Kohler K-Series & Magnum Engine Torque Specs

Cylinder head bolt torque at a glance

HighMediumLow= how many independent sources agree

Kohler's K-Series (K91 through K341) and Magnum (M8 through M20) are the company's older single- and twin-cylinder industrial engines, well before the Command PRO CH395/CH440, Command CH/CV V-Twins, 7000 Series and Courage SV families on Kohler's other torque page. Every figure… Read the rest ›

below comes from three Kohler-authored service manuals: TP-2379 (K-Series, issued 4/90, revised 11/92), TP-2203-A (Magnum M8-M16 singles, issued 3/86), and TP-2204-B (Magnum M18/M20 twins, issued 3/86, revised 5/93). All three are 1980s scans with no usable text layer, so every value here was read directly from the manual's own printed pages rather than pulled from a text extraction or a parts compilation. Looking for the newer Command PRO, Command V-Twin, 7000 Series or Courage SV engines instead? See /small-engines/kohler-engine-torque-specs/.

Where these numbers come from. 113 published figures, 2 confirmed gaps, every source named. How we checked ›

TP-2379 (K91, K141, K161, K181, K241, K301, K321, K341), TP-2203-A (Magnum M8, M10, M12, M14, M16), and TP-2204-B (Magnum M18, M20) are all genuine Kohler Engine Division documents hosted at resources.kohler.com, except TP-2203-A, which survives only as a manualslib.com mirror of the same Kohler scan (cited below as "Kohler service manual TP-2203-A (scan)"). None of the three PDFs carries a usable text layer, so every torque value, staged-torque procedure, and bolt-hole sequence on this page was read directly from the manual's own printed pages -- not machine-extracted text, not a parts compilation. Where TP-2379 disagrees with itself (the K161/K181 flywheel retaining screw, and the K241-K341 flywheel retaining screw's cap-screw-vs-nut figures), or where a value only exists in a reassembly procedure rather than the summary torque chart (the bearing plate torque on both families), both figures are published with the page they come from rather than one being silently dropped.

Kohler Classic K91 Manufacturer-published

series K91
All values from Kohler's Single Cylinder Engine Service Manual K91, K141, K161, K181, K241, K301, K321, K341 (form TP-2379, issued 4/90… More about this engine ›

revised 11/92), hosted at resources.kohler.com -- a 1980s/90s scan with no usable text layer, so every figure here was read directly from the manual's own printed pages. K91 is the 4 HP column ("4/K91") in every K-Series table. Figure 1-6 (p.1.7) also prints Kohler's own fallback rule -- "USE STANDARD TORQUE SETTINGS WHEN SPECIFIC VALUES ARE NOT SPECIFIED" -- with a chart by bolt size and grade that applies to every K-Series model in this dataset (K91 through K341), quoted in full here rather than on each engine: Cast Iron or Steel, Grade 2 / Grade 5 / Grade 8 -- 8-32: 20/25/-- in-lb; 10-24: 32/40/-- in-lb; 10-32: 32/40/-- in-lb; 1/4-20: 70/115/165 in-lb; 1/4-28: 85/140/200 in-lb; 5/16-18: 150/250/350 in-lb; 5/16-24: 165/270 in-lb / 30 ft-lb; 3/8-16: 260 in-lb / 35 / 50 ft-lb; 3/8-24: 300 in-lb / 40 / 60 ft-lb; 7/16-14: 35/55/80 ft-lb; 7/16-20: 45/75/105 ft-lb; 1/2-13: 50/80/115 ft-lb; 1/2-20: 70/105/165 ft-lb; 9/16-12: 75/125/175 ft-lb; 9/16-18: 100/165/230 ft-lb; 5/8-11: 110/180/260 ft-lb; 5/8-18: 140/230/330 ft-lb; 3/4-10: 150/245/350 ft-lb; 3/4-16: 200/325/470 ft-lb. Aluminum uses the Grade-2 figure across all three grades: 8-32 20 in-lb, 10-24 32 in-lb, 1/4-20 70 in-lb, 5/16-18 150 in-lb. Same page's Oil Drain Plugs table (Oil at Assembly), Cast Iron pans / Aluminum pans: 1/4" 150/100 in-lb; 3/8" 180/120 in-lb; 1/2" 20/13 ft-lb; 3/4" 25/16 ft-lb; X-708-1 (3/8-16 thread, hex nut, fibre gasket) 20-25 ft-lb both. Conversions, as printed: "in. lbs. x .083 = ft. lbs. / ft. lbs. x 12 = in. lbs. / ft. lbs. x .1383 = kgm / ft. lbs. x 1.3558 = N m." TP-2379 does not print an explicit K141 connecting-rod row -- K141 shares every K91-Series value via the "* Includes K141" footnote wherever it appears with K161, but the connecting-rod new/used breakdown (p.12.12) only names K91, K161, K181 and the K241-341 group, not K141 -- treated as not printed rather than inferred. Verified 2026-09-19.

Fastener Torque Where it comes from
cylinder head bolt (6-bolt pattern) 200 in-lb≈ 16.7 ft-lbHigh
200 in. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7), 6-bolt pattern. Why › Tightening sequence (also Figure 12-44, p.12.17, confirmed identical): clockwise from top-left -- 6, 1, 3 (upper right), 5 (right), then bottom row 4 (lower-left), 2 (lower-middle) -- the numbered holes ARE the tightening order. Staged procedure (p.12.16): "1. Lubricate the cylinder head bolts with oil before installation. 2. Initially torque each bolt to 10 ft. lbs following the recommended torque sequence. 3. Sequentially tighten each bolt in 10 ft. lb. increments until the specified torque values are reached." Then: "After reaching the final torque value, run the engine for 15 minutes, stop, and allow to cool. Then, sequentially retorque the head bolts to the specified torque value."
connecting rod capscrew 140 in-lb≈ 11.7 ft-lbHigh
New and used figures are identical: 140 in. lb. Why › (Figure 1-6, p.1.7, and the more granular new/used breakdown at p.12.12, which lists K91 as "All" rod types). Capscrew rods use Kohler's staged overtorque procedure (footnote 3, p.1.7, repeated at p.12.12): "Torque the capscrew to 20% over the nominal torque value listed below. Loosen cap screws to below the nominal value -- do not leave overtorqued. Retorque bolts to the nominal torque value."
flywheel retaining nut 40–50 ft-lbHigh
40-50 ft. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7), confirmed in the reassembly procedure (p.12.15-12.16): "Hold flywheel with strap wrench and torque hex… Why › nut to 40/50 ft. lb. for K91..." Lubricate with engine oil per footnote 1.
flywheel retaining screw 250 in-lb≈ 20.8 ft-lbHigh 250 in. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7) -- K91-specific. K161/K181 print differently for this same row; see that engine's flywheel retaining screw row for the conflict.
spark plug 18–22 ft-lbHigh
18-22 ft. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7), confirmed at the end of the cylinder-head procedure (p.12.16): "4. Why › Make sure the spark plug is properly gapped. 5. Install the spark plug and torque it to 18/22 ft. lb." Identical figure for every K-Series model, K91 through K341.
governor bushing 70–90 in-lbHigh 70-90 in. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7).
governor arm palnut 15 in-lb≈ 1.3 ft-lbHigh
Governor Adjustment procedure (p.12.19), a different fastener from the governor bushing above: "3. Why › Torque the palnut on governor arm to 15 in. lb." Not listed in Figure 1-6's summary chart -- only in this reassembly step. Applies identically across the K-Series line; not split by model in the source.
oil pan (cast iron) 250 in-lb≈ 20.8 ft-lbHigh
250 in. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7). Why › Kohler prints a dash for the aluminum-oil-pan row on every K-Series model -- meaning no aluminum oil pan exists in this range, not a missing spec.
bearing plate1/4-20 U.N.C. 115 in-lb≈ 9.6 ft-lbHigh
Not in Figure 1-6 -- only in the reassembly procedure (p.12.10, "INSTALL BEARING PLATE"): "Tighten the screws evenly, drawing bearing plate… Why › to crankcase. Torque K91-K181 to 115 in. lb." Applies identically to K91, K161 and K181 -- the manual prints one figure for the whole K91-K181 range, not a separate number per model.

