Bench testing a K301 Kohler 12 hp.

[Carpetbagger]

I'm trying to get a 12 hp Kohler started on the bench before installing in a tractor as I know very little about the engine. I bought a "pig in a poke." I've installed new points, plug and condenser. When I turn the motor over, I get a strong blue spark at the points, but a very weak spark at the plug. Would this indicate a faulty coil? I check the plug by vise gripping the plug to a flat grounding spot on the block and leaving the plug wire from the coil connected. I've got a hot wire running from the positive post on the coil to the positive post on the battery. The negative post on the battery is grounded to the block.The wire from the points is attached to the negative post on the coil and the condenser. I'm trying to make sure I have a good ignition before I move on to the carburetor. Your thoughts and opinions are appreciated. Carpetbagger

 

[Fuddy1952]

First I'm thinking I would check compression preferably a leak down tester would be best. The ignition and carburetor would be less important and something you should be able to address once motor is installed if needed.

 

[5030]

Have the same engine on my Lincoln welder I bought new. Replace the coil. If the head gasket is leaking it will get wet between the top of the jug and the head. Valve adjustment is real tricky. if it starts and runs ok, don't fiddle with the valves. If you must, download a Kohler K Series manual, they are online.

Nothing sounds sweeter than a big Kohler idiling.

 

[5030]

Far as the carb goes, buy a replacement one from Flea Bay. Lots easier than fiddling with the OEM atomizer, especially if it's the non adjustable type. They are junk.

 

[tomplum]

Re the quality of spark. Try it with the condensor disconnected or bring the point gap to .019 first.

 

[RalphVa]

I'm trying to get a 12 hp Kohler started on the bench before installing in a tractor as I know very little about the engine. I bought a "pig in a poke." I've installed new points, plug and condenser. When I turn the motor over, I get a strong blue spark at the points, but a very weak spark at the plug. Would this indicate a faulty coil? I check the plug by vise gripping the plug to a flat grounding spot on the block and leaving the plug wire from the coil connected. I've got a hot wire running from the positive post on the coil to the positive post on the battery. The negative post on the battery is grounded to the block.The wire from the points is attached to the negative post on the coil and the condenser. I'm trying to make sure I have a good ignition before I move on to the carburetor. Your thoughts and opinions are appreciated. Carpetbagger

I had a Gravely with 12 hp Kohler. One weird thing about it was that you had to set the points to about 16 thousands instead of 20 thousands that they're supposed to be set at. Otherwise, the points never close or maybe close so briefly that the condenser does not get a good charge. You can easily see this if you remove the spark plug and watch the points go up and down at 16 vs. 20 thousands.

May not be this way on all of them. Certainly was on the 5665 Gravely.

Ralph