Kohler Command CV20 Service Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

P
poolemelindaAug 19, 2025
Why does my Kohler Engine start but not keep running?
- P
  Phyllis ParkAug 19, 2025
  If your Kohler Engine starts but doesn't keep running, the issue might be a faulty carburetor (replace it) or a faulty cylinder head gasket (replace it). Also, check for misadjusted choke or throttle controls (adjust or repair), a fuel pump malfunction (repair or replace the fuel pump), or an intake system leak (repair the leak). Loose wires intermittently grounding the ignition kill circuit can also cause this issue (secure loose wires and connections). Ensure you are using fresh, quality fuel and that the fuel tank cap vent isn't restricted (clear the vent restriction).
M
Mary MaddoxAug 22, 2025
Why does my Kohler Command CV20 Engine use an excessive amount of oil?
- R
  Rebecca MunozAug 22, 2025
  If your Kohler Engine uses an excessive amount of oil, it could be due to loose or improperly torqued fasteners (tighten them), a blown head gasket or overheating (replace the head gasket), or a broken breather reed (replace it). Other possible causes include a clogged, broken, or inoperative crankcase breather (repair or replace it), an overfilled crankcase (drain excess oil), or using the incorrect oil viscosity or type (use the correct one). Additionally, worn cylinder bore (repair or replace), worn or broken piston rings (repair or replace), or worn valve stems or guides (repair or replace) can contribute to excessive oil consumption.
R
Rhonda SandovalAug 25, 2025
Why is my Kohler Engine losing power?
- K
  Kristi LeonardAug 26, 2025
  If your Kohler Engine loses power, it could be due to a dirty air cleaner element (clean or replace it), overheating (address the issue), or excessive engine load (reduce the load). Other possible causes include a restricted exhaust (clear it), faulty spark plugs (replace them), high crankcase oil level (reduce it), or an incorrect governor setting (adjust it). Furthermore, a low battery (recharge or replace it), low compression (perform a compression test and repair), low crankcase oil level (add oil), or poor fuel quality (replace with fresh fuel) can also be responsible.
J
Joshua SpenceAug 27, 2025
Why does my Kohler Command CV20 start hard?
- E
  ellisstephenAug 28, 2025
  If your Kohler Engine starts hard, it could be due to a clogged fuel line or filter (clear it). Other potential causes include engine overheating (address the issue), a faulty ACR mechanism (repair it), or misadjusted choke or throttle controls (adjust or repair them). Also, check for faulty spark plugs (replace them), a sheared flywheel key (replace it), or a fuel pump malfunction (repair or replace the pump). Additionally, an engaged or faulty interlock switch (check and repair if needed), loose wires grounding the ignition kill circuit (secure them), low compression (perform a test and repair), or poor fuel quality (replace with fresh fuel) can contribute to hard starting, as well as weak spark (address the weak spark issue).
B
Brandon MoralesAug 30, 2025
What to do if Kohler Command CV20 Engine will not crank?
- M
  Michael GarciaAug 30, 2025
  If your Kohler Engine will not crank, the battery might be discharged (recharge or replace it). Other possible causes include a faulty electric starter or solenoid (replace them), faulty key or ignition switch (replace them), or an engaged or faulty interlock switch (check and repair if needed). Additionally, loose wires grounding the ignition kill circuit (secure them), pawls not engaging in the drive cup (repair or replace pawls), or seized internal engine components (repair them) can prevent the engine from cranking.
S
Shawn AyersSep 2, 2025
What causes a Kohler Engine to overheat?
- M
  Melissa GuerraSep 2, 2025
  If your Kohler Engine overheats, possible causes include a broken cooling fan (repair or replace it), excessive engine load (reduce it), or a failed or off fan belt (replace or adjust it). A faulty carburetor (replace it), high or low crankcase oil level (adjust to correct level), or a lean fuel mixture (adjust the fuel mixture) can also cause overheating. Other potential issues are low cooling system fluid level (refill it), clogged radiator or cooling system components (clean or repair), a failed or broken water pump belt (replace it), or a malfunctioning water pump (repair or replace it).
F
fhendricksSep 4, 2025
What causes a Kohler Command CV20 to run but miss?
- D
  Desiree CamposSep 5, 2025
  If your Kohler Engine runs but misses, the carburetor might be adjusted incorrectly (correct the adjustment). Other potential causes include engine overheating (address the issue), faulty spark plugs (replace them), or faulty or improperly gapped ignition modules (fix or replace them). Additionally, check for an incorrect crankshaft position sensor air gap (adjust it), an engaged or faulty interlock switch (check and repair if needed), loose wires grounding the ignition kill circuit (secure them), or poor fuel quality (replace with fresh fuel). Also, ensure spark plug leads are connected and tight.
C
Carrie PayneSep 7, 2025
What causes a Kohler Engine to knock?
- M
  Michael ChambersSep 7, 2025
  If your Kohler Engine knocks, it may be due to excessive engine load (reduce it), a hydraulic lifter malfunction (repair or replace it), or using the incorrect oil viscosity or type (use the correct one). Internal wear or damage (repair or replace worn components), low crankcase oil level (add oil to the correct level), or poor fuel quality (replace with fresh, quality fuel) can also cause knocking.
M
Matthew ElliottSep 12, 2025
Why won't my Kohler Command CV20 idle?
- C
  Christopher BairdSep 12, 2025
  If your Kohler Engine will not idle, it could be due to engine overheating (address the issue) or faulty spark plugs (replace them). Other possible causes include improperly set idle fuel adjusting needles (adjust them) or idle speed adjusting screw (adjust it). Also, check for inadequate fuel supply (ensure adequate supply), low compression (perform a test and repair), poor fuel quality (replace with fresh fuel), or a restricted fuel tank cap vent (clear the restriction).
A
Austin McgeeSep 13, 2025
Why is my Kohler Engine leaking oil from oil seals and gaskets?
- B
  Barbara Moore MDSep 13, 2025
  If oil leaks from the oil seals and gaskets of your Kohler Engine, it could be due to a broken breather reed (replace it) or a clogged, broken, or inoperative crankcase breather (repair or replace it). Other potential causes include loose or improperly torqued fasteners (tighten them), piston blow by or leaky valves (repair or replace leaky valve parts), or a restricted exhaust (clear the exhaust restriction).