Valve clearance — feeler gauge, not a wrench

  • spark plug gap: Not a torque spec -- clearance values (Figure 1-5, p.1.6, cross-confirmed pp.3.8 and 12.13). Type RCJ-8 ("Champion spark plugs or equivalent"). Gap: .025" on battery ignition, .025" on magneto, .018" on gaseous-fuel carburetion.
  • valve/tappet clearance (cold), intake: Not a torque spec -- .005"/.009" cold, per Figure 1-5 (p.1.6), cross-confirmed pp.3.8 and 12.13.
  • valve/tappet clearance (cold), exhaust: Not a torque spec -- .011"/.015" cold, same table.
  • breaker point gap: Not a torque spec -- .020" full open, per the static timing procedure (p.8.2): "5. Measure the breaker point gap with a feeler gauge. The gap should be .020\". 6. If the gap is not .020\", loosen the gap adjustment screw and adjust the gap." K91 uses a T mark (not S/SP) in the timing sight hole for this step. Confirmed again at p.12.16: "Set breaker point gap at .020\" full open."
1 spec not published — ignition coil / condenser mounting hardware What we found ›
  • ignition coil / condenser mounting hardwareGAP: not printed in Figure 1-6's torque table or in the K91 reassembly/ignition procedure pages reviewed for this dataset -- the wiring/connection steps there are described with no fastener figure. TP-2379's scanned PDF has no usable text layer to page-search across the full 137-page manual, so a figure elsewhere in the document cannot be fully ruled out.

Kohler Classic K161 / K181 (incl. K141) Manufacturer-published

series K141, K161, K181
Same source as K91 (TP-2379, form issued 4/90, revised 11/92). More about this engine ›

K161 is the 7 HP column ("7/K161*"), footnoted "* Includes K141" everywhere it appears; K181 is the separate 8 HP column ("8/K181"). TP-2379 groups K141 with K161 on every summary chart via that footnote, but its more granular tables (e.g. the connecting-rod new/used breakdown below) sometimes name K161 without repeating K141 -- treated as shared-by-footnote rather than independently confirmed where noted below. Kohler's Standard Torque Values chart by bolt size/grade and its Oil Drain Plugs table (Figure 1-6, p.1.7) are identical for every K-Series model -- see the full quoted chart on the K91 entry above rather than repeating it here. Verified 2026-09-19.

Fastener Torque Where it comes from
cylinder head bolt (7-bolt pattern) 15–20 ft-lbHigh
15-20 ft. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7), 7-bolt pattern, shared by K161 (incl. Why › K141) and K181. Tightening sequence (also Figure 12-44, p.12.17): 7 (upper-left), 1 (top-middle), 4 (upper-right), 3 (left, mid), 6 (right, lower), 5 (lower-left), 2 (lower-middle) -- the numbered holes ARE the tightening order. Same staged 10-ft-lb-increment procedure and 15-minute run/retorque step as every K-Series model (p.12.16).
connecting rod, K161 / K141 (single type) 200 in-lb≈ 16.7 ft-lbHigh
200 in. lb., new and used identical (p.12.12, K161 "All" rod types). Why › TP-2379 groups K141 with K161 via the "* Includes K141" footnote, but this specific new/used table never names K141 in its own row -- inferred to share K161's figure by that footnote, not independently printed for K141.
connecting rod, K181 Posi-Lock 100–140 in-lbHigh
New-from-stock is the HIGH end (140 in. lb.); reinstalled/used is the LOW end (100 in. lb.) -- the reverse of the usual… Why › new-lower/used-higher pattern, because Posi-Lock rods are torqued directly to spec rather than staged (p.12.12): "DO NOT overtorque -- loosen -- and retorque the hex nuts on Posi-Lock connecting rods... Torque nuts, in increments, directly to the specified value." K181-specific -- K161 uses the single 200 in-lb figure above instead.
connecting rod, K181 Capscrew 200 in-lb≈ 16.7 ft-lbHigh
200 in. lb., new and used identical (p.12.12). Why › Capscrew rods use the staged 20%-overtorque-then-retorque procedure, same footnote 3 as every other K-Series capscrew rod.
flywheel retaining nut 85–90 ft-lbHigh
85-90 ft. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7), confirmed in the reassembly procedure (p.12.15-12.16). Why › Footnote 6 on the same chart: "Prior to Ser. #23209832 45-55 ft. lbs." -- an older-serial-number exception to this figure.
flywheel retaining screw 250 in-lb≈ 20.8 ft-lbHigh⚠ sources disagree
CONFLICT: Figure 1-6 (p.1.7) prints a dash ("--") for K161 and K181 on this row -- the summary chart states no screw torque applies. Why › But the reassembly procedure a few pages later (p.12.15-12.16) says: "Hold flywheel with strap wrench and torque hex nut to 40/50 ft. lb. for K91 and 85/90 ft. lb. for K161 and K181. If a hex head sems screw is used, torque screw to 250 in. lb." -- applying 250 in. lb. to the whole K91/K161/K181 group whenever a hex head sems screw is used instead of the standard nut. TP-2379 never reconciles the two passages. Use 250 in-lb only if your engine actually has a hex head sems screw in place of the nut; otherwise the flywheel-nut figure above applies and this row does not.
grass screen, metal 70–140 in-lbHigh 70-140 in. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7), K161/K181 column. K91 prints a dash for this row -- no metal grass screen on that model.
non-metallic fuel pump mounting screws 37–45 in-lbHigh 37-45 in. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7), K161/K181 column, confirmed at p.12.18: "Torque the screws to 37/45 in. lb." K91 prints a dash for this row.
spark plug 18–22 ft-lbHigh 18-22 ft. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7), identical across every K-Series model.
governor bushing 130–150 in-lbHigh 130-150 in. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7) -- higher than K91's 70-90 in-lb; a genuine per-group figure, not a typo.
governor arm palnut 15 in-lb≈ 1.3 ft-lbHigh Same governor-adjustment step as every K-Series model (p.12.19): "Torque the palnut on governor arm to 15 in. lb."
oil pan, cast iron (Grade 5 bolts) 250 in-lb≈ 20.8 ft-lbHigh
Printed as "Grade 5-250 in. lbs." (Figure 1-6, p.1.7) -- a discrete value for Grade 5 bolts, not the low end of a range. Why › See the Grade 8 row below for the other discrete value; use whichever matches the grade actually installed.
oil pan, cast iron (Grade 8 bolts) 350 in-lb≈ 29.2 ft-lbHigh
Printed as "Grade 8-350 in. lbs." (Figure 1-6, p.1.7) -- a discrete value for Grade 8 bolts, not the high end of a range. Why › See the Grade 5 row above for the other discrete value.
bearing plate1/4-20 U.N.C. 115 in-lb≈ 9.6 ft-lbHigh Same K91-K181 reassembly figure as the K91 entry (p.12.10): "Torque K91-K181 to 115 in. lb."

