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Hi Folks,
I have a 1997 Max IV w/ a Kohler Command 20. This engine has always run great for years, but lately started to act up. On the occasion, the engine would sputter under load and then would stall at idle. Then the symptoms would go away and then just return out of the blue. Now, it is fairly consistent w/ poor running at low speeds and stalling at idle. It will stay running at low speeds if I use a bit of choke. Funny thing is, at higher speeds (more throttle opening) the engine seems to pull normally and not sputter at all. Also, I get some backfiring when slowing down. So far what I have done to solve the problem is the following : I treated the fuel system for water, I changed the fuel filter, I removed and completely disassembled the carb and did a thorough cleaning and inspection of all jets/needles/openings, I replaced both spark plugs.
No change in the poor running after the above remedies. I have heard that these Kohlers have a unit known as a SAM (Spark Advance Module) and that these sometimes go bad. Anyone had any experience w/ replacing one of those units ? Also, along w/ the backfiring, it seems that the exhaust system is getting much hotter than normal. Bad spark timing, maybe ??? Any thoughts, ideas, comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I really want my Max back in action.....we just had our first snow of the year here today !!!
thanks,
Pete Fazio
I have a 1997 Max IV w/ a Kohler Command 20. This engine has always run great for years, but lately started to act up. On the occasion, the engine would sputter under load and then would stall at idle. Then the symptoms would go away and then just return out of the blue. Now, it is fairly consistent w/ poor running at low speeds and stalling at idle. It will stay running at low speeds if I use a bit of choke. Funny thing is, at higher speeds (more throttle opening) the engine seems to pull normally and not sputter at all. Also, I get some backfiring when slowing down. So far what I have done to solve the problem is the following : I treated the fuel system for water, I changed the fuel filter, I removed and completely disassembled the carb and did a thorough cleaning and inspection of all jets/needles/openings, I replaced both spark plugs.
No change in the poor running after the above remedies. I have heard that these Kohlers have a unit known as a SAM (Spark Advance Module) and that these sometimes go bad. Anyone had any experience w/ replacing one of those units ? Also, along w/ the backfiring, it seems that the exhaust system is getting much hotter than normal. Bad spark timing, maybe ??? Any thoughts, ideas, comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I really want my Max back in action.....we just had our first snow of the year here today !!!
thanks,
Pete Fazio