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Troubleshooting
When troubles occur, be sure to check the simple causes which, at first, may seem too obvious to be considered.
For example, a starting problem could be caused by an empty fuel tank. Some common causes of engine troubles
are listed in the following table.
Do not attempt to service or replace major engine components, or any items that require special timing or
adjustment procedures. Have your Kohler Engine Service Dealer do this work.
Possible Cause No Improper Dirt In Dirty Incorrect Engine Dirty Air Faulty
Problem Fuel Fuel Fuel Line Grass Screen Oil Level Overloaded Cleaner Spark Plug
Will Not Start • • ••••
Hard Starting •• • • • •
Stops Suddenly • •••••
Lacks Power •••••••
Operates Erratically ••• • ••
Knocks or Pings •• • •
Skips or Misfires ••• ••
Backfires ••••
Overheats •••••
High Fuel Consumption ••
• Make sure fuel is reaching the carburetor. This
includes checking the fuel lines and components
for restrictions or problems. Replace as
necessary.
• Make sure On-Off switch is functioning properly.
• Make sure the air cleaner element is clean and all
air cleaner components are fastened securely.
If, after checking the items listed above, the engine is
hard to start, runs roughly, or stalls at low idle speed, it
may be necessary to adjust or service the carburetor.
Adjust Carburetor
NOTE: Certified engines have a limiter cap on the idle
fuel adjusting needle. Adjustment can only be
performed within the limits allowed by the cap.
1. Start the engine and run at half throttle for 5 to 10
minutes to warm up. The engine must be warm
before making final settings.
2. Low Idle Fuel Needle Setting: Place the throttle
into the ‘‘idle’’ or ‘‘slow’’ position. Turn the low
idle fuel adjusting needle/cap in or out within
adjustment range, to obtain the best low speed
performance.
3. Low Idle Speed Setting: Place the throttle control
into the ‘‘idle’’ or ‘‘slow’’ position. Set the low idle
speed to 2000 RPM* (+ 150 RPM) by turning the
low idle speed adjusting screw in or out. Check
the speed using a tachometer.
*NOTE: The actual low idle speed depends on the
application – refer to equipment
manufacturer's recommendations. The
recommended low isle speed for basic
engines is 2000 RPM. To ensure best
results when setting the low idle fuel
needle, the low idle speed must not
exceed 2000 RPM (+ 150 RPM).