Valve clearance — feeler gauge, not a wrench

  • spark plug gap: Not a torque spec. Type RCJ-8 for both K161 and K181 (Figure 1-5, p.1.6). Gap: .025" battery, .025" magneto, .018" gaseous fuels.
  • valve/tappet clearance (cold), intake: Not a torque spec -- .006"/.008" cold (Figure 1-5, p.1.6) -- tighter than K91's .005"/.009".
  • valve/tappet clearance (cold), exhaust: Not a torque spec -- .017"/.019" cold -- looser than K91's .011"/.015".
  • breaker point gap: Not a torque spec -- .020" full open (p.8.2), same procedure as K91 except the timing mark used is S or SP, not K91's T mark.

Kohler Classic K241 / K301 / K321 Manufacturer-published

series K241, K301, K321
Same source as K91 and K161/K181 (TP-2379). More about this engine ›

K241 is the 10 HP column ("10/K241"), K301 the 12 HP column ("12/K301"), K321 the 14 HP column ("14/K321") -- Figure 1-6 and every other summary table in TP-2379 group all three identically ("same" printed in each column). Kohler's Standard Torque Values chart by bolt size/grade and Oil Drain Plugs table (Figure 1-6, p.1.7) are identical across the whole K-Series line -- see the full quoted chart on the K91 entry rather than repeating it here. Verified 2026-09-19.

Fastener Torque Where it comes from
cylinder head bolt (9-bolt pattern) 25–30 ft-lbHigh
25-30 ft. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7), 9-bolt pattern, shared by K241, K301 and K321. Why › Sequence (also Figure 12-44, p.12.17): 7 (left), 8 (top, next to 7), 1 (top-middle), 4 (top-right), 9 (right), 3 (left, lower), 5 (bottom-left), 2 (bottom-middle), 6 (bottom-right). Same staged 10-ft-lb-increment procedure and 15-minute run/retorque step as every K-Series model (p.12.16). K341 uses the identical final torque but its own 10-bolt pattern -- see that engine.
connecting rod, Posi-Lock 200–260 in-lbHigh
New-from-stock 260 in. lb., reinstalled/used 200 in. lb. Why › (Figure 1-6, p.1.7, and p.12.12, grouped K241/K301/K321/K341). "DO NOT overtorque -- loosen -- and retorque the hex nuts on Posi-Lock connecting rods... Torque nuts, in increments, directly to the specified value."
connecting rod, Capscrew 285 in-lb≈ 23.8 ft-lbHigh 285 in. lb., new and used identical (Figure 1-6, p.1.7, and p.12.12). Staged 20%-overtorque-then-retorque procedure per footnote 3.
flywheel retaining nut 50–60 ft-lbHigh
50-60 ft. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7), grouped K241/K301/K321/K341, confirmed in the reassembly procedure (p.12.16): "...If a hex nut is used… Why › torque to 50/60 ft. lb."
flywheel retaining screw 22–27 ft-lbHigh⚠ sources disagree
CONFLICT: Figure 1-6 (p.1.7) prints 22-27 ft. lb. for this row (K241/K301/K321/K341 grouped). Why › But the reassembly procedure a few pages later (p.12.16) gives a different figure for the cap-screw version of the same fastener: "torque hex cap screw to 35/40 ft. lb. If a hex nut is used, torque to 50/60 ft. lb." The hex-nut figure (50/60 ft-lb) matches the flywheel-nut row above exactly, but the hex-cap-screw figure (35/40 ft-lb) does not match this chart's 22-27 ft-lb screw figure. TP-2379 does not reconcile the two. Match hardware type (screw vs. nut) first, then use whichever passage's screw figure applies to your job.
spark plug 18–22 ft-lbHigh 18-22 ft. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7), identical across every K-Series model.
governor bushing 100–120 in-lbHigh 100-120 in. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7).
governor arm palnut 15 in-lb≈ 1.3 ft-lbHigh Same governor-adjustment step as every K-Series model (p.12.19): "Torque the palnut on governor arm to 15 in. lb."
grass screen, metal 70–140 in-lbHigh 70-140 in. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7). K91 prints a dash for this row -- no metal grass screen on that model.
grass screen, plastic 20–30 in-lbHigh 20-30 in. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7). K91 and K161/K181 both print a dash for this row.
oil pan, cast iron 35 ft-lbHigh 35 ft. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7).
oil pan, sheet metal 200 in-lb≈ 16.7 ft-lbHigh
200 in. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7) -- a sheet-metal oil pan option specific to the K241-341 group; K91 and K161/K181 print a dash for this row. Why › Footnote 4: "Torque twice with minimum of one minute interval."
non-metallic fuel pump mounting screws 37–45 in-lbHigh 37-45 in. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7), confirmed at p.12.18: "Torque the screws to 37/45 in. lb."
bearing plate3/8-16 U.N.C. 35 ft-lbHigh
Reassembly procedure only (p.12.10), not Figure 1-6: "Torque K241-K341 to 35 ft. lb." The same page also contains Kohler's own typo: "Bolt… Why › thread sizes are 1/4-20 U.N.C. for K91-K181; 3/8-16 U.N.C. for K241-K361." No K361 model exists anywhere in TP-2379's own lineup (K91/K141/K161/K181/K241/K301/K321/K341) -- almost certainly meant K341, but quoted here exactly as Kohler printed it, not silently corrected.

