Read the spark plug first to try to see what has been going on. A plug in normal condition has a thin layer of light-brown deposits on it. If you see a thick layer of black carbon deposits, it's a sign that the carburetor mixture is too rich -- your engine may even be smoking. Electrodes that have been worn thin are a sign of overheating, often caused by too much ethanol in the gas. If your plug has wet, oily deposits, it's time to take the mower in for servicing, because oil is leaking into the combustion chamber where it shouldn't be. · Other Engine Problems · If your spark plug appears to have normal wear -- or if you've just installed a new one -- and the engine doesn't fire, you can check the plug by replacing the spark plug wire with a tester and pulling the starting rope. If you don't see a spark on the tester, there may be a problem with the ignition coil of the flywheel to which it's attached. The ignition coil doesn't frequently develop problems, but the connection between the flywheel and coil or between the starting pulley and flywheel can wear out, and the coil may not be turning. Replacing the worn part isn't difficult, but you may need a pro to properly disassemble the engine. Answer from mayer on ifixit.com
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Read the spark plug first to try to see what has been going on. A plug in normal condition has a thin layer of light-brown deposits on it. If you see a thick layer of black carbon deposits, it's a sign that the carburetor mixture is too rich -- your engine may even be smoking. Electrodes that have been worn thin are a sign of overheating, often caused by too much ethanol in the gas. If your plug has wet, oily deposits, it's time to take the mower in for servicing, because oil is leaking into the combustion chamber where it shouldn't be. · Other Engine Problems · If your spark plug appears to have normal wear -- or if you've just installed a new one -- and the engine doesn't fire, you can check the plug by replacing the spark plug wire with a tester and pulling the starting rope. If you don't see a spark on the tester, there may be a problem with the ignition coil of the flywheel to which it's attached. The ignition coil doesn't frequently develop problems, but the connection between the flywheel and coil or between the starting pulley and flywheel can wear out, and the coil may not be turning. Replacing the worn part isn't difficult, but you may need a pro to properly disassemble the engine.
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try removing the white wire that worked on my mower
Repair Clinic
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Kohler Small Engine Won't Start | Solutions & Repair Parts | Repair Clinic
Here are the most common reasons your Kohler small engine won't start - and the parts & instructions to fix the problem yourself. We make fixing things easier!
Published November 22, 2021
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Hobbyist Forums
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Trouble with Kohler 16 hp will not start | Hobbyist Forums
I don't know what else to try. I would be thankful for any help to get this engine running again. The grass is growing. Thanks, Jake ... Hi Jake had a kohler 16 hp and the valve lifters needed to be adusted ...acted the same way like it was out of gas...but wasn't.
JustAnswer
justanswer.com › small-engine › 7yzwn-kohler-cv460s-16-hp-engine-will-not-start.html
Kohler CV460S 16 HP Engine Troubleshooting Q&A | JustAnswer
If adding fuel to the cylinder allows the engine to run, this indicates a problem with the fuel solenoid. In that case, let's focus on the valves! To check the valves, simply remove the rocker cover and see if both valves move equal distances or if a rocker is off. It’s not difficult to check the valves. Here is the service manual: http://www.kohlerengines.com/onlinecatalog/pdf/tp_2339_d.pdf
JustAnswer
justanswer.com › small-engine › 3xg81-16-hp-kohler-engine-starting-give.html
Expert Solutions for 16 HP Kohler Engine Starting Issues | JustAnswer
We need the model number of the unit. exampleNNN-NN-NNNN Need to look at the systems and the engine wiring. ... Technician: Curtis B. By the sound of it you have two separate problems. They could be related or they could be independent of the other. Lets look at the time it shuts down and turns over but won't restart.
Houzz
houzz.com › discussions › 1651895 › kohler-16hp-command-engine-nagging-won-t-start-on-simplicity
Kohler 16hp Command Engine Nagging Won't Start on Simplicity
I picked up a 2002 Simplicity Regent Hydro at a rummage sale that apparently wouldn't start, so I took a gamble on it. It turns over well, but just won't fire. With some starting fluild, I can occasionally get a little backfire puff. Here is what I have checked on this Kohler 16hp CV16S-4350 ...
DoItYourself.com
doityourself.com › doityourself.com community forums › cars, suv's, vans, trucks, rv's, boats and gasoline outdoor power equipment › outdoor gasoline and electric powered equipment and small engines › kohler pro 16 hp ohv - won't start- no spark
Kohler Pro 16 HP OHV - Won't Start- No Spark - DoItYourself.com Community Forums
May 11, 2009 - First, try a new spark plug and then test for spark. Second, eliminate all potential safety circuit issues by isolating the kill wire from the ignition coil found, most likely, on the right side of the engine and unplugging the master connector ...
Kohler Power
kohlerpower.com › en › engines › troubleshooting
Troubleshooting | Customer Support - Kohler Engines - Rehlko
Trouble with your Rehlko Engine? Use a systematic approach to identify and correct issues. If troubles persist, contact Rehlko Customer Service.
