KOHLER Engine won't start - no spark

13 years ago

KOHLER SKH426U1G2RB
Model# CV15S
Sped # 41567
DISPL (CC): 426

Used the tractor about 1 week ago to mow lawn, its a craftsman sit down. I attached a picture of its specs.

Tried to start today, with no luck. It cranks strongly so it should not be battery, or starter I think. I tried to spray starter fluid down the carb, that did nothing. I took out the spark plug, tried to dry it, put it back in, wouldnt start. I then took the spark plug out, and while connected to the wire I tried to crank it to see if it would spark, I saw no spark.

It seems too easy for it to be a bad spark plug, but it might?

I found two other spark plugs in my garage but they were not for this tractor, not sure what they were from but they were used. I tried to test with them hanging off the side to see if they would spark, and they wouldnt.

I'm assuming its a spark condition but not sure what I should do I next. I suppose just buying a new spark plug would be step one.

Any other suggestions or possibilities?

Featured Answer

bill_kapaun

13 years ago

There's a good chance that you don't have an engine problem at all, but a safety switch issue.

Post the Sears 917.xxxxxx number so we can look at a schematic and give you a good test procedure.

In the mean time, make sure the seat switch is fully plugged in, and any PTO/attachment switches are fully disengaged.

Edit-
I looked at my homemade data base with the tractors using that specific engine. (doesn't mean I have all of them)
The model#'s were pretty much 917.2710xx with the xx being between 10 & 24.

They all in common were equiped with 2 OPR's (Operator Presence Relay)
IF OPR 1 isn't getting power through the seat switch, the kill wire will be grounded preventing spark.
You can do a couple things to test-

FIRST-
With the key in the ON position, load/unload the seat.
You should hear the carb fuel solenoid & OPR's CLICK.
IF NOT, you aren't getting power through the seat switch.

Temporarily jump the seat switch to prove/disprove.
IF it now works, seat switch is bad, making poor contact in the connector or needs adjustment.

This post was edited by bill_kapaun on Sun, Jun 30, 13 at 16:17

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Comments (6)

gplemos
Original Author
13 years ago
Where would I find the Sears 917.xxxxxx number?

Also, would the switch you meantion prevent it from even cranking? Because it does crank.

Im not very familiar with this tractor engine but I used to work on cars, albeit 20 years ago.

I may have tested the plug wrong, I let it hang, but someone told me I need to have the plug grounded to see it spark?
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gplemos
Original Author
13 years ago
When I better tested spark but grounding, I saw SPARK, I started fooling with wires under seat and to the ignition, and tried again, and IT STARTED. Thanks for ideas.
trmerkel
9 years ago
I have Kohler Courage 26Hp with No Spark at Plugs Have replaced ignition coils by passed seat switch Have power to carb solenoid but still no spark to Plugs any ideas
David Hoffpauir
8 years ago
I'm having the same problem with mine
ssewalk1
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
There are numerous interlock switch's on varous sears model 's , you will have to test or jumper all , one at a time to verify . Also a simple bad ground or ignition switch will cause a no start situation , proper evaluation of each component is required !