Valve clearance — feeler gauge, not a wrench

  • spark plug gap: Not a torque spec. Type RH-10 (Figure 1-5, p.1.6) -- different from K91/K161/K181's RCJ-8. Gap: .035" battery, .025" magneto, .018" gaseous fuels.
  • valve/tappet clearance (cold), intake: Not a torque spec -- .008"/.010" cold (Figure 1-5, p.1.6).
  • valve/tappet clearance (cold), exhaust: Not a torque spec -- .017"/.019" cold, same as K161/K181.

Kohler Classic K341 Manufacturer-published

series K341
Same source as the rest of the K-Series (TP-2379). More about this engine ›

K341 is the 16 HP column ("16/K341") and, unlike K301/K321, is printed with its own cylinder-head diagram rather than a "same" cross-reference, because it uses a 10-bolt pattern instead of 9. Kohler's Standard Torque Values chart by bolt size/grade and Oil Drain Plugs table (Figure 1-6, p.1.7) are identical across the whole K-Series line -- see the full quoted chart on the K91 entry rather than repeating it here. Verified 2026-09-19.

Fastener Torque Where it comes from
cylinder head bolt (10-bolt pattern) 25–30 ft-lbHigh
25-30 ft. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7) -- same final torque as K241/K301/K321, but K341 gets its own printed column ("10-bolt, own diagram"), not… Why › a "same" cross-reference. Sequence (also Figure 12-44, p.12.17): 7, 8, 1, 4, 10 (right, upper), 9 (right, lower), 3 (left, lower), 5 (bottom-left), 2 (bottom-middle), 6 (bottom-right) -- one more bolt than the K241-321 pattern. Same staged 10-ft-lb-increment procedure and 15-minute run/retorque step as every K-Series model.
connecting rod, Posi-Lock 200–260 in-lbHigh
New-from-stock 260 in. lb., reinstalled/used 200 in. lb. Why › -- same grouped K241/K301/K321/K341 figure as those engines (Figure 1-6, p.1.7, and p.12.12). "DO NOT overtorque -- loosen -- and retorque the hex nuts on Posi-Lock connecting rods."
connecting rod, Capscrew 285 in-lb≈ 23.8 ft-lbHigh 285 in. lb., new and used identical -- same grouped figure as K241/K301/K321.
flywheel retaining nut 50–60 ft-lbHigh 50-60 ft. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7), grouped with K241/K301/K321, confirmed in the reassembly procedure (p.12.16).
flywheel retaining screw 22–27 ft-lbHigh⚠ sources disagree
CONFLICT: same K241-K341 group figure and same disagreement as the K241/K301/K321 entry -- Figure 1-6 (p.1.7) prints 22-27 ft. lb., but the… Why › reassembly procedure (p.12.16) gives the hex-cap-screw figure as "35/40 ft. lb." (the hex-nut figure, 50/60 ft-lb, matches the flywheel-nut row above). TP-2379 does not reconcile the two.
spark plug 18–22 ft-lbHigh 18-22 ft. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7), identical across every K-Series model.
governor bushing 100–120 in-lbHigh 100-120 in. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7), same grouped figure as K241/K301/K321.
governor arm palnut 15 in-lb≈ 1.3 ft-lbHigh Same governor-adjustment step as every K-Series model (p.12.19): "Torque the palnut on governor arm to 15 in. lb."
grass screen, metal 70–140 in-lbHigh 70-140 in. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7), same grouped figure as K241/K301/K321.
grass screen, plastic 20–30 in-lbHigh 20-30 in. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7), same grouped figure as K241/K301/K321.
oil pan, cast iron 35 ft-lbHigh 35 ft. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7).
oil pan, sheet metal 200 in-lb≈ 16.7 ft-lbHigh 200 in. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7). Footnote 4: "Torque twice with minimum of one minute interval."
non-metallic fuel pump mounting screws 37–45 in-lbHigh 37-45 in. lb. (Figure 1-6, p.1.7), confirmed at p.12.18.
bearing plate3/8-16 U.N.C. 35 ft-lbHigh
Same K241-K341 reassembly figure as the K241/K301/K321 entry (p.12.10): "Torque K241-K341 to 35 ft. lb." -- see that entry for Kohler's own… Why › "K361" typo on the same page, quoted there.

Valve clearance — feeler gauge, not a wrench

  • spark plug gap: Not a torque spec. Type RH-10, same as K241/K301/K321. Gap: .035" battery, .025" magneto, .018" gaseous fuels.
  • valve/tappet clearance (cold), intake: Not a torque spec -- .008"/.010" cold (Figure 1-5, p.1.6), same as K241/K301/K321.
  • valve/tappet clearance (cold), exhaust: Not a torque spec -- .017"/.019" cold, same as K241/K301/K321.

Kohler Classic Magnum M8 Manufacturer-published

series M8
All values from Kohler's Single Cylinder Engine Service Manual, Magnum Models M8, M10, M12, M14, M16 (form TP-2203-A, issued 3/86), a… More about this engine ›

