Kohler 18HP help knowledge and advice

[MIteyMT]

where to start. I put an old points style Kohler 18 in the argo today and it runs poorly. I set plugs from .045 to .030 and the points from .060 or so to .030 or so but it runs as if it is timed poorly. I am going to throw on the argo carb in the morning. It ran last year and is much newer. I am running 12v to the coil. does it need a resisitor? What can I get off the shelf tomorrow to replace the coil and condenser. This is a lot but if I dont solve it tomorrow I will not be taking it hunting the next day. lucky the green one is running great. The motor smokes but I am thinking about throwing marv mystery in for a few hours in gas and oil to free things up and then throwing in a can of restore if it is still smoking. cant decide if I should run 30 wt oil or bump up to 15w40 to help consumption. it will get into the fourties at night in the mountains. will it crank with heavy oil in the morning? Other than that I am gluing my runamucks onto my junky set of old rims tomorrrow with a product called the right stuff. Dont love going to the field with problems but the other argo runs so great I think I cam handle an issue or two on the kb if I take it out there for the week. If you have knowledge about getting that old points style kohler running right please post. my only internet is on the phone right now and it makes drumming up this knowledge very difficult in a short time frame so I hope you all have some ideas. thank you. and Mike, I think this thread belongs here even though its mostly engine stuff. But if you bump me I understand.

[Tom]

Hey there,not sure about your point gap.Point gaps are usually .013-.016".Am not real sure with your engine.Point gap will mess with timing.Good luck.

[Jeff t-boss]

How "OLD" is the Kohler? THe OLD ones (UP to 1985 that I know of) had to be timed. That was done by adjusting the coil on it's mounts. Don't remember the spec though.