Troubleshooting Engine Loses Power ● Dirty air cleaner element. ● Engine overheated. ● Excessive engine load. ● Restricted exhaust. ● Faulty spark plug(s). ● High crankcase oil level. ● Incorrect governor setting. ● Low battery. ● Low compression. ● Low crankcase oil level. ● Quality of fuel (dirt, water, stale, mixture). EXTERNAL ENGINE INSPECTION NOTE: It is good practice to drain oil at a location away from workbench. Be sure to allow ample time for complete drainage. Before cleaning or disassembling engine, make a thorough inspection of its external appearance and condition. This inspection can give clues to what might be found inside engines (and cause) when it is disassembled.
● Check for buildup of dirt and debris on crankcase, cooling fi ns, grass screen, and other external surfaces. Dirt or debris on these areas can cause overheating. ● Check for obvious fuel and oil leaks, and damaged components. Excessive oil leakage can indicate a clogged or inoperative breather, worn or damaged seals or gaskets, or loose fasteners. ● Check air cleaner cover and base for damage or indications of improper fi t and seal. ● Check air cleaner element. Look for holes, tears, cracked or damaged sealing surfaces, or other damage that could allow unfi ltered air into engine. A dirty or clogged element could indicate insuffi cient or improper maintenance.
● Check carburetor throat for dirt. Dirt in throat is further indication that air cleaner was not functioning properly. ● Check if oil level is within operating range on dipstick. If it is above, sniff for gasoline odor. ● Check condition of oil. Drain oil into a container; it should fl ow freely. Check for metal chips and other foreign particles. Engine Uses Excessive Amount of Oil ● Loose or improperly torqued fasteners. ● Blown head gasket/overheated. ● Breather reed broken. ● Clogged, broken, or inoperative crankcase breather. ● Crankcase overfi lled. ● Incorrect oil viscosity/type. ● Worn cylinder bore. ● Worn or broken piston rings. ● Worn valve stems/valve guides.
Oil Leaks from Oil Seals, Gaskets ● Breather reed broken. ● Clogged, broken, or inoperative crankcase breather. ● Loose or improperly torqued fasteners. ● Piston blow by, or leaky valves. ● Restricted exhaust. Sludge is a natural by-product of combustion; a small accumulation is normal. Excessive sludge formation could indicate over rich fuel settings, weak ignition, overextended oil change interval or wrong weight or type of oil was used. CLEANING ENGINE After inspecting external condition of engine, clean engine thoroughly before disassembly. Clean individual components as engine is disassembled. Only clean parts can be accurately inspected and gauged for wear or damage.
There are many commercially available cleaners that will quickly remove grease, oil, and grime from engine parts. When such a cleaner is used, follow manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions carefully. Make sure all traces of cleaner are removed before engine is reassembled and placed into operation. Even small amounts of these cleaners can quickly break down lubricating properties of engine oil. 16 66 690 01 Rev. C KohlerEngines.com WARNING Cleaning Solvents can cause severe injury or death. Use only in well ventilated areas away from ignition sources. Carburetor cleaners and solvents are extremely fl ammable.
Follow cleaner manufacturer’s warnings and instructions on its proper and safe use. Never use gasoline as a cleaning agent.