kohler k241 wont start

Tom Dugan

New User
i have a kohler k241 on a jacobsen chief. it will not start at all cleaned carb real good. replaced condenser and points has plenty of spark. has 90psi compression i have no clue why she wont start. i have check valve clearences and set them correctly. it wont even try to start with starting fluid. any clues? i also notice the coil will get hot to the touch.
 
Several things can cause no start problem you have,first thing as has been said install a new plug,if after cranking eng & same still won't fire/start,remove plug & check if tip wet,if tip wet two possible causes of wet tip are plug not firing under compression load or you have a float problem/leaking float valve in carb & eng being flooded when cranking eng.

Little/no heat should be noticed on coil when cranking eng,if you have a fast heat buildup on coil when cranking eng this can indicate either plug shorting out internally or wire turns of primary or secondary of coil shorted together or one/both of the windings grounded,if you have an internal short in coil many times when you check for spark externally on eng with a plug you will get spark,but when you install plug in eng same will not fire under a compression load due to coil secondary voltage being low,you might want to hit a napa store & get an oem kohler coil or an aftermarket coil designed for use on a kohler eng.

Another common problem on the K series eng when they start to get tired or are tired & burning oil is sticking valves at cranking speed caused by carbon buildup on stems & valve(s) closeing late.
 
Sounds like maybe a regular automotive coil in it you need one with an internal dropping resistor. A regular coil will fry your points pretty fast.
 
it was the spark plug!!! wow never thought it would be grounding out like that. another question what are the settings for the top adjustment screw and the side one?
 
You can download the whole manual for that engine from the Kohler website. It would be a really good thing to have. Start with two turns out for both. Adjust the high speed needle - the one on top - first.
 

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