Kohler 20 HP in Cub Cadet

Ted in NE

Member
Have a friend with a Cub Cadet. Will crank over & start some times. Then will come up on compression & slip the starter drive. Has a plastic piece with two flat spots to hold the gear.
Does this engine have a compression release like the 12 HP? Is a single cyl. engine.
Thanks for any help,
Ted
 
Typically, valve settings are CRITICAL for the compression release to work properly on these OPE engines.

Get the model data off of the engine and surf over to www.kohlerengines.com.

You should be able to view/download a service manual for free that will give you the details on valve settings and how the compression release works on that specific engine.
 
Actually, I can think of two totally different single cylinder Kohler engines. So I am guessing yours is a Courage and the model starts with SV, like SV590 or SV600.

Like Bob said, most likely your valves are out of adjustment.

However, I have seen at least two Courage engines where the compression release arm broke and then would not work. After that, if the starter can spin the engine for more than a revolution before the piston comes up on compression, it will probably start. But if it can't get enough momentum before it has to go over compression, it will probably turn part way and stall-then the starter slips.
 
I've got that engine in a Cub Cadet the wife just had to have. I'm pretty sure it was due to the cup holder.

It has done the same thing since it was brand new. If it can get it spinning it will take off. If it only has a partial revolution before the compression then the starter usually stalls out. You try it a couple times or just hold the key on start and it will eventually hump over it. I originally thought it was the battery with low CCA's. It only lasted a year so I bought the biggest one I could find that would fit. It didn't help.

I'm hoping that it spontaneously bursts into flames in the middle of the barnyard. I wouldn't go get the garden hose for quite a while.

In its defense it has really been an excellent engine. I know that it will fly to pieces someday soon. But I have no other complaints (other than the valve cover leaks like a seive). I never drain the fuel or anything and it fires right up in the spring and runs like a top.
 
You bought it new and it did it right off the bat you should have taken it right back while it was still under warranty and had them make it right.
 
Likely a little late with this, but the friend just got around to checking it out.
As said in the replies valve adjustment was off. They were to tight. Runs & starts great now.
Thank you for all the help.

Ted
 

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