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My jd has been running bad for quite some time, ive gotten it better, then worse, better again, and now terrible. today it started to backfire out the carb. before that it was running like it was bogged, and was very unresponsive. i cleaned the entire fuel system, pulled and cleaned the tank, and that made things worse. it is backfiring and not running smooth at all. i have replaced: Plugs, Points, Condenser, spark plug wires, and the condenser is my main question. half of my original one died, so i put in two singles, a idea i have seen before on the forums. is there a relay of some sort that you have to have the double coil? I have the two singles wire together, and it does run, but backfires. is the coil my problem? and if it is can i get it for less the the 200 bucks that my local jd shop wants? if a video of it running would help, i will make one. Please help me this is my baby, plows my snow, mows the grass, and works like hell.

I didn't think there were any 317 still running kt17 engines...
Most have been converted to 18 hp. vanguard engines.
Good luck with the 17, there was a Lot of trouble with those engines... even the series 2's... :smile:KennyV

i would LOVE to re power this thing... if i had the 1200+ dollars to buy a new engine, thats why i want to try to fix it.

Can you post some pics of how you have the coils wired? Have you open the crankcase? The KT17 needs to have the timing spot on to run smoothly. Maybe this site will help you.

http://www.kohler-engine-parts.opeengines.com/pub/tp_2043_a.pdf

I have been looking at the manual and am going to take it tp my friends house soon. He has timing lights and all the tools i need and don't own. What do you actually adjust when doing the timing, and do i have to adjust the valves too? If not would it help anything and be beneficial anyway?

mkamin927 said:

I have been looking at the manual and am going to take it tp my friends house soon. He has timing lights and all the tools i need and don't own. What do you actually adjust when doing the timing, and do i have to adjust the valves too? If not would it help anything and be beneficial anyway?

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If you haven't torn the engine down, it is unlikely that the timing gears jumped a tooth. It's always a good idea to check the valve clearences on an old engine like this

Make sure you hooked the condencer to the neg side of the coil ,points wire too. I have seen this switched and it does run and back fires .

I do have the coils wire right ill post a pic of them in a hour when I'm home. And ill check the valves when i take it to my friend. I also plan to gap the plugs and points. And i might get a new condenser