Kohler engine ignition help

[metlmunchr]

13 hp single cylinder CV series Kohler in my mower. Magneto gap set to book spec (.010"). Secondary resistance of ignition module 13K ohms on a spec of 8K to 18K. New NGK plug matching OE Champion.

It will fire the plug now and then with plug out and grounded. Same with plug installed. Might start and run a few seconds and die, but for the most part will not start or fire at all.

I'm thinking the ignition module is bad even though the service manual says its good if the resistance is within the proper range. Perhaps it reads good with the low voltage applied by my Fluke, but fails at high voltage in operation.

Hate to spend $50 on the module blindly, but I can't think of anything else it could be. Any ideas?

 

[Bert_]

What is the plug gap set to?

 

[metlmunchr]

Gap is .040" by the book. Also tried tightening it up to .030 to see if it would fire across a smaller gap. No luck there either. In the rare instance when it does start, it runs and accelerates smooth as can be for the bit of time until it dies.

 

[kelpaso1]

Common to see readings that are good but coil won't fire the plug or be intermittent. One thing to do first is unplug the ground wire on the coil to see if the problem goes away. If not replace the coil.

 

[metlmunchr]

Common to see readings that are good but coil won't fire the plug or be intermittent. One thing to do first is unplug the ground wire on the coil to see if the problem goes away. If not replace the coil.

Thanks. I did unplug the ground earlier this afternoon, and that didn't help either. Guess its off to the parts store tomorrow.

 

[kbs2244]

Do some research.
I recall a Kohler series engine that would drop the keyway and mess up the timing.
It is a known problem.

I had one on a Sears tractor but forget the details