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HomeRepair HelpKohler RepairKohler Small engine hard to start Repair
Kohler Small engine hard to start
Having trouble with a Kohler small engine that is hard to start? The most likely cause is a worn, fouled, cracked, or damaged spark plug. Check the plug for carbon buildup and test it while the engine is cranking. A strong spark should jump the tester gap. If there is no spark, replace the spark plug. Next, inspect the carburetor, which can cause common engine starting problems when it is clogged or when the choke is not closing properly. Stale or ethanol-blended fuel left in the carburetor is one of the most common root causes on seasonal equipment and can restrict fuel flow or cause flooding. If the spark plug and carburetor check out, inspect the fuel cap. A clogged fuel cap vent can prevent air from entering the tank, creating pressure that makes the engine hard to start. Loosen the cap slightly as a test. If the engine starts more easily, replace the fuel cap. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement spark plug, carburetor, fuel cap, or other part for your specific Kohler engine.
01 - Kohler Spark Plug
Inspect the spark plug for signs of wear or damage. If the porcelain insulator is cracked, an electrode is burned away or damaged, or there is heavy carbon buildup at the electrode, replace the spark plug. To determine if the spark plug is defective, use a spark plug tester. You should see a strong spark between the tester’s terminals when the engine is cranking. If there is no spark, this indicates that the spark plug is defective and should be replaced.
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02 - Kohler Carburetor
The engine may be getting too much fuel or not enough fuel. This is usually due to the carburetor not working properly. If the carburetor is clogged, the engine won't get enough fuel. If the carburetor choke isn't closing properly, the engine may get too much fuel.
Highly Likely
03 - Kohler Fuel Cap
As fuel is consumed, the pressure in the gas tank rises. To relieve this pressure, the gas cap uses a small vent to allow air to enter the gas tank. If the gas cap vent is clogged, air won’t be able to enter the gas tank, and the pressure in the tank will begin to rise. When the pressure in the gas tank exceeds the pressure in the engine, the engine may be hard to start. 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, r...
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Kohler small engine hard to start when it has no spark?
Can stale fuel cause a Kohler small engine to be hard to start?
How do I know if the carburetor or choke is causing my Kohler engine starting problems?
Can a clogged fuel cap vent make a Kohler small engine hard to start?
How do I find the correct replacement part for my Kohler small engine?