Kohler Command CV20 Specifications

General

Brand	Kohler
Model	Command CV20
Category	Engine
Language	English

Summary

Safety

Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule

Outlines routine maintenance tasks by hours or annually.

Specifications

Engine Dimensions

Provides detailed measurements for various engine configurations and air cleaner types.

Engine Identification and General Specifications

Details engine identification numbers and key operational specifications.

Torque Specifications

Lists recommended torque values for various fasteners and components.

Clearance Specifications

Provides critical measurement tolerances for engine components.

General Torque Values

Standard torque recommendations for common fastener grades and sizes.

Tools and Aids

Separate Tool Suppliers

Lists vendors for specialized tools and their contact information.

Service Tools and Aids

Lists specific tools, aids, lubricants, and their part numbers for service.

DIY Tool Construction

Describes how to make simple tools like a flywheel holder and rocker arm wrench.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Guide and Common Issues

Provides general advice and lists common engine problems and their causes.

Engine Performance and System Diagnostics

Covers diagnostic tests like crankcase vacuum, compression, and leakdown tests.

Ignition System Troubleshooting

Details procedures for testing ignition modules, SAMs, and spark.

Charging System Testing

Outlines tests for rectifier-regulators and charging system output.

Air Cleaner/Intake

Air Cleaner Systems and Servicing

Describes different types of air cleaners and procedures for their maintenance.

Breather Tube and Air Cooling

Covers breather tube connection and the importance of engine air cooling.

Fuel System

Fuel System Components and Operation

Describes the fuel system, its components, and how it works.

Fuel Pump Service and Troubleshooting

Details fuel pump replacement, testing, and common issues.

Carburetor Operation and Adjustments

Explains carburetor function, components, adjustments, and servicing.

Governor System

Governor System Overview and Adjustments

Explains the governor's function, components, adjustments, and sensitivity settings.

Lubrication System

Oil Change and Filter Service

Procedures for changing engine oil and filter, and related components.

Oil Cooler and Oil Sentry System

Covers oil cooler maintenance and the function/testing of the Oil Sentry system.

