, and warnings to highlight critical information
Troubleshooting and electrical service procedures combined with detailed wiring diagrams
The manual is available in .PDF format, making it compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac. It can be saved to your hard drive, burned to CD-ROM, and all pages are printable. Instant delivery means no shipping costs and immediate access to the content.
The guide covers a wide range of topics, including:
General engine specifications and information
Engine removal procedures and reassembly instructions
Wiring diagrams and electrical system details
Maintenance schedules and tune-up procedures
Fuel and lubrication systems, oil types, and lube points
Chassis, suspension, gearbox, exhaust system, and more
Overall, the Kohler SH265 Engine OEM Service & Repair Manual provides a valuable, detailed resource for effectively servicing and repairing your Kohler SH265 Engine.