Operating Guide
8 18 590 12 Rev. --KohlerEngines.com
Engine Specifi cations
Model Bore Stroke Displacement
Oil Capacity 
(Refi ll)
Spark 
Plug Gap
Maximum Angle 
of Operation 
(@ full oil level)*
RH255
2.7 in.
(68 mm)
2.1 in.
(54 mm)
12 cu. in.
(196 cc)
0.63 qt.
(0.60 L) 
0.03 in.
(0.76 mm)
25°
RH265
*Exceeding maximum angle of operation may cause engine damage from insuffi cient lubrication.
Additional specifi cation information can be found in service manual at KohlerEngines.com.
Exhaust Emission Control System for models RH255, RH265 is EM for U.S. EPA, California, and 
Europe.
Any and all horsepower (hp) references by Kohler are Certifi ed Power Ratings and per SAE J1940 
& J1995 hp standards. Details on Certifi ed Power Ratings can be found at KohlerEngines.com.
Troubleshooting
Do not attempt to service or replace major engine components, or any items that require special 
timing or adjustment procedures. This work should be performed by a Kohler authorized dealer.
Possible Cause
Problem
No 
Fuel
Improper 
Fuel
Dirt In 
Fuel 
Line
Dirty 
Debris 
Screen
Incorrect 
Oil Level
Engine 
Overloaded
Dirty Air 
Cleaner
Faulty 
Spark 
Plug
Will Not Start
●●● ● ● ● ●
Hard Starting
●● ●●●●
Stops Suddenly
● ●●●●●●
Lacks Power
●●●● ● ● ●
Operates Erratically
●●● ● ● ●
Knocks or Pings
●● ● ●
Skips or Misfi res
●●● ● ●
Backfi res
●● ● ● ●
Overheats
●●●● ● ●
High Fuel 
Consumption
●●●








