I need help with a Kohler K161T manual start, magneto ignition, engine. It was not firing at all and I couldn't get a reading from the secondary side of the coil so I replaced the coil. It runs now, but the faster it runs the more intermittent the spark gets. There is no smoke or bad noises from it. With the throttle set low it will start first or second pull on the rope. Advance the throttle and no start. It idles pretty well, but at full throttle it sounds like a hit and miss engine. I've checked and rechecked the points and timing. Using a timing light, it fires just a little above the center line of the timing window. The timing light verifies intermittent spark when it is running rough. I haven't changed the condenser until I've run all the options out. Before I put a ton of money in this engine and it still not be right, I want to repower it.
I've read tons of threads on this engine and ignition seems to be the prevalent topic. I have a tired K181 electric start and I'm considering using the battery ignition from it on this K161 and see if it corrects the problem. Any ideas about how to correct the intermittent spark would be appreciated.
I've read tons of threads on this engine and ignition seems to be the prevalent topic. I have a tired K181 electric start and I'm considering using the battery ignition from it on this K161 and see if it corrects the problem. Any ideas about how to correct the intermittent spark would be appreciated.