The Jack's Small Engines Forum - Join Our Online Community
Reply to post

Kohler M16 idling not responsive to (clean) carb adjustments ignition coil replacement

Author
Post
Essentials Only Full Version
tdietz20
Starting Member
  • Total Posts : 11
  • Scores: 0
  • Reward points: 0
  • Joined: 2022/06/09 00:27:57
  • Status: offline
2023/06/20 20:02:03 (permalink)
0

Kohler M16 idling not responsive to (clean) carb adjustments ignition coil replacement

I've got an old Magnum 16 that gets run for about a month a year and in previous years it's run fine, original 30 year old spark plug wire was in bad shape so I replaced the coil.    I did the business card width air gap thing and although it was pretty difficult to get it tightened down the way it's mounted I think it stayed put.     Since then it seems to have problems idling.   The carb was in need of cleaning so I cleaned it out thoroughly, no change.   I bought cheap replacement on Amazon and no difference.   I then bought a more expensive #30 and still no change.   Previously there was a huge idle speed range when adjusting the pilot screw, now it just putters through the whole range of the screws, no real difference in speed until it cuts out when too rich or too lean.  I have to put the throttle screw in more than usual to keep it at idle. The engine rpms will go up however high you want when throttled, maybe less responsive but it gets there. I have a hard time believing it's a carb issue at this point since I've tried three different carbs after cleaning the hell out of them.   Could a bad coil or bad air gap cause this weak idle issue?   It was a cheap aftermarket coil.  I'm willing to plunk down for an expensive one if this sounds like it could be the problem or it really makes a difference.
post edited by tdietz20 - 2023/06/20 20:10:47
Quote  #1

3 Replies Related Threads
    Snapper Power
    New Member
    • Total Posts : 2
    • Scores: 0
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2023/07/24 17:09:44
    • Location: Saltillo, TN
    • Status: offline
    Re: Kohler M16 idling not responsive to (clean) carb adjustments ignition coil replacement 2023/07/24 17:40:21 (permalink)
    0
    I am David Steele, back in the 60's I had my own small engine repair shop in my dads garage!  I replaced many coils and never used a business card???  I used a note book paper wrapped it around the fly wheel and then with the magnets at top of mounting for the coil let the coil sit down on the the paper and tightened the bolts!  Remove the paper and yes it will tear OMG!  Now I to have a Magnum16 without engine MN, and or SN umbers!  does yours have a Walboro carb.?   Mine was not the original engine for the Snapper tractor I have!  But I need to find a Carb.  I went to a website called I SAVE TRACTORS and got a coil that was good and reliable!  Not real expensieve I think it cost $69!  I also found carbs on a website called OPE engines.com!  They needed the MN, & SN to make the choice!   Would appreciate any information you can share!  It is good engine but these china carbs(i have 3) did not work just looked good and stole my money!   Hope this helps!Sincerely, David Steele
    Quote  #2
    tdietz20
    Starting Member
    • Total Posts : 11
    • Scores: 0
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2022/06/09 00:27:57
    • Status: offline
    Re: Kohler M16 idling not responsive to (clean) carb adjustments ignition coil replacement 2023/07/25 18:26:53 (permalink)
    0
    I looked all around for the walbro carb.   I did buy the $69 one from isavetractors.   It does not say "walbro" anywhere on it, not sure if I got ripped off or what.  I also already bought an OEM coil,47 584 03-S from smallenginesuppliers, cost me $140, came in a Kohler box and looks identical to the original one, seems legit but can't be sure either.   Doesn't seem to make any difference.   I can try resetting the air gap again but there's hardly any adjustement to make on it.   The specs say that air gap should be 0.012 / 0.016 in., which happens to be right about the width of a business card, and I even checked the card with a digital caliper to make sure.    Nothing seems to make a difference.  
    Quote  #3
    Snapper Power
    New Member
    • Total Posts : 2
    • Scores: 0
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2023/07/24 17:09:44
    • Location: Saltillo, TN
    • Status: offline
    Re: Kohler M16 idling not responsive to (clean) carb adjustments ignition coil replacement 2023/07/26 07:31:25 (permalink)
    0
    Good day tdietz20!  Sounds as if you are on the right track????Now fine tune things????? First the business card idea is for more modern engines!  Mine and your engine is 1980 at best!  The newer engines have a stronger magnet than the older!   I discovered this when the coil I bought from Ebay supplier did not work!  I tried everything to make it work????? A reputable repair shop bought it from me and said go with the one from I save tractors!  It had reviews all good so I did!   It worked!  I set the air gap as I said in last message!  That is the only timing you have and if to far you are way out of time!  The carb is discontinued!  Only one left is aftermarket some from China are junk I say that after 3 failed to run and and when it did they flooded the cyl. with raw gas!  Don't care what I set the float at!  I also replaced the fuel pump went from electric to manual!  The I save tractors is made in Tawian????  They say good things about them 94% of the time!  I like the brass float over the plastic!   What I am telling you is what I have done to make an old Snapper tractor that came with a Briggs engine from factory!  Someone replaced the Briggs with this Kohler Magnum16!  Last but not leas can I borrow your Model Numbers and serial numbers from your engine?  Mine are erased from time very stupid idea thinking ink would last more than 10 yr.  I ask you if you would share them Please!
    Quote  #4
    Jump to:
    Copyright © 1994 - 2016 Jacks Small Engine & Generator Service, LLC
    © 2025 APG vNext Trial Version 5.5