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I have a Kohler command ch23 that i just rebuilt and slapped on my go kart. I went to start it but can't get the thing to spark for the life of me. I have an in line tester I've been using. The aftermarket coils I got were "https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073HMKH9M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1". They have 2 leads coming off it that as I understood were just supposed to be for the kill switch. I thought that the magnet coming across induces the spark and if the 2 leads were grounded the spark would instead of going to the plug travel to the ground. I have gapped the modules to 0.008" and the flat side is the one facing out. I have tried just about every configuration of ground and positive I can on these modules but no spark. I have laminate grounded from the block, I cleaned that, I just can't seem to make it spark. I don't know if the modules are bad, they are brand new but things happen I guess. Please help me out, I can provide pictures if necessary.

Those modules work in combination with a speed control module. SAM, system needs 12 volts to operate.

ILENGINE said:

Those modules work in combination with a speed control module. SAM, system needs 12 volts to operate.

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Does this mean I need to get one of those modules or just supply 12v to the coil.

You need to put up your model-spec numbers off of your tag so we can see what your engine was set up for. To interchange those types of coils involve wiring changes, as well as a flywheel change.

Fish said:

You need to put up your model-spec numbers off of your tag so we can see what your engine was set up for. To interchange those types of coils involve wiring changes, as well as a flywheel change.

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I can't really do that, there are no shrouds what so ever on the engine so I have no way of finding the model or serial number. I got the engine out of a Club cart gold cart in the junkyard. I know its a CH23 because of the stamping on the connecting rod and the bore of the cylinder. Would a picture help any better?

So what were the original coils like? Did they have 1 small terminal, or two?

Go download a manual from Kohler, and read the section on the ignitions.

Jackson Ellis said:

Does this mean I need to get one of those modules or just supply 12v to the coil.

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The SAM should of been mounted to the engine. And the SAM that goes with those modules is no longer available. Required conversion to the new ignition system. We will really need to see what you are working with. Part numbers off of the old modules would help if you can't come up with the model and spec of the engine that you are working on.

ILENGINE said:

The SAM should of been mounted to the engine. And the SAM that goes with those modules is no longer available. Required conversion to the new ignition system. We will really need to see what you are working with. Part numbers off of the old modules would help if you can't come up with the model and spec of the engine that you are working on.

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file:///C:/Users/Jackson/Pictures/2021-03-29%20(2).png
It wont let me upload any photos from my phone, it keeps saying file is too large. I tried making it a link I don't know if that will work. I ended up doing some more research and found that I probably should go for the mdi conversion modules as they should suit my wiring needs. I'm assuming the 1 lead coming off that is a switch to ground for a kill wire. "https://www.amazon.com/Kohler-25-70...2570703&qid=1617050454&rnid=2470954011&sr=8-2" I got these coming now and hopefully it should work.

The MDI doesn't require a power source. Just one lead that goes to ground to kill

Try and run after disconnecting the kill wire from the mags/coils. Kill wires on Briggs and Kohler twins use a diode in the line to prevent feedback for the twins. Very easy to damage them.

donens2018 said:

Try and run after disconnecting the kill wire from the mags/coils. Kill wires on Briggs and Kohler twins use a diode in the line to prevent feedback

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Kohler diodes are built into the modules not in the kill wire like Briggs. And the problem the OP is having is his system requires a 12 volt source to power the Spark Advance Module which is missing from his engine, therefore his current modules won't fire.

use 24 755 307-s coils and flywheel combo. about 140.00 bucks. no battery power needed. this is a complete ign kit to replace old sam system. as per parts bulletin 265

ended up getting the aftermarket modules, but ran into a problem. This engine is no longer being used on a lawnmower so it doesn't sit at one rpm and run just fine. Of course it can do that now, but I want it to be able to rev. So I'm assuming that the SAM modules that work with the old coils is a "Spark advance module" I understand you can't buy these new anymore, but if I could get my hands on one would it enable my engine to be able to rev up as right now it will idle fine and rev up slowly but anything fast it will shut right off. Basically i'm asking if i can source one of these SAM modules and use the old style coils will the engine work for my go kart that needs to jump rpm quickly.

the 24 755 307-s ignition system I listed has mdi coils with built in spark advance. no sam needed

geelee said:

the 24 755 307-s ignition system I listed has mdi coils with built in spark advance. no sam needed

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The part number you provided me is showing me a CDI set, which is capacitive discharge ignition not the MDI you're talking about (magnetic discharge ignition). Is this right? https://www.kohler-engine-parts.ope...5lYxVHBEULEagmPeXHGSEvDT1qLS7gDEaAp4eEALw_wcB

yes sorry for error