genuine Kohler Engine Division document that survives only as a manualslib.com mirror of the same Kohler scan -- cited below as "Kohler service manual TP-2203-A (scan)" rather than resources.kohler.com. M8 is the "Model M8" column of the Section 1 spec table. No usable text layer, so every figure here was read directly from the manual's own printed pages. Magnum ignition is fully electronic: "Magnum engines are equipped with a dependable electronic magneto ignition system. Other than periodically checking/replacing the spark plug, no maintenance, timing, or adjustments are necessary or possible with this system" (p.3.5) -- there is no breaker-point gap on any Magnum model. TP-2203-A's oil pan is not printed with a numeric torque in the Section 1 spec table or in the M8/M10-M16 reassembly pages reviewed for this dataset (reassembly text there says only "Install... hex cap sems screws" / "hex nuts," no figure) -- TP-2203-A's scanned PDF has no usable text layer past its manualslib TOC wrapper, so a figure elsewhere in the 166-page document cannot be fully ruled out. The same applies to the governor anti-lock screw some parts compilations list at 15 in-lb, not located in the pages reviewed either -- for both, TP-2203-A's own Note 1 (p.1.12) applies: "Use standard torque values when specific values are not given. Standard values have a tolerance of ± 20%." (TP-2204-B prints its own version of this note, worded slightly differently -- see that engine.) The Standard Torque Values chart itself is quoted in full here rather than on every engine: Bolts, Screws, Nuts and Fasteners assembled into Cast Iron or Steel, Grade 2 / Grade 5 / Grade 8 -- #8-32: 20/25/-- in-lb; #10-24: 32/40/-- in-lb; #10-32: 32/40/-- in-lb; 1/4-20: 70/115/165 in-lb; 1/4-28: 85/140/200 in-lb; 5/16-18: 150/250/350 in-lb; 5/16-24: 165/270 in-lb / 30 ft-lb; 3/8-16: 260 in-lb / 35 / 50 ft-lb; 3/8-24: 300 in-lb / 40 / 60 ft-lb; 7/16-14: 35/55/80 ft-lb; 7/16-20: 45/75/105 ft-lb; 1/2-13: 50/80/115 ft-lb; 1/2-20: 70/105/165 ft-lb; 9/16-12: 75/125/175 ft-lb; 9/16-18: 100/165/230 ft-lb; 5/8-11: 110/180/260 ft-lb; 5/8-18: 140/230/330 ft-lb; 3/4-10: 150/245/350 ft-lb; 3/4-16: 200/325/470 ft-lb. Assembled into Aluminum: #8-32 20 in-lb, #10-24 32 in-lb, 1/4-20 70 in-lb, 5/16-18 150 in-lb (same figure across all three grades). Oil Drain Plugs, Into Cast Iron Pans / Into Aluminum Pans: 1/4" 150/100 in-lb; 3/8" 180/120 in-lb; 1/2" 20/13 ft-lb; 3/4" 25/16 ft-lb; X-708-1 20/25 ft-lb both. Conversions, as printed: "ft. lb. = in. lb. x 0.083 | in. lb. = ft. lb. x 12 | kgm = ft. lb. x 0.1383 | N-m = ft. lb. x 1.3558." Verified 2026-09-19.

Fastener Torque Where it comes from
cylinder head cap screw 15–20 ft-lbHigh
Printed as "15/20 ft. lb." in the Specifications, Tolerances, and Special Torque Values table (p.1.10) -- Kohler doesn't label which end is… Why › new vs. used for this row, unlike the rod-nut row below (New Service Rod Nut / Used Rod Nut are separate named rows). 7-bolt pattern. Sequence (Figure 3-10, repeated identically at reassembly Figure 12A-29, p.12A.9): 7 (upper-left), 1 (upper-mid), 4 (upper-right), 3 (mid-left), 6 (lower-right), 5 (lower-left), 2 (lower-mid) -- the numbered holes ARE the tightening order. Reassembly procedure (p.12A.9): "2. Torque the hex cap screws (in increments) in the sequence shown in Figure 12A-29 to 15/20 ft. lb."
connecting rod nut 100–140 in-lbHigh
New Service Rod Nut Torque 140 in. lb.; Used Rod Nut Torque 100 in. lb. Why › (two separate named rows, p.1.9) -- New is the HIGH end here, Used the low end, same direction as the K-Series K181 Posi-Lock rod nut. Footnote 6 (p.1.12): "Torque in increments to the value specified. Do not overtorque--loosen--and retorque hex. nuts on Posi-Lock connecting rods."
flywheel fastener 85–90 ft-lbHigh
Printed as "85/90 ft. lb." (p.1.10) -- same new/used-labeling caveat as the head bolt row above. Why › Confirmed in the reassembly procedure (p.12A.7): "torque hex nut to 85/90 ft. lb."
fan fastener 115 in-lb≈ 9.6 ft-lbHigh 115 in. lb. (p.1.10), confirmed in reassembly (p.12A.7): "Install the spacers, fan and hex flange screws. Torque screws to 115 in. lb."
spark plug 18–22 ft-lbHigh 18/22 ft. lb. (p.1.11) -- same figure and slash-notation caveat as the K-Series. Type RCJ-8, gap .025", per the same page.
governor bushing 100–120 in-lbHigh
100/120 in. lb. (p.1.10) -- identical figure to the K241-K341 K-Series governor bushing. Why › TP-2203-A never states a numeric torque for the separate governor anti-lock screw (a different, smaller fastener some parts compilations put at 15 in-lb) -- see the engine note above for Kohler's own fallback rule for unlisted fasteners.
ignition module mounting screw 32 in-lb≈ 2.7 ft-lbHigh 32 in. lb. (p.1.11), confirmed in the magnet-to-module air-gap setting procedure (p.8.3): "Tighten the screws to 32 in. lb."
Oil Sentry switch max. torque 90 in-lb≈ 7.5 ft-lbHigh
90 in. lb. (p.1.11), printed identically for M8 and M10-M16. Why › Footnote 10 on this row (p.1.12): "Turn the Oil Sentry™ float switch in approx. 5 to 6 full turns until positioned properly. Refer to the 'Electrical System And Components' section for specific installation procedures." -- 90 in. lb. is a ceiling, not a target.
fuel pump mounting screw 40–45 in-lbHigh Printed as "40/45 in. lb." (p.1.10) -- same new/used-labeling caveat as the head bolt row.
fuel inlet seat 35 in-lb≈ 2.9 ft-lbHigh 35 in. lb. (p.1.9).
carburetor bowl retaining screw 50 in-lb≈ 4.2 ft-lbHigh 50 in. lb. (p.1.9).
bearing plate fastener 115 in-lb≈ 9.6 ft-lbHigh
Not in the Section 1 spec table -- only in the reassembly procedure (p.12A.4): "Torque the screws to 115 in. lb." M10-M16 use a different… Why › figure for this same fastener (35 ft. lb.) -- see that engine, not this one.
electric starter drive stop nut 160 in-lb≈ 13.3 ft-lbHigh
Procedure text, not the spec table (p.3.5): "4. Why › Apply a small amount of Kohler electric starter drive lubricant (Part No. 52 357 01) to splines... 5. Apply a small amount of Loctite No. 271 to stop nut threads... Torque stop nut to 160 in. lb."
remote throttle control nut 10–15 in-lbHigh 10/15 in. lb. (p.1.12). Footnote 8: "Torque to value specified; then loosen nut 1/2 turn."
engine mounted throttle control nut 15–25 in-lbHigh 15/25 in. lb. (p.1.12). Not footnoted 8 in the source table -- that footnote applies only to the remote throttle control nut row above.
fixed speed applications nut 70 in-lb≈ 5.8 ft-lbHigh 70 in. lb. (p.1.12), printed identically for M8 and M10-M16.
air cleaner element cover nut 50 in-lb≈ 4.2 ft-lbHigh
50 in. lb., spec table p.1.9. Confirmed again at p.5.2 ("Inspect Air Cleaner Components"): "Make sure element cover nut is secured tightly… Why › to seal element between air cleaner base and element cover. Tighten nut to 50 in. lbs. torque." (Not the M10-M16 reassembly section, p.12B.16 -- M8 uses Section 12A, and no equivalent figure was located there.)
fuel tank bracket-to-tank fastener (upper & lower) 90 in-lb≈ 7.5 ft-lbHigh 90 in. lb. (p.1.10) -- M8-specific; M10-M16 print a dash for this row.
fuel tank lower-bracket-to-crankcase-bracket fastener 70 in-lb≈ 5.8 ft-lbHigh 70 in. lb. (p.1.10) -- M8-specific.
top tank bracket to cylinder head fastener 150 in-lb≈ 12.5 ft-lbHigh 150 in. lb. (p.1.10) -- M8-specific.