JustAnswer
justanswer.com › small-engine › 3eqmn-craftsman-kohler-16-5-hp-engine-won-t-start.html
I have a Craftsman Kohler 16.5 hp engine that won't start. It has been leaking gas all winter, and now is spitting it
Drain the oil , the crank case will be full of gas , install freash gas , remove spark plug , cover spark plug boot with a rag so it won't ignite gas that will be in cylinder , crank over until just a mist , reinstall spark plug ,fire up , it will smoke for a bit. Good luck Robert P ... I have a Craftsman lawn tractor with a 16.5 HP Kohler engine.
JustAnswer
justanswer.com › small-engine › kek3d-16-hp-kohler-motor-turns-no-spark-replaced.html
Kohler Motor Won't Start? Expert Troubleshooting Q&A Guide
What is the engine model number? Is it equipped with solid-state ignition, or does it utilize points, a condenser, and a coil? ... Technician: Curtis B. CV16 would be entirely electronic. Therefore, the only component that generates the spark is the flywheel magnet and the coil. Have you checked for a spark with the kill wire disconnected from the coil? ... I have a craftsman riding mower with a kohler 16 hp motor.
Upgradedhome
upgradedhome.com › outdoors › gardening › kohler engine cranks but won't start (possible causes & fixes)
Kohler Engine Cranks But Won't Start (Possible Causes & Fixes) | Upgradedhome.com
November 2, 2021 - Inspect the spark plug for a carbon buildup or cracks, and replace it if the electrodes are damaged. Test the ignition coil and replace it if it spark plug is fine but the engine still won’t start.
The Home Depot
appliancerepair.homedepot.com › RepairHelp › How-To-Fix-A-Small-Engine › 167-315-- › Kohler-Small-engine-hard-to-start
Kohler Small Engine Hard to Start - Repair Parts - The Home Depot Repair Parts
To determine if the gas cap vent is clogged, try slightly loosening the gas cap and then starting the engine. If the loosening the gas cap allows the engine to stay running, this indicates that the gas cap vent is clogged. If the gas cap vent is clogged, replace the gas cap.
Lawn Care Forum
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Kohler engine cranking but not starting | Lawn Care Forum
I removed the air filter and sprayed carb cleaner in the carb then cranked engine and it fired up and ran till all carb cleaner was gone (1-2 seconds) but will not run off gasoline. I tapped on the carb bowl thinking it could have stuck needle and saw a solenoid on the bottom of the bowl with one wire going to wiring harness (have never dealt with this before).
SFGate
homeguides.sfgate.com › kohler-engine-riding-lawn-mower-fire-but-not-start-102715.html
The Kohler Engine on My Riding Lawn Mower Will Fire but Not Start
May 6, 2014 - Once the solenoid has provided the spark to fire the starter, the carburetor, spark plug and pistons take over. Although small engines are simple, they rely on each part running in a perfect rhythm. In addition to fuel obstructions, a spark plug with an improper gap or one that is loose won't sustain combustion.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/smallengines › kohler command 23 no start
r/smallengines on Reddit: Kohler Command 23 no start
April 29, 2023 -
I have an JD l130 -Kohler Command 23 with a no start issue. It's sputtered and came back a few times and then died.
It cranks healthily. Tried to bump it with some starter fluid and it didn't even try to start with that.
Pulled both spark plugs and they both Arc blue to the engine. Appears to have good compression. Ran like a champ before this.
I'm wondering if the coil could be bad but not fully failed?
Any thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated! Thank you
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So you have 2 coils, so you'd think one of them should work. Flywheel key sheared?
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Air spark and fuel. What's it not getting? Checked your air filter? How old is the fuel? What do the plugs look like? Black? White? Brand New? I thought the idea of the coil having enough to create a spark but maybe not a strong one, however you'd think it'd start on one and you wouldn't think both would be going like this at the same time. Try removing the spark plugs and rolling it over a few times with the key switch, as if you're starting it. Have a look for fuel coming out the spark plug holes. My last suggestion is to remove the carb bowl for a better inspection. If you find any gel type substance it's probably due for a freshen up at the least. You can try soaking it in an ultrasonic if you remove the entire carb. Best of luck!
RedSquare Wheel Horse Forum
wheelhorseforum.com › wheel horse › engines
Kohler engine wont start, was running fine - Engines - RedSquare Wheel Horse Forum
September 16, 2023 - A few weeks ago my Wheel Horse would start fine but would start losing power and then stop. If I waited awhile it would start but then soon stop again. If I left it sit overnight it would run fine for awhile but then would stop eventually and repeat the same symptoms. I replaced the fuel filter t...
Lawn Care Forum
lawnsite.com › home › forums › equipment › 🔧 mechanic and repair
16HP Kohler Command won't turn over | Lawn Care Forum
It might be seized but not like due to low oil, just it has sat so long some part froze which is keeping the engine from turning. Not sure how to go from here. ... You might pull spark plugs out and then see if they will turn over. Might have carbon or something else between piston and head keeping from turning over. ... This may be a dumb question, but is the starter engaging ?
Lawn Care Forum
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kohler wont stay running | Lawn Care Forum
This may or may not help, but this is from an automotive diagnostics: Engine starts, but stops immediately » Loose or faulty electrical connections in the ignition circuit. » Vacuum leak at the carburetor, throttle body, or inlet manifold.