Kohler 16hp engine help

[olds455]

Ok, I bought a Hustler last week and am working on geting it running. Heres the deal. the engine was sitting in almost a foot of water for a month or so and it didnt run when I got it. I cleaned the points and the ignition or charging system behind the flywheel. It all had a coating of rust and crap on it. Engine had no water inside. Now it gets a good hot spark and acts like it wants to start. But when it turnes over and souneds like its going to start the engine sudenly stops and then starts to turn over again until it sparks again and stops again. Anyone have an idea? Thanks

[hydromike]

My initial thought would be that the ignition timing needs to be set. If your point gap is too large, or if the actuating arm on the points is significantly worn, it can affect the timing. I think that usually retards timing, though. It sounds like your spark plug might be firing a bit early before the piston's at TDC, and it's stopping it dead in its tracks.

Is their ANY indication that you're getting ignition (not just spark) of the fuel? Does it at least "pop"?

[olds455]

Yes it pops. When it pops is when the engine suddenly stops and then starts turning over untill it pops again.

[hydromike]

It sounds like it's backfiring back out of the intake, but this could be a number of things. I'm leaning towards quality of spark. Even if the spark "looks" good on the current plug when it's grounded to the cylinder head , it'll behave differently under compression. Silly question, but have you replaced the plug? Do you have a nice, fresh battery to spin it over fast?

[jpswift1]

Also, could there be an issue with the coil?

[olds455]

I will get a new spark plug today and try that. Anyone know what plug should be in it? Also, I have a good battery in it. Its new as well. Thanks

[ARGOJIM]

You may want to adjust the valves and, as per some manuals, clean the carbon off the piston every 100 hours.

[brushcutter]

Hmike, I think you were closer on your first reply. My thoughts are similar, ignition is occurring too soon before tdc. As the piston is coming up on compression it fires, stopping the stroke momentarily, then the starter overcomes and begins spinning it over...