Valve clearance — feeler gauge, not a wrench

  • spark plug gap: Not a torque spec. Type RCJ-8 (Champion or equiv.), gap .025" (p.1.11).
  • ignition module to magnet air gap: Not a torque spec -- resulting air gap .012"/.016" (p.1.11), set using a 0.018" feeler gauge per the procedure (p.8.3, Figure 8-5): "2. Insert a 0.018\" flat feeler gauge (or shim stock) between the magnet and module... 3. Loosen the hex. cap sems screws so the magnet pulls module down. Tighten the screws to 32 in. lb. 4. Remove the feeler gauge or shim stock... The magnet-to-module air gap should be within the range of 0.012\"/0.016\"." (The 32 in-lb screw torque here is the ignition module mounting screw row above.)

Kohler Classic Magnum M10 / M12 / M14 / M16 Manufacturer-published

series M10, M12, M14, M16
Same source as M8 (TP-2203-A, manualslib.com mirror of the Kohler scan), the "Model M10" / "Model M12" / "Model M14" / "Model M16" columns… More about this engine ›

of the Section 1 spec table. Governor bushing, fuel-pump, spark-plug and fan-fastener figures below are identical to M8's; cylinder head, flywheel and connecting-rod nut step up for the larger HP classes -- do not cross-apply M8's smaller figures. TP-2203-A's Standard Torque Values chart and Oil Drain Plugs table (identical for M10-M16) are quoted in full on the M8 entry above rather than repeated here. No breaker-point ignition on any Magnum model (electronic magneto only, p.3.5). Verified 2026-09-19.

Fastener Torque Where it comes from
cylinder head cap screw 25–30 ft-lbHigh
Printed as "25/30 ft. lb." (p.1.10), same new/used-labeling caveat as M8. Why › 9-bolt pattern for M10, M12, M14 (Figure 3-10 / 12A-29): 8 (upper), 7 (left), 1 (upper-mid), 4 (upper-right), 9 (right), 3 (mid-left), 6 (lower-right), 5 (lower-left), 2 (lower-mid). M16 uses the identical final torque but its own 10-bolt pattern: 8, 7, 1, 4 (top row, same as above), 10 (right-upper), 9 (right-lower), 3, 6, 5, 2 (same bottom positions, plus the added 10th bolt at right-upper). Staged procedure (p.12A.9): "Torque the hex cap screws (in increments) in the sequence shown in Figure 12A-29 to 15/20 ft. lb." (that construction is shown for M8 in the manual; identical construction applies here at 25/30 ft. lb.)
connecting rod nut 200–260 in-lbHigh
New Service Rod Nut Torque 260 in. lb.; Used Rod Nut Torque 200 in. lb. Why › (p.1.9) -- same New-high/Used-low direction as M8, but a higher figure -- do not cross-apply M8's 140/100 in-lb.
flywheel fastener 40–45 ft-lbHigh
Printed as "40/45 ft. lb." (p.1.10), confirmed in the M10-M16 reassembly section (p.12B.10, Rope Start step): "Install the spacer, rope… Why › pulley, plain washer, and hex cap screw (lubricate threads with oil). Hold the flywheel with a strap wrench and torque hex cap screw to 40/45 ft. lb." -- a hex CAP SCREW on M10-M16, not the hex nut M8 uses for this joint (see M8's flywheel fastener row, p.12A.7).
fan fastener 115 in-lb≈ 9.6 ft-lbHigh 115 in. lb. (p.1.10), same figure as M8.
spark plug 18–22 ft-lbHigh 18/22 ft. lb. (p.1.11), same figure as M8. Type RH-10 (not M8's RCJ-8), same .025" gap.
governor bushing 100–120 in-lbHigh 100/120 in. lb. (p.1.10), same figure as M8.
ignition module mounting screw 32 in-lb≈ 2.7 ft-lbHigh 32 in. lb. (p.1.11), same figure as M8.
Oil Sentry switch max. torque 90 in-lb≈ 7.5 ft-lbHigh
90 in. lb. (p.1.11), same figure as M8. Why › Footnote 10 on this row (p.1.12): "Turn the Oil Sentry™ float switch in approx. 5 to 6 full turns until positioned properly. Refer to the 'Electrical System And Components' section for specific installation procedures." -- 90 in. lb. is a ceiling, not a target.
fuel pump mounting screw 40–45 in-lbHigh Printed as "40/45 in. lb." (p.1.10), same figure as M8.
fuel inlet seat 35 in-lb≈ 2.9 ft-lbHigh 35 in. lb. (p.1.9), same figure as M8.
carburetor bowl retaining screw 50 in-lb≈ 4.2 ft-lbHigh 50 in. lb. (p.1.9), same figure as M8.
bearing plate fastener 35 ft-lbHigh
Reassembly procedure only (p.12B.6), not the Section 1 table: "Torque screws to 35 ft. lb." -- a heavier fastener/thread than M8's 115 in-lb… Why › bearing plate, consistent with the larger M10-M16 crankshaft main-bearing surface.
keyswitch nut 90–100 in-lbHigh 90/100 in. lb. (p.1.11) -- M8 prints a dash for this row (no keyswitch-nut fastener in that configuration).
camgear cover fastener 115 in-lb≈ 9.6 ft-lbHigh 115 in. lb. (p.1.9) -- M8 prints a dash for this row.
remote throttle control nut 10–15 in-lbHigh 10/15 in. lb. (p.1.12), same figure as M8. Footnote 8: "Torque to value specified; then loosen nut 1/2 turn."
engine mounted throttle control nut 15–25 in-lbHigh 15/25 in. lb. (p.1.12), same figure as M8.
fixed speed applications nut 70 in-lb≈ 5.8 ft-lbHigh 70 in. lb. (p.1.12), same figure as M8.
air cleaner element cover nut 50 in-lb≈ 4.2 ft-lbHigh
50 in. lb., spec table p.1.9, same figure as M8. Why › Confirmed again at reassembly (p.12B.16): "Install the seal, paper element, element cover, and element cover nut. Torque the nut to 50 in. lb."

