________________________________________________________________________________________

Home / Engines / Kohler Engines / Kohler M18

Kohler Magnum M18 Problems

Engine Model: Kohler Magnum M18/M18S
Engine Type: 4-cycle twin-cylinder horizontal shaft gasoline engine
Total Displacement: 42.2 cu.in (691.3 cc)
Rated Engine Power: 18 Hp (13.4 kW) at 3600 rpm
Fuel System: Kohler or Walbro carburetor with adjustable jet or fixed jet

Engine won't start or difficult to start

Fuel tank is empty - Add gasoline.
Improper fuel grade - Use quality fuel.
Dirt and debris in fuel system - Remove debris and dirt.
Spark plug wire connection are damaged - Check the spark plug wire connection, repair or replace.
Spark plug is defective - Spark plug need to be replaced.
Clogged fuel filter - Replace fuel filter.
Faulty safety switch - Change damaged switch.
Carburetor is not working properly - Inspect and adjust.
Low cylinder compression - Check cylinder block and replace worn parts.
Choke cable is unadjusted or damaged - Change cable or adjust properly.

Engine runs irregularly

Plugged cooling fins - Need to clean or wash.
Ignition system is defective - Test ignition and replace failed parts.
Faulty or stuck throttle cable - Change or service the cable.
Air filter element is plugged - Change or clean air filter.
Clogged or damaged fuel pump - Clean or replace fuel pump.

Engine stalls after starting

Spark plug is defective - Replace spark plug.
Defective or dirty carburetor - Replace or service carburetor.
Ignition coil is damaged - Change ignition coil as required.
Broken or bad valve springs - Install new valve springs.
Stuck valves - Clean the valves.

Engine overheated

Low engine oil level - Need to add engine oil.
Engine is under excessive load - Reduce engine load.
Cooling fins are clogged - Clean and wash as required.
Too lean fuel mixture in carburetor - Adjust carburetor properly.
Ignition timing is improper - Ignition timing needs to be set properly.
Incorrect valve setting - Set the valves correctly.

Engine knocking sound or abnormal noise

Stale fuel - Use correct gasoline.
Excessive engine load - Load reducing required.
Not enough engine oil - Check and refill engine oil.
Wrong adjustment of low idle speed - Adjust idle speed.
Clogged or damaged fuel pump - Clean or replace fuel pump.
Crankshaft or main bearings failure - Crankshaft or bearings need to be replaced.
Valve clearance is improper - Adjust to proper valve clearance.
Worn cylinder bore or piston rings - Change faulty components.

Low engine power

Improperly or clogged carburetor - Clean or properly adjust carburetor.
Plugged air filter - Change or clean air filter.
Dirty or damaged fuel pump - Test fuel pump and replace if necessary.
Defective ignition system - Inspect ignition system and change faulty parts.
Cylinder head gasket is worn - Replace cylinder head gasket.
Stuck or burned valves - Clean or change valves.
Push rod is damaged or worn - Replace push rod.
Damaged cylinder block components - Replace defective parts as required.
Dirty oil filter element (if equipped) - Service or change oil filter.

High fuel consumption

Throttle did not open fully - Replace or adjust throttle cable.
Improper adjustment of carburetor main jet - Adjust main jet as required.
Faulty or loose spark plug - Tighten or replace spark plug.
Valves are stuck, worn, or burned - Replace or clean valves.
Piston, sleeve, or rings are damaged - Change faulty components.
Valve clearance is not correct - Adjustment procedure required.

High engine oil consumption

Damaged gaskets or seals - Replace defective parts.
Valve guides or stems are damaged - Install new valves.
Damaged or seized piston rings - Install new piston rings.
Scuffed piston or cylinder liner - Check piston and liner, replace as required.
Plugged breather hose or pipe - Clean or change.

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

Engines Technical Specifications
BRIGGS 28S777 BRIGGS 31H777 BRIGGS 31P977 BRIGGS 31Q777
HONDA GC135 HONDA GCV160 HONDA GS190 HONDA GX340
KOHLER CH18S KOHLER CH680 KOHLER CV460S KOHLER SV735S
KUBOTA D1305 KUBOTA D1503 KUBOTA V1903 KUBOTA 2003T
MERCURY 150 MERCURY 175 XRI MARINER 135 MERCURY 200 EFI
KAWASAKI FH430V KAWASAKI FR600V KAWASAKI FX541V KAWASAKI FD611V
BMW M20B23 BMW M40B18 BMW M43B16 BMW M50B24TU
TOYOTA 3VZ-E TOYOTA 1AZ-FE TOYOTA 1G-FE TOYOTA 1JZ-GE
NISSAN HR12DE NISSAN A12 NISSAN A15 NISSAN CA18DET