GT2550 Kohler engine, valve train noise

RandyT · Jun 7, 2025

5030 said:
Randy certainly knows as he repairs them for a living. Me. I just own 2 Kohlers, besides the commode in the bathroom....

One opposed twin 'Command Series' gas guzzler on the wife's zero turn and an ancient but stone reliable K series on my engine drive welder that I've never had any issues with other than required maintenance, oil changes, air filter renew and a spark plug in the last 25+ years.

I do like the sound of the K series engines produce when idling.

Actually that opposed twin Kohler would be either a KT series or a Magnum not the Command which is V-twin OHV. But you are right, nothing will replace the K series.

5030 · Jun 7, 2025

Randy.. I mis spoke. I forgot I did have to replace ONE component on mine, the non adjustable carb. My Lincoln engine drive welder has the auto idle on it and when I bought it many, many years ago, the engine would not pick up from an idle cleanly not matter what I tried so I replaced the carb with an adjustable idle and high speed jet and that cured that issue. Since then, just normal maintenance and I use the welder a lot. It's skid mounted and goes in the back of the truck. Great unit for field work and being an older one, it's a transformer unit not IGBT so nothing to fail inside. Just started using it for powering the arc gouging torch which really requires a transformer unit as a solid state IGBT welder cannot handle the inetermittent amp load well. I have replaced the starting battery a few times as well even though I try to keep it on a battery tender when not in use. I'll own it until I exist no more.

No other engine I know of produces that distinct sound when idling. Kind of musical in a way...