Kohler M16 (16.0 HP, 588 cc) engine: review and specs

The Kohler M18 is a 691 cc (41.2 cu·in) two-cylinder air-cooled four-stroke internal combustion gasoline engine from the Magnum-series, manufactured by Kohler Co.

The Kohler M18 engine has an L-head (side valve) design and a horizontal PTO shaft. This engine is equipped with the Kohler or Walbro-build carburetor and an electronic magneto ignition system. The M18 engine used a high-density paper air cleaner.

The cylinder bore is 79.0 mm (3.11 in) and the piston stroke is 70.0 mm (2.76 in). The compression ratio rating is 6.0:1. This engine produced 18.2 PS (13.4 kW; 18.0 HP) at 3,600 rpm of horsepower.

The breakdown of the engine code is as follows:

M – M-series
18 – 18.0 HP horsepower
Suffix (engine is available with the following options):
S – Electric starter;
G – Tapered crankshaft (Generator applications);
P – Threaded crankshaft (Pump applications);
EP – Generator;
Q – Quilet model;

General information

Engine Specifications
Model	M16
Type	4-stroke, L-head, two-cylinder
Displacement	691 cm ³ (41.2 cu-in)
Max. horsepower	18.2 PS (13.4 kW; 18.0 HP) at 3,600 rpm
Max. torque (crank PTO)	–
Fuel system	Carburetor
Cooling system	Forced-air
Ignition system	Electronic magneto ignition system
Lubricating system	Splash type
Starting system	Electric starter
Fuel used	Unleaded gasoline (octane number 86 or higher)
Fuel tank capacity	5.5 L (1.45 US. gal. 1.21 Imp. gal.)

Cylinder Block and Head

Cylinder block
Compression ratio:		–
Bore x Stroke		79.0 mm X 70.0 mm (3.11 x 2.76 in)
Sleeve internal diameter		79.050-79.075 mm (3.1122-3.1132 in)
Piston skirt outer diameter		78.944-78.961 mm (3.108-3.1087 in)
Number of piston rings (compression / oil):		2 / 1
Ring end gap	Top	0.253-0.582 mm (0.010-0.023 in)
	Second	0.253-0.582 mm (0.010-0.023 in)
Connecting rod small end ID		15.825-15.833 mm (0.623-0.6233 in)
Piston pin outer diameter		15.805-15.810 mm (0.6222-0.6224 in)
Cylinder Head
Valve Arrangement:		L-head (sidevalve)
Valves:		2
Valve minimum lift – Zero lash:	INTAKE	6.9 mm (0.274 in)
	EXHAUST	6.9 mm (0.274 in)
Stem outer diameter (standard):	INTAKE	7.8506 mm (0.3091 in)
	EXHAUST	7.8126 mm (0.3076 in)

Tightening torque specs

Tightening torque specs
Cylinder head bolt	20-37 Nm; 2.04-3.77 kg·m; 14.8-27.3 ft·lb
Spark plug	18 N·m; 1.8 kg·m; 13.3 ft·lb

Service Information

Engine
Max speed	3,600 rpm
Valve clearance
Intake valve clearance	0.076-0.152 mm (0.003-0.006 in)
Exhaust valve clearance	0.278-0.354 mm (0.0109-0.0139 in)
Oil system
Oil type	API SF or SG
Recommended oil	Summer: SAE 30W Winter: SAE 5W-20, 5W-30
Oil capacity (with filter)	1.6 L (1.69 US. qt, 1.41 Imp. qt.)
Ignition system
Spark plug	Champion: RV17YC
Spark plug gap	0.89 mm (0.035 in)

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