The Kawasaki FE290 is a 0.29 l (286 cc, 17.45 cu-in) single-cylinder air-cooled 4-stroke internal combustion small gasoline engine with horizontal shaft manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries LTd., for general-purpose applications.
The FE290 engine has an OHV (overhead valve) design; cast iron cylinder liner; reciprocating balancer; float type carburetor with fixed main jet; flywheel magneto transistor type ignition system; mechanical governor and recoil starter with automatic compression release (electric starter was available as an option). The engine uses a full pressure lubrication system with oil filter and low oil shut-off system; dual-element air cleaner or oil bath type air cleaner as an option.
It has a 78.0 mm (3.07 in) cylinder bore and 60.0 mm (2.36 in) piston stroke. Compression ratio rating is 8.4:1. The Kawasaki FE290 motor produced 9.7 PS (7.1 kW; 9.5 HP) at 3,600 rpm of horsepower and 18.6 Nm (1.9 kg·m; 13.73 ft·lb) at 2,800 rpm of torque. The FE290G – 1/2 cam gear reduction.
General information
Engine Specifications
Model
FE290D / FE290G
Type
4-stroke, OHV, single cylinder
Displacement
286 cm 3 (17.45 cu-in)
Max. horsepower
9.7 PS (7.1 KW; 9.5 HP) at 3,600 rpm
Max. torque (crank PTO)
18.6 Nm (1.9 kg·m; 13.73 ft·lb) ta 2,800 rpm
Carburetor
Float type with fixed main jet
Cooling system
Forced-air
Ignition system
Flywheel magneto transistor type
Lubricating system
Pressurized lubrication with oil filter
Starting system
Recoil or electric starter
Stoping system
Ignition primary circuit ground
Fuel used
Unleaded gasoline (octane number 86 or higher)
Fuel tank capacity
6.0 L (6.3 US qt)
Fuel consumption
240 g/HPh
PTO shaft rotation
Counterclockwise (from PTO shaft side)
Dimensions and Weight
Kawasaki FE290 D/G
Length
363 mm (14.3 in)
Width
408 mm (16.0 in)
Height
441 mm (17.4 in)
Dry weight
30.4 kg (67.0 lbs)
Tightening torque specs
Tightening torque specs
Connecting rod bolt
20 Nm; 2.0 kg·m; 15 ft·lb
Cylinder head bolt
25 Nm; 2.5 kg·m; 17 ft·lb
Flywheel nut
86 Nm; 8.8 kg·m; 63 ft·lb
Rocker arm lock nut
10 Nm; 1.0 kg·m; 7.2 ft·lb
Crankcase cover
31 Nm; 3.2 kg·m; 23 ft·lb
Oil drain plug
32 Nm; 3.3 kg·m; 24 ft·lb
Spark plug
23 Nm; 2.3 kg·m; 17 ft·lb
Service Information
Engine
Maximum speed
4,000 ± 100 rpm
Idle speed
1,300 ± 150 rpm
Cylinder compression
3.0-4.0 kg/cm2 (42-57 psi) at 600 rpm
Valve clearance
Intake valve clearance
0.12 mm (0.0047 in)
Exhaust valve clearance
0.12 mm (0.0047 in)
Oil system
Oil type
4-stroke or an equivalent (SF, SG, SH, or SJ)
Recommended oil
SAE 10W-30
Oil capacity
1.1 L (1.2 US. qt)
Ignition system
Spark plug
NGK: BP5ES
Spark plug gap
0.7-0.8 mm (0.028-0.031 in)
Ignition coil air gap
0.3 mm (0.012 in)
Author:Sergei WersAbout: 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.
13 Comments
What size is the output on the crankshaft? i know its taper, but what equivalent to it? what the length?
Kawasaki began making it in the early 90’s for general purpose applications, they were used in Clubcars, and Mule 550’s 520’s and 500’s
they stopped around 2004
Do you think it would fit in a 1995 club car the currently has a Kawasaki fe290. I’m having engine troubles and I’m looking at this as an alternative for my golf cart.
Hola tengo un motor Kawasaki FE290 y quisiera saber cuál es el sentido de giro del motor del lado del ventilador, le falta arrancador de cuerda, gracias
I have a John Deere Gator with a Kawasaki FE290D engine with a defective clutch. Is it the same engine for golf carts? and also the same clutch.
Thank you,
J-P Soumis
The D series doesn’t really mean anything when you’re talking about the FE290 it’s still the same engine & shell .the difference as I know are the way it mounts and gear drives and whatever else it’s used for. The engine is still the same
The Kawasaki FE290 is a 0.29 l (286 cc, 17.45 cu-in) single-cylinder air-cooled 4-stroke internal combustion small gasoline engine with horizontal shaft manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries LTd., for general-purpose applications. 
Author:
What size is the output on the crankshaft? i know its taper, but what equivalent to it? what the length?
Thank you!
Did Kawasaki make the FE290D engine in 2011?
Kawasaki began making it in the early 90’s for general purpose applications, they were used in Clubcars, and Mule 550’s 520’s and 500’s
they stopped around 2004
Do you think it would fit in a 1995 club car the currently has a Kawasaki fe290. I’m having engine troubles and I’m looking at this as an alternative for my golf cart.
need the spec for the crankshaft taper FE290D-ES11
thanks
Hola tengo un motor Kawasaki FE290 y quisiera saber cuál es el sentido de giro del motor del lado del ventilador, le falta arrancador de cuerda, gracias
what is the ignition coil specifications. ohm
I have a John Deere Gator with a Kawasaki FE290D engine with a defective clutch. Is it the same engine for golf carts? and also the same clutch.
Thank you,
J-P Soumis
The D series doesn’t really mean anything when you’re talking about the FE290 it’s still the same engine & shell .the difference as I know are the way it mounts and gear drives and whatever else it’s used for. The engine is still the same
what is the length of fe290 crank shaft
I also need the shaft size and taper for the fe290 engine please. Thanks in advance guys!
I a GE 5000A GENERATOR. Working on the carburator. striped the jet. need to figure out what size it is. can you please help?
Where can I find a video on doing the valve adjustment on the FE290. I have a 2002 Club Car, also how can I get somemore power out of the eng/ Thanks