Is there a way to time a single cylinder Kohler 12 hp engine?

[mgreiner]

Slowly working out all the issues with the 1210 I recently acquired. Seems like I fix one thing and something else arises. Engine starts hard at or below freezing. Changed plug, reset points and a new plug wire. Had the blower housing off and noticed on the flywheel there's an "S" and a couple inches below an "L". Does anyone know the significance of these letters? Also took the carb off and soaked it in NAPA gallon carb cleaner and reassembled. When starting cold, motor almost seems as if the timings off.

 

[stanner]

there sure is...

look in manuals, it involves a continuity tester and the timing marks on the flywheel..

http://www.kohlerengines.com/manuals/landing.htm

http://www.kohlerengines.com/onlinecatalog/pdf/tp_2379.pdf

http://www.kohlerengines.com/onlinecatalog/pdf/tp_1346_c_all.pdf

 

[mgreiner]

Tried the timing light, seems to be in order can see the "S" thru the site hole in the blower housing, still fires off and then spits back thru the carb when trying to start cold. Have good spark. After many attempts does eventually start. Just seems like it should start easier?

 

[mgonitzke]

Try the static method...If it's spitting gas through the carb either the intake valve is sticking open (unlikely) or the timing is advanced too far, which will make it hard to start and be low on power.