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Troubleshooting
When troubles occur, be sure to check the simple causes which, at first, may seem to 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
Storage
If the engine will be out of service for two months or
more, use the following storage procedure:
1. Clean the exterior surfaces of the engine.
2. Change the oil and filter while the engine is still
warm from operation. See Change Oil and Oil
Filter on page 8.
3. The fuel system must be completely emptied, or
the gasoline must be treated with a stabilizer to
prevent deterioration. If you choose to use a
stabilizer, follow the manufacturers
recommendations, and add the correct amount for
the capacity of the fuel system. Fill the fuel tank
with clean, fresh gasoline. Run the engine for 2-3
minutes to get stabilized fuel into the carburetor.
To empty the system, run the engine until the fuel
tank and system are empty.
4. Remove the spark plugs. Add one tablespoon of
engine oil into each spark plug hole. Install plugs,
but do not connect the plug leads. Crank the
engine two or three revolutions.
5. Remove the spark plugs. Cover one spark plug
hole with your thumb, and turn the engine over
until the piston is at the top of its stroke. (Pressure
against thumb is greatest.) Repeat on other side.
Reinstall the plugs, but do not connect the plug
leads.
6. Store the engine in a clean, dry place.
Parts Ordering
The engine Specification, Model, and Serial Numbers
are required when ordering replacement parts from
your Kohler Engine Service Dealer. These numbers are
found on the identification plate which is affixed to the
engine shrouding. Include letter suffixes if there are
any. See Engine Identification Numbers on page 5.
Always insist on genuine Kohler parts. All genuine
Kohler parts meet strict standards for fit, reliability, and
performance.
Major Repair
Major repair information is available in Kohler Engine
Service Manuals. However, major repair generally
requires the attention of a trained mechanic and the
use of special tools and equipment. Your Kohler
Engine Service Dealer has the facilities, training, and
genuine Kohler replacement parts necessary to
perform this service. For Sales & Service assistance
call 1-800-544-2444 (U.S. & Canada) or contact your
Kohler Engine Dealer or Service Distributor, hes in the
Yellow Pages under Engines-Gasoline.
Model Designation
Model KT17S for example: KT indicates K-Series twin
cylinder engine, 17 indicates horsepower. Letter
suffixes following the model numbers designates a
specific version, as follows:
Suffix Designates
EP Generator Set
Q Quiet Model
S Electric Start
G Tapered Crankshaft
(Generator Application)