1554 issue/maintenance

JTKub · Jun 17, 2009

I've seen some neglected Kohler twins with so much chaff/clippings/rodent nest stuffed around the cylinder jugs that the engines cannot cool themselves properly. This will lead to valve seat issues and possibly oiling/bearing failure. One way to tell is look through where the spark plugs protrude from the engine shrouding. If you see debris in there, shop-vac it or blow it out with compressed air ASAP.

Joel

bline22 · Jun 17, 2009

The engine looks brand new when you simply open the cover and look at it. If a person looked at the engine this way they would think it was nearly brand new. The air filter where it looked like a mouse nest may have been or was started is cleaned now, but i didn't replace the air filter yet. When i cleaned the air filter i then examined the engine closer to make sure i didn't see any other remnants. Everything looked OK at that point.

I did check the spark plug area and fortunately it is clean of junk.

The only thing I have done at this point was to add the seafoam to my gas per the instructions on the bottle. I haven't had the chance to look at the carburetor or anything like that yet.

OldMachinist · Jun 17, 2009

Does the knocking sound get faster as the engine speeds up or does it stay the same?

JPPWNY · Jun 17, 2009

Could just be a bad spark plug.
Maybe one or more plugs are cracked or burned out.

bline22 · Jun 18, 2009

the knocking stays the same. speeds up with the throttle.

Are the spark plugs in the kohler unique in any fashion or do you think i could run to some place like fleet farm and pick some up?

JTKub · Jun 18, 2009

You can always check kohlerengines.com. Spark plugs are Champion (or equiv x-ref) RC12YC, XC12YC, or Platinum 3071. Gap is 0.76 mm (0.030 in.) Honestly I wouldn't think plugs would be the cause of your concern, but I couldn't hurt to change them.

Joel