Valve clearance — feeler gauge, not a wrench

  • spark plug gap: Not a torque spec. Type RH-10, gap .025" (p.1.11) -- different plug type from M8's RCJ-8, same gap.
  • ignition module to magnet air gap: Not a torque spec. Resulting air gap value is the same .012"/.016" as M8 -- the Figure 8-5 setting procedure also applies fleet-wide across M8-M16.

Kohler Classic Magnum M18 / M20 (twin) Manufacturer-published

series M18, M20
All values from Kohler's Twin Cylinder Engine Service Manual, Magnum Models M18 & M20 (form TP-2204-B, issued 3/86, revised 5/93), hosted at… More about this engine ›

resources.kohler.com -- the "Model M18" and "Model M20" columns of the Section 1 spec table. No usable text layer, so every figure here was read directly from the manual's own printed pages. TP-2204-B's own Note 1 (p.1.10): "Use standard torque values when specific values are not given. Standard values have a tolerance of (+ or -) 20%." -- worded slightly differently from TP-2203-A's version (see the Magnum M8 entry), but the same substance. M18/M20 share a genuinely different, full-pressure-lubricated twin-cylinder architecture from the M8-M16 singles above -- the closure plate, cylinder barrel and crankcase fastener rows, the oil filter system, and the intake/exhaust manifold row all belong only to this family; don't borrow any of them for M8-M16, which have no manifold, no oil filter, and no closure-plate/cylinder-barrel joints. Electronic magneto ignition, same as M8-M16 -- no breaker points. TP-2204-B's Standard Torque Values chart and Oil Drain Plugs table (p.1.10) are word-for-word identical to TP-2203-A's -- quoted in full on the Magnum M8 entry above rather than repeated here. Verified 2026-09-19.

Fastener Torque Where it comes from
cylinder head cap screw 15–20 ft-lbHigh
15/20 ft. lb. (p.1.8) -- same figure as the smaller M8 single, but a DIFFERENT engine family; do not assume the bolt pattern matches. Why › Reassembly procedure (p.11.12, Figure 11-34): "1. Install gaskets, cylinder heads, plain washers, and hex. cap screws (lubricate threads with oil). Torque hex. cap screws in increments in the sequence shown in Figure 11-34 to 15/20 ft. lb." 9 bolts per head, both heads identical: 3 and 7 (top, either side of the notch), 5 and 8 (upper-mid), 2 and 1 (mid), 6 and 4 (lower-mid), 9 (bottom-center).
connecting rod nut 100–140 in-lbHigh
New Service Rod Nut 140 in. lb.; Used Rod Nut 100 in. lb. Why › (p.1.7) -- a flat figure shared by BOTH M18 and M20 regardless of HP class, unlike M8-M16 where the figure scales with HP. Footnote 6 here reads differently from TP-2203-A's: "Torque in increments to the value specified. Do not overtorque--do not loosen and retorque hex. nuts on Posi-Lock connecting rods." (TP-2203-A's Note 6 reads "do not overtorque--loosen--and retorque" -- two separate prohibitions rather than one compound one; the practical instruction is the same either way.)
flywheel fastener 40 ft-lbHigh A single flat 40 ft. lb. (p.1.8) for both M18 and M20 -- unlike M8's 85/90 or M10-16's 40/45, this is not printed as a range or new/used pair.
spark plug 10–15 ft-lbHigh 10/15 ft. lb. (p.1.8) -- noticeably lower than M8-M16's 18/22 ft-lb. Plug type RV17YC (not RCJ-8 or RH-10), gap 0.035" (vs. 0.025" on the smaller Magnums).
fan fastener 115 in-lb≈ 9.6 ft-lbHigh 115 in. lb. (p.1.8), same figure as M8-M16.
fuel pump mounting screw 40–45 in-lbHigh Printed as "40/45 in. lb." (p.1.8), same figure as M8-M16.
fuel inlet seat 35 in-lb≈ 2.9 ft-lbHigh 35 in. lb. (p.1.6), same figure as M8-M16.
carburetor bowl retaining screw 50 in-lb≈ 4.2 ft-lbHigh 50 in. lb. (p.1.6), same figure as M8-M16.
intake and exhaust manifold fastener 150 in-lb≈ 12.5 ft-lbHigh
150 in. lb. (p.1.7) -- this component doesn't exist on the single-cylinder M8-M16 Magnums (no separate manifold; the carburetor mounts… Why › directly) -- do not borrow this figure for those engines. Confirmed at the exhaust elbow in reassembly (p.11.18): "Torque screws to 150 in. lb."
closure plate fastener 150 in-lb≈ 12.5 ft-lbHigh
150 in. lb. (p.1.7). Footnote 7: "Refer to the 'Reassembly' Section for instructions and tightening sequence." "NOTE: Later production… Why › models use silicone sealant as a gasket between the closure plate and crankcase... closure plates designed for use with gaskets cannot be installed using sealant; closure plates designed for use with sealant cannot be installed using a gasket." A 1/16" sealant bead is applied per Figure 11-27 on sealant-type plates. This component has no equivalent on the single-cylinder M8-M16 Magnums, which use fiber gaskets throughout.
closure plate oil gallery pipe plug 65–80 in-lbHigh
65/80 in. lb. (p.1.7). Not footnoted 7 in the source table -- that footnote applies to the closure plate fastener and the cylinder… Why › barrel/crankcase fastener rows below, not this pipe plug.
cylinder barrel nut 200 in-lb≈ 16.7 ft-lbHigh 200 in. lb. (p.1.7). Footnote 7: "Refer to the 'Reassembly' Section for instructions and tightening sequence."
crankcase nut 260 in-lb≈ 21.7 ft-lbHigh 260 in. lb. (p.1.7). Footnote 7: "Refer to the 'Reassembly' Section for instructions and tightening sequence."
crankcase screw5/16" 200 in-lb≈ 16.7 ft-lbHighalso cited260 in-lb ≈ 21.7 ft-lbHigh
200 in. lb. for the 5/16" crankcase screw (p.1.7). Why › Footnote 7: "Refer to the 'Reassembly' Section for instructions and tightening sequence." 260 in. for the 3/8" crankcase screw (p.1.7).
oil fill cap (#52 173 01) 30–45 in-lbHigh 30/45 in. lb. (p.1.8).
oil filter installation 50–80 in-lbHigh 50/80 in. lb. (p.1.8). The single-cylinder M8-M16 Magnums have no oil filter -- this row and the filter system generally are M18/M20-specific.
engine mtd. filter adapter fastener 125 in-lb≈ 10.4 ft-lbHigh 125 in. lb. (p.1.8), "Oil Fill/Oil Filter" table. M18/M20-specific -- the M8-M16 singles have no oil filter.
remote oil filter cover fastener 125 in-lb≈ 10.4 ft-lbHigh 125 in. lb. (p.1.8), "Oil Fill/Oil Filter" table.
remote oil line fitting nut 65–80 in-lbHigh 65/80 in. lb. (p.1.8), "Oil Fill/Oil Filter" table.
remote oil line reducing connector 65–80 in-lbHigh 65/80 in. lb. (p.1.8), "Oil Fill/Oil Filter" table.
remote oil line flare nut 100–120 in-lbHigh 100/120 in. lb. (p.1.8), "Oil Fill/Oil Filter" table.
remote oil filter adapter fitting 90–130 in-lbHigh 90/130 in. lb. (p.1.8), "Oil Fill/Oil Filter" table.
oil filter bypass cover fastener 125 in-lb≈ 10.4 ft-lbHigh 125 in. lb. (p.1.8), "Oil Fill/Oil Filter" table.