Oil Pan and Governor Gear Assembly Service

Details oil pan removal and inspection of the governor gear assembly.

Oil Pump Assembly and Service

Details disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of the oil pump.

Oil Seal Installation

Describes the procedure for installing the oil seal in the oil pan.

Oil Pan Installation

Details the steps for installing the oil pan assembly to the crankcase.

Electrical System

Spark Plugs and Battery

Covers inspection/service of spark plugs and battery requirements.

Ignition Systems Overview and Wiring Diagrams

Explains different ignition systems, components, and provides wiring schematics.

Ignition System Testing

Details procedures for testing ignition modules, SAMs, and spark.

Charging System Testing

Outlines tests for rectifier-regulators and charging system output.

Starter System

Starter System Troubleshooting

Addresses common starting difficulties and their causes.

Inertia Drive Starter Service

Covers components, service, and disassembly for inertia drive starters.

Solenoid Shift Starter Service

Details solenoid shift starter components, disassembly, testing, and reassembly.

Retractable Starter Service

Explains components, removal, rope replacement, and pawl service for retractable starters.

Disassembly/Inspection and Service

External Engine Components Disassembly

Describes removal of external parts like guards, housing, and filters.

Fuel System Components Removal

Covers removal of air cleaner, fuel pump, and carburetor.

Controls and Governor Removal

Details removal of throttle controls, governor, and carburetor linkages.

Cylinder Head and Valve Train Disassembly

Explains procedures for removing and disassembling cylinder heads and valves.

Crankshaft, Piston, and Connecting Rod Removal

Covers the removal of major rotating internal engine parts.

Crankcase and Oil System Component Removal

Details removal of oil pan, oil pump, and related parts.

Reassembly

Connecting Rods, Crankshaft, and Camshaft Installation

Covers reassembly of major internal engine rotating parts.

Oil System and Crankcase Reassembly

Details installation of the oil pan and oil pump assembly.

Flywheel, Ignition, and Fan Assembly

Guides the reinstallation of the flywheel, ignition components, and fan.

Cylinder Head and Valve Train Reassembly

Explains how to install cylinder heads, valves, push rods, and rocker arms.

Carburetor, Controls, and External Components Reassembly

Covers reinstallation of the carburetor, fuel system, and engine controls.

Final Engine Assembly and Testing

Details final steps like muffler, oil filter installation, and initial engine testing.

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Kohler Command CV20 Service Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

Kohler Command CV20 Specifications

Summary

Safety

Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule

Specifications

Engine Dimensions

Engine Identification and General Specifications

Torque Specifications

Clearance Specifications

General Torque Values

Tools and Aids

Separate Tool Suppliers

Service Tools and Aids

DIY Tool Construction

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Guide and Common Issues

Engine Performance and System Diagnostics

Ignition System Troubleshooting

Charging System Testing

Air Cleaner/Intake

Air Cleaner Systems and Servicing

Breather Tube and Air Cooling

Fuel System

Fuel System Components and Operation

Fuel Pump Service and Troubleshooting

Carburetor Operation and Adjustments

Governor System

Governor System Overview and Adjustments

Lubrication System

Oil Change and Filter Service

Oil Cooler and Oil Sentry System

Oil Pan and Governor Gear Assembly Service

Oil Pump Assembly and Service

Oil Seal Installation

Oil Pan Installation

Electrical System

Spark Plugs and Battery

Ignition Systems Overview and Wiring Diagrams

Ignition System Testing

Charging System Testing

Starter System

Starter System Troubleshooting

Inertia Drive Starter Service

Solenoid Shift Starter Service

Retractable Starter Service

Disassembly/Inspection and Service

External Engine Components Disassembly

Fuel System Components Removal

Controls and Governor Removal

Cylinder Head and Valve Train Disassembly

Crankshaft, Piston, and Connecting Rod Removal

Crankcase and Oil System Component Removal

Reassembly

Connecting Rods, Crankshaft, and Camshaft Installation

Oil System and Crankcase Reassembly

Flywheel, Ignition, and Fan Assembly

Cylinder Head and Valve Train Reassembly

Carburetor, Controls, and External Components Reassembly

Final Engine Assembly and Testing

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