Kohler K161 troybilt tiller idles but won't throttle up

Gurvey · Apr 7, 2022

Kohler k161 starts but when throttled up
governor opens up like it needs fuel and
dies after 30 seconds. I've replaced all
filters, fuel lines, carburetor, sparkplug
and gaskets. Points, condenser, magneto and
wiring were replaced two years ago but i
only run it a few hours a year. It runs
best with idle screw 1 1/2 turn out and
main jet 2 turns out. If the
points/condenser went out already could it
cause this?

Roger in Iowa · Apr 9, 2022

Does leaving the choke partially closed after start-up help it run longer? Or shorter?

Gurvey · Apr 9, 2022

It won't start using the choke and will die if the choke is turned on even a little bit.

RogerinIowa · Apr 9, 2022

Put your old condensor back in.

T.R.K. · Apr 9, 2022

Take the fuel line off the carburetor, put the line into an empty jar, let the fuel flow. See if it starts out like a good stream and then tapers off greatly. You may have a restriction in your fuel bowl screen or the tank outlet.

Russ from MN · Apr 10, 2022

Lots of good suggestions, but I would put some Sea-foam in it too. Let us know what fixes it!

oldproudvet · Apr 14, 2022

I fought the same problem several years ago, actually replaced the carb w/a used one and then bought a new one. Same problem. I was whining about my problem one time while dropping off a starter to be rebuilt at our local little electrical rebuild shop and the ol phart (I'm older pushing 80 he's just a kid pushing 70)I was talking to and he looked at me said close up your point gap, no more than .012. No more discussion he looked away. I thought he was wacko 'cuz I'm supposed to know this stuff being an automotive instructor back when points were king. Tried it out of desperation (I had the points in the .014-.016 range). Ran like a champ and that was a couple of years ago. I felt a bit stupid. Not enough dwell time to let the primary circuit in the coil charge the secondary. Try it. Larry

wore out · Apr 14, 2022

(quoted from post at 14:49:14 04/14/22) I fought the same problem several years ago, actually replaced the carb w/a used one and then bought a new one. Same problem. I was whining about my problem one time while dropping off a starter to be rebuilt at our local little electrical rebuild shop and the ol phart (I'm older pushing 80 he's just a kid pushing 70)I was talking to and he looked at me said close up your point gap, no more than .012. No more discussion he looked away. I thought he was wacko 'cuz I'm supposed to know this stuff being an automotive instructor back when points were king. Tried it out of desperation (I had the points in the .014-.016 range). Ran like a champ and that was a couple of years ago. I felt a bit stupid. Not enough dwell time to let the primary circuit in the coil charge the secondary. Try it. Larry

It's best to set the breaker points using a timing light so that spark occurs at the "SP" "SPARK" mark on the flywheel.

If there's a weak spark problem after that, perhaps the condenser or coil are "not up to par".

Gurvey · Apr 22, 2022

I've already replaced the shut off valve, screen and tried two different fuel lines.

Kohler K161 troybilt tiller idles but won't throttle up

Gurvey

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Roger in Iowa

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