Kohler Engine Identification Missing – [serial number lookup guide]
When you are searching for a replacement Kohler engine or its parts, the most important piece of information that you need then is the identification plate of it. But is the Kohler engine identification missing? How will you find it then?
In such cases, when the identification number of your Kohler engine is missing, you first try to find the number stamped on the block. If there isn’t any, you can use a black light or ink to read up the ghost image left by the silver decal.
To anyone who is experiencing the headache of a missing or lost Kohler engine identification, then today’s article is going to be a detailed handy guide for them.
What is Kohler Engine Identification?
At the most basic level, the identification of the engine is a code that identifies the type of the engine which is usually found stamped on the silver decal or on the cylinder block.
The same goes for the Kohler engine identification.
In a general sense, it is the code of the Kohler engine that assists you to identify the engine as the code contains the type of the engine, its model number, serial number, specifications numbers, displacement, build date, and OEM production number.
Why Is My Kohler Engine Identification Missing?
Say you are looking for a replacement part for the Kohler engine. Unfortunately, in that time, it happens that the identification sticker sometimes is completely faded, totally damaged and not legible at all.
The Kohler identification becomes damage or loss of legibility depending on the environment. More often it happens due to the years of usage or abrasions.
In addition to it, chemicals or temperature produced by the Kohler engines are also one of those crucial reasons for missing out on the Kohler engine identification plate.
Read also: Common 25 HP Kohler Command Pro Engine Problems
Why Finding The Kohler Engine Identification Number Is So Important?
Your Kohler engine identification number is much more than just a serial number. It indicates engine model specification and build data unique to your engine.
You will require this information when you will need to order parts or to be able to purchase any communication involving the engine.
Moreover, the identification number is important for efficient repair, performing maintenance, or engine replacement.
You should keep in mind that when you need engine replacement or parts of the engine, you need to pull the information directly from the engine.
As for power equipment replacement of your Kohler products, you can get the information from the equipment directly, not from the Kohler engine.
Where You Can Usually Find The Identification Number Of The Kohler Engine?
Each Kohler engine has at least one identification label that has the model, serial, or specification number printed on a silver decal. It is generally affixed on the Kohler engine body. A second label may also be present on the engine body as seen in the image below.
Generally, there are two types of Kohler engines: vertical shaft Kohler engines and horizontal shaft Kohler engines.
Whether you have a vertical shaft engine or a horizontal shaft engine, the silver decal is attached to the blower housing of the engine cover.
To find the silver decal, first clean off the dirt and debris present on the blower housing which is located on the side of the horizontal shaft engine, and as for the vertical shaft engine, it is on the top.
You can use an engine degreaser, cloth rag, or soapy water solution to do the job. Now examine the identification plate to gain the motive.
For future reference, you should note down the numbers on a piece of paper, or warranty card or can take a photo in case the sticker is damaged or lost.
How To Find The Identification Number Of The Kohler Engine When The Tag Is Missing?
Literally, in some cases of the Kohler engines, the silver decal is the only way to get the spec number of the engines.
To be frank, it is true unless you have written it down somewhere for future reference like in your owner’s manual or warranty card.
Still, you know some ways that can assist you out to get the spec number when the silver decal is missing.
Check the methods out and see which one brings luck to you.
Method 1: Search For Stamped Number In The Block
As already stated, the Kohler engines have identification stickers on the blower shroud of the engine along the side of the carburetor.
If that is missing, look for the stamped number. In addition to the identification label, some Kohler engines will have the serial numbers stamped onto the engine blocks of the engine along the side of the carburetor.
For instance, the K-series of the Kohler engine has the number on the PTO end of the block right next to the crank.
Method 2: Use Black Light Or Ink
If you can’t find the stamped number on the block, you can try to use different light sources like a black light or infrared or any other.
It may sound funny, but surprisingly, when the silver decal that holds the numbers goes south, you can retrieve the number through black light.
The ink from the decal sometimes leaves a ghost image and hopefully, it can make the numbers more visible from the right angle and you can read the number faintly.
It works for many, also will be for you when you are lucky!
As a last resort, try to wipe the decal with the ink. In a general sense, the spots where the original lettering of the decal was applied will have a different ink absorption than the ‘naked’ decal face.
When you wipe it with the ink, the lettering will create a rougher surface than the unlettered spaces.
Method 3: Call For The Kohler Assistant
If all else fails, the last option for you that can assist you now is Kohler itself. You can call the dealer or Kohler customer support to get the information about your engine.
They will ask you some questions to determine the model number and manufacturing date of your product.
But you should keep in mind that often it is a daunting task and it can involve the measurement of the particular part or submission of photographs of your Kohler engine.
Additional Info: How To Read The Kohler Engine Identification Info On The Decal?
Before you leave, there may be a query in some readers’ minds about how to read the Kohler engine identification number when they need to buy replacement parts.
To get a whole grasp, let us take a Kohler identification plate as an example, and know the way to read it through a complete breakdown of what each number indicates. Here we go.
| Kohler Engine Model No. CV12.5STSpec. No. 1203 Serial No. 2105810334 |
Model Number: CV12.5ST
C= Command engine
V= Vertical crankshaft
12.5= Horsepower
ST= Version code
- S= Electric start
- T= Retractable start
- ST= Electric/ Retractable start
Spec No. 1203
12= Engine model code
03= Variation of basic engine
| Engine Model Code | Kohler Model |
|---|---|
| 11 | CV11 |
| 12 | CV12.5 |
| 22 | CV13 |
| 14 | CV14 |
| 41 | CV15 |
| 43 | CV16 |
| 265 | CV460- 465 |
| 275 | CV490- 495 |
Serial No. 2105810334
21= Year manufactured code
05810334= Factory code
| Year Manufactured Code | Model |
|---|---|
| 21 | 1991 |
| 22 | 1992 |
| 23 | 1993 |
| 24 | 1994 |
| 25 | 1995 |
| 26 | 1996 |
| 27 | 1997 |
| 28 | 1998 |
| 29 | 1999 |
| 30 | 2000 |
| 31 | 2001 |
| 32 | 2002 |
kohler engine serial number lookup – FAQs
Don’t go away right now! There are some more to know about the Kohler engine identification queries that might knock into your mind.
Is the Kohler engine number the same as the serial number?
Yeah sometimes. You know sometimes it is possible to determine the engine number of the Kohler engine by its serial number. The Kohler engine serial number can be found in four, five, or six digits depending on the year of the engine manufacturing.
What is Kohler’s engine model code?
The first two lines of the Kohler engine number are its engine model code. Generally, the number of the engine code is alphanumeric and you can find it engraved on the side of the block. The third line of the alphanumeric number is the serial number of the engine.
What is the difference between engine number and engine code?
The engine number of a vehicle is a six-digit number which generally follows a three-digit engine code. You will notice the engine number includes three digits which indicate the engine code followed by six more digits which indicates the engine number.
Where are Kohler engines made?
In 2007, Kohler created a joint venture in Chongqing, China with a company called YinXiang Ltd from where the engines were produced. According to the Kohler engine officials, the joint venture manufacturing of the Kohler has no impact on the employment of the existing three manufacturing companies of Kohler- Mississippi, Wisconsin, and Mexico.
