Kohler K301 (12.0 HP) engine specs and service data

The Kohler K301 is a 476 cc, (29.0 cu·in) natural aspirated single-cylinder four-stroke air-cooled internal combustion small gasoline engine with a horizontal shaft, manufactured by Kohler Co., for general-purpose applications.

Cylinder bore and piston stroke are 85.7 mm (3.37 in) and 82.6 mm (3.25 in), respectively. This engine produced 12.2 PS (9.0 kW; 12.0 HP) at 3,600 rpm of horsepower.

The Kohler K301 features:

L-head (side valve) design
Magneto ignition system, battery ignition system, breakerless ignition system ignition system
Carburetor (Kohler or Walbro – fixed main jet or adjustable main jet)
Centrifugal governor
Splash type lubrication system
Forced air cooling system
Retractable or electric starter

General information

Engine Specifications
Engine model	K301
Engine type	4-stroke, L-head (side valve), single-cylinder
Displacement	476 cm³, (29.05 cu·in)
Max. horsepower	12.2 PS (9.0 kW; 12.0 HP) at 3,600 rpm
Max. torque	–
Cooling system	Forced air
Air cleaner	Paper air cleaner (oiled foam precleaner)
Lubricating system	Splash type
Ignition system	Magneto ignition system, battery ignition system, breakerless ignition system
Fuel system	Carburetor (Kohler or Walbro – fixed main jet or adjustable main jet)
Fuel consumption	–
Fuel tank capacity	–
Fuel used	Unleaded gasoline (octane number 86 or higher)
Starting system	Retractable or electric starter
Governor	Centrifugal governor
Dimensions (L x W X H)	–
Dry weight	53.5 kg (117.9 lbs)

Cylinder Block and Head

Cylinder block
Compression ratio:	–
Cylinder bore:	85.7 mm (3.37 in)
Piston stroke:	82.6 mm (3.25 in)
Cylinder internal diameter (standard):	85.7123-85.7377 mm (3.3745-3.3755 in)
Piston skirt outer diameter (standard):	85.4710-85.5472 mm (3.365-3.368 in)
Number of piston rings (compression / oil):	2/1
Connecting rod small end diameter (standard):	22.2428-22.2504 mm (0.8757-0.876 in)
Piston pin diameter:	22.2300-22.2352 mm (0.8752-0.8754 in)
Ring end gap (Top):	0.177-0.432 mm (0.007-0.017 in)
Ring end gap (Second):	0.177-0.432 mm (0.007-0.017 in)
Crankshaft center distance:	41.3 mm (1.625 in)
Cylinder head
Valve arrangement:	L-head (side valve)
Valves:	2
Valve head diameter (INTAKE):	34.798-35.052 mm (1.37-1.38 in)
Valve head diameter (EXHAUST):	28.448-28.702 mm (1.12-1.13 in)
Valve steam diameter (INTAKE):	7.8867-7.8994 mm (0.3105-0.311 in)
Valve steam diameter (EXHAUST):	7.8334-7.8511 mm (0.3084-0.3091 in)

Tightening torque

Tightening torque specs
Cylinder head bolts	34-41 Nm (25-30 ft-lbs)
Flywheel	68-81 Nm (50-60 ft-lbs)
Spark plug	25-30 Nm (18-22 ft-lbs)
Connecting rod	32.1 Nm (23.8 ft-lbs)
Governor bushing	11.2-13.6 Nm (8.3-10.1 ft-lbs)
Fuel pump mounting screws	4.2-5.1 Nm (3.1-3.8 ft-lbs)

Service Data

Engine
Maximum speed:	3,600 rpm
Compression pressure
Normal:	7.7-8.4 kg/cm² (7.6-8.3 bar, 110-120 psi) / 1,000 rpm
Valve clearance
Intake valve clearance:	0.20-0.25 mm (0.0079-0.0098 in)
Exhaust valve clearance:	0.43-0.48 mm (0.0169-0.0189 in)
Oil system
Lubrication system:	Splash type
Oil type:	SF or SG
Recommended oil:	Summer: SAE 30W Winter: SAE 5W-20, 5W-30
Oil capacity:	K301: 1.9 L (2.01 US. qt, 1.67 Imp. qt.) K301A: 1.2 L (1.27 US. qt, 1.06 Imp. qt.)
Fuel system
Type:	Carburetor (Kohler or Walbro – fixed main jet or adjustable main jet)
Ignition system
Type:	Magneto ignition system, battery ignition system, breakerless ignition system
Spark plug:	Champion RH10
Spark plug gap:	0.65 mm (0.0256 in)
Spark plug torque:	27 N·m (2.8 kg·m, 19.9 ft·lb)

Applications

Manufacturer or Brand	Models
Lawn tractors
Cub Cadet	123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 1200, 1282
Gravely	812
John Deere	112, 120, 140, 212, 312, 1250
Wheel Horse	Charger 12, C-120

References

1. Kohler K91, K141, K161, K181, K241, K301, K321, K341, service manual. Kohler Co. 1992.

Author: Sergei Wers
About: Co-founder and CEO of a multi-brand auto repair shop (engine repair, chassis repair, body repair and painting) for over 15 years. I have been developing internet sites with technical specifications for more than seven years.

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Kohler K301