Kohler Courage compression release

[Capt. Bob]

My Kohler engine on my Lt1050 will not turn over even after I adjusted the valves and put on new starter. I think it is the compression release has stopped working. What is involved in getting to it to fix it? Anybody done this before? Thanks

 

[tomplum]

I've not had an ACR failure on a Courage twin.The starter has been updated a few times by Kohler to have more torque. This was to mainly correct the breaking of the starter shafts though. Did you get a Kohler starter or an aftermarket? Grounding the ignition and removing the spark plugs, does it crank easily? Battery load tested and at least 250 CCA? Connections clean or jump to the starter direct? Should you suspect valve lash, .004 TDC is set- further insert a feeler in between the rocker and valve end to mimick a compression release and try to crank again.

 

[RandyT]

is this a single or twin cylinder. I have replaced the compression release on the single.

 

[Capt. Bob]

It is a Courage twin 26 hp. The battery and connections are good. I even tried it jumping the battery from my Kioti CK30 battery still no joy. The engine turns over good with the spark plugs removed and the valve lash is set at .004 on both sides. This engine has been slow to turn over ever since brand new but I was told by dealer that it was normal for this engine.

 

[Rock Crawler]

How many hours on this Courage 26HP V Twin? I have one also but have not had a starting issue... yet. Mine is at 580 hours and I will be honest.... I have yet to even pull a valve cover to look at the valves. Maybe I am on borrowed time!? My Courage engine is in a Husqvarna built and Craftsman branded garden tractor, so far it has been a flawless powerhouse of an engine. Lets hope that this trend continues!

 

[Capt. Bob]

How many hours on this Courage 26HP V Twin? I have one also but have not had a starting issue... yet. Mine is at 580 hours and I will be honest.... I have yet to even pull a valve cover to look at the valves. Maybe I am on borrowed time!? My Courage engine is in a Husqvarna built and Craftsman branded garden tractor, so far it has been a flawless powerhouse of an engine. Lets hope that this trend continues!

Mine only has 152 hrs. on it. The valves were at .009 on one side when I checked. I am going to pull the flywheel if it ever warms up around here and check the keyway.

 

[Rock Crawler]

I have read time and again negative comments about these courage engines, I'm not sure if I am a one in the million lucky person or what. My Kohler Courage engine that 580 hours is the same as the day I bought it, and I've never changed a spark plug. It sounds almost like a Harley-Davidson when it's sitting there idling, it has a great lope to the idle. It makes tremendous power for working on these steep hills and is an all-around awesome engine from my experience. But again my experience does not seem to mirror every owners.

 

[tomplum]

The Courage twin overall has been a good engine. Valve lash service is suggested @ 300 hours much like many Kawasaki and Honda engines. (Brings Intek @ 100 hours ) As with many engines, if they aren't problematic on the compression release front- they aren't touched and probably don't need to be.Things to specifically know on the twins is never fill oil above the full mark, error on the light side- checking with the dipstick all the way in. The struggling starter motors are another which is why they upgraded them. Use OEM. The single Courages aren't awful, but with the thin cover plate and deep sump are tagged "bucket engines"- and especially by those who have had a cracked block.

 

[Capt. Bob]

I went through several parts diagrams and there is apparently no compression release on the Courage v-twin engine. If there is no one including Kohler does not sell the parts for it.

 

[tomplum]

I would think that the ACR is in how the cam is ground. I admit that the service manual is of little help. Sometimes Kohler manuals omit the obvious.

 

[RandyT]

I went through several parts diagrams and there is apparently no compression release on the Courage v-twin engine. If there is no one including Kohler does not sell the parts for it.

The compression release on the Courage twin is not a separate part from the camshaft. You have to replace the camshaft to get the compression release parts. the single has the replaceable compression release, but not the twin.

 

[Capt. Bob]

I took a chance and ordered a new starter from DB Electrical. I know it is a china knockoff but the guy at the mower shop said they had used them before. Well long story short. I installed it, turned on the key and tried to start the engine and smoke started coming out of the top. When I tried to get an RMA from them they are charging me freight to return it for refund. I said I didn't want another one and they are going to charge be a restocking fee also. I took my old starter to a shop and am having it rebuilt. It is costing me more but at least I know it will be right. If this don't work I am going to put the whole mower at the 100 meter birm on my firing range and use it for target practice.:mur:

 

[Rock Crawler]

Man, sorry to hear that

When my Kohler goes south on me (580 hours now with no trouble) my next will have a Kawasaki engine or a diesel.

I've really loved my Kohler V twin since I got it in 2007, but I'm aware that they are not commercial power plants so I'm not expecting a whole bunch from it. I'd love to see it make 1,000 hours, but that may be unrealistic even with Amsoil lubricants.

 

[tomplum]

I'm not sure how this is a wise move. You described that the engine had difficulty cranking since new. So rebuilding this starter will return it to what state? I know it is easy to spend some else's money, but the updated OEM new starter turns faster and is more powerful- so why rebuild an old one? I'm sure it is in my service school notes or something, but it cranks ~ 80-100 rpms quicker than the original would in good shape.

 

[Capt. Bob]

When did the new starter come out? My neighbor has a mower with an SV725 Kohler that he bought last spring and his is doing the same thing mine did when new. His is slow to start also. He is worried his will start to not crank at all like mine.

 

[tomplum]

I don't see a bulletin dating the change. The starter number of 3209808S replaces 3209801S, 3209803S, 3209804S. You would need to find an IPL for your specific engine and note which one it was built with.

These were the bullet points from update.
New 9 tooth pinion for increased torque

A new inertia drive starter has been developed with many advantages over the previous design.
Improvements include:

Stronger shaft - shaft diameter was increased from 12.5mm to 17mm
Less susceptible to bending or fracture
9 tooth pinion down from 10
Ratio allows for increased torque
Patent RDD (rubber disc drive) encapsulates the rubber and shields the friction surface from contaminants
Solves the grease/oil contamination slip issue
Higher torque and speed
Higher speed translates to more frequent pinion and ring gear meshing, Cranking speed is 80 rpm faster than the previous motor
Better performance
Better roll over engine speed and no hot restart stalling
Stable cranking
No kick outs of pinion due to higher torque
Lower current
Shorter motor
Pinion cold forged

 

[Capt. Bob]

Got my starter back for the shop yesterday. Put it back on and it spins the engine like a top. I don't recall the engine ever turning over that fast before. Guy at shop showed me the parts he replaced. The brushes and bearings were worn out. Thanks for the info tomplum. I am going to keep and eye out for one of those starters in case my new rebuilt one don't last long enough.

 

[tomplum]

Good deal. You're living right!

 

[stingray1]

I took a chance and ordered a new starter from DB Electrical. I know it is a china knockoff but the guy at the mower shop said they had used them before. Well long story short. I installed it, turned on the key and tried to start the engine and smoke started coming out of the top. When I tried to get an RMA from them they are charging me freight to return it for refund. I said I didn't want another one and they are going to charge be a restocking fee also. I took my old starter to a shop and am having it rebuilt. It is costing me more but at least I know it will be right. If this don't work I am going to put the whole mower at the 100 meter birm on my firing range and use it for target practice.:mur:

I was getting ready to order a starter from DB for my 1045 but ,after reading your post, I may just rebuild my old one.

 

[Rock Crawler]

We all talked about this Kohler engine and starter issues earlier this year.... and would you know it..... at 660 hours my trusty 25HP Kohler Courage Pro starter went from working fine every day to being dead as a door nail while in the garage. I went to M&R Kubota and grabbed the updated design that they had on the shelf for $160 and now I am ready for the next 700 hours.