Valve clearance — feeler gauge, not a wrench

  • spark plug gap: Not a torque spec. Type RV17YC, gap 0.035" (p.1.8).
  • ignition module to magnet air gap: Not a torque spec -- .008"/.012" (p.1.8), the resulting spec value, tighter than M8-M16's .012"/.016". No step-by-step feeler-gauge setting procedure like TP-2203-A's Figure 8-5 was located for this family.
1 spec not published — governor bushing What we found ›
  • governor bushingGAP: absent from TP-2204-B's Section 1 spec table entirely -- the alphabetical listing runs straight from Fuel Pump to Ignition with no Governor entry between them. Do not carry over M8-M16's 100/120 in-lb figure; a different governor linkage design may be why it isn't listed.

What is the cylinder head bolt torque on a Kohler K301 or K321?

25-30 ft-lb, per Kohler's TP-2379 (Figure 1-6, p.1.7) -- the same figure and 9-bolt pattern shared by the K241, K301 and K321. Reach it in stages, per the manual's own reassembly procedure (p.12.16): "Initially torque each bolt to 10 ft. lbs following the recommended torque sequence... Sequentially tighten each bolt in 10 ft. lb. increments until the specified torque values are reached." Then: "run the engine for 15 minutes, stop, and allow to cool. Then, sequentially retorque the head bolts to the specified torque value." The K341 uses the same 25-30 ft-lb final figure but its own 10-bolt pattern -- the two hole diagrams are not interchangeable.

Does the Kohler K161/K181 flywheel use a nut or a screw?

TP-2379 is not fully consistent with itself here. The summary torque chart (Figure 1-6, p.1.7) shows K161/K181's flywheel-nut torque at 85-90 ft-lb and prints a dash for the flywheel-retaining-screw row, implying no screw applies. But the reassembly procedure a few pages later (p.12.15-12.16) says: "Hold flywheel with strap wrench and torque hex nut to 40/50 ft. lb. for K91 and 85/90 ft. lb. for K161 and K181. If a hex head sems screw is used, torque screw to 250 in. lb." So if your K161 or K181 uses a hex head sems screw instead of the standard nut, Kohler's own procedure text gives 250 in-lb for it -- read the chart's dash as "not the standard configuration," not as "never applies."

Can I overtorque-and-loosen a Kohler Posi-Lock connecting rod like a normal capscrew rod?

No -- Kohler is explicit about it in TP-2379's own footnotes to Figure 1-6 (p.1.7). The Capscrew rod's footnote (③) reads "Overtorque 20%, loosen below torque value and retorque to final torque value," but the Posi-Lock footnote (②) reads the opposite: "DO NOT overtorque -- loosen -- and retorque the hex nuts on Posi-Lock connecting rods... NEW -- Component directly from stock. USED -- Component that was in a running engine." Posi-Lock rods (used on K181 and on K241-K341) also carry a different figure for a new-from-stock nut than for a reinstalled one -- see the K181 and K241-K341 connecting rod rows.

Is there a Kohler K-Series "standard torque" chart for fasteners that aren't in the main table?

Yes -- Figure 1-6 (TP-2379, p.1.7) is explicit: "USE STANDARD TORQUE SETTINGS WHEN SPECIFIC VALUES ARE NOT SPECIFIED." It prints a full chart by bolt size and grade (8-32 up to 3/4-16, Grade 2/5/8, for cast iron/steel and separately for aluminum) -- see the K91 entry below for the full table. Both Magnum manuals print their own version of the same fallback rule, worded slightly differently and with an explicit tolerance: TP-2203-A's Note 1 (p.1.12) reads "Use standard torque values when specific values are not given. Standard values have a tolerance of ± 20%."; TP-2204-B's Note 1 (p.1.10) reads "Use standard torque values when specific values are not given. Standard values have a tolerance of (+ or -) 20%." -- see the Magnum M8 entry for the chart itself.

What torque does a Kohler Magnum M18 or M20 spark plug take, and is it the same as the smaller Magnums?

10/15 ft-lb per TP-2204-B (p.1.8) -- noticeably lower than the M8-M16 singles' 18/22 ft-lb (TP-2203-A, p.1.11). The plug itself is also different: M18/M20 uses an RV17YC at a 0.035" gap, versus RCJ-8 (M8) or RH-10 (M10-M16) at 0.025". Don't carry the smaller Magnum's spark plug figure onto a twin.

Where does the Magnum "35 ft. lb." bearing-plate torque come from -- it isn't in the spec table?

It isn't in the Section 1 spec table on either Magnum manual -- it only appears in the reassembly procedure text. TP-2203-A's M8 procedure (p.12A.4) says "Torque the screws to 115 in. lb."; the M10-M16 procedure (p.12B.6) says "Torque screws to 35 ft. lb." Kohler's K-Series manual has the identical split at the identical page type (TP-2379, p.12.10): "Torque K91-K181 to 115 in. lb. Torque K241-K341 to 35 ft. lb." -- and that page also contains Kohler's own typo, "K241-K361," where no K361 model exists in either document; quoted as printed, not corrected.

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