Kohler CH440 ACR spring

[freedomlives]

My woodchipper has this Kohler motor. It became impossible to start- i.e. pulling the cord wouldn't turn it over. Somewhere I read this could be the decompressor on the exhaust valve not working, so I removed the spark plug, and sure enough, no problem turning the motor over.

Last week I finally got the motor apart, and removed the camshaft, which the Automatic Compression Release is part of. Very simple mechanism, immediately the cause was clear- the spring is too weak.

That should be a cheap fox, right? But Kohler doesn't sell just the spring. Only the whole camshaft assembly for 110€ ($125). So if I want to replace this spring, are there any alternative sources, like some other engine with a similar mechanism and spring?

 

[RandyT]

I have seen the springs break but never not be strong enough. That flyweight looks a little strange to me. like it is out of position, and the tip looks like it could of been rubbing something. Is the flyweight stop pin in place to prevent over rotation. I think I would replace the camshaft, and I know you don't want to hear that but just to prevent further issues.

 

[skipmarcy]

Can't see the ends of the spring but it looks very similar to advance springs in an automotive distributor. They come in all different sizes and tensions.

 

[tomplum]

The disconnect here is did you verify the lift and valve lash before it was torn down?