Valve adjustment is fine, but it's on the low end. My question regarding valve adjustment, how does valve adjustment affect a spark issue. With the spark tester installed, spark is fine until it starts missing then the spark is barely noticeable for a revolution or two then I get a bright spark for a revolution or two and so on. When the engine returns to idle, it runs normal. When the spark is barely noticeable, there is unburned fuel going out the exhaust, just like it's being choked to death. Spark plug is dry, but is black from carbon. Tried 2 different spark plugs with the same resulting miss. My best guess is I either got a bad set of points and condenser, or bought a bad magneto. I am certain it is an electrical issue, not mechanical. One recent thought I've had is what if I'm getting some feedback from the generator/welder to the magneto causing the miss. Is this possible? Any thoughts on that?
Kohler K241
- Thread starter Sec56
- Start date
I'm confused, please help me understand. You've said you replaced the magneto, but most K241 engines came with an automotive style coil and not a magneto. Second, could you please list all wires connected to the points, condenser and magneto/coil. Third, if you have an automotive style coil, is the generator suppling voltage to the coil or do you have a separate battery? Please post the spec numbers for the engine, will give me a better idea of what you are working on. You asked if generator output could affect spark? Yes, if it is being used to supply coil voltage. Does your unit have idle solenoid? I know that I'm asking what seems like dumb questions, but I'm thinking you may have a bad connection ( like a poor ground ) in the ignition circuit. Finally, what is your point gap, normally set these engines at .018".
No to the automotive coil. Points have been set at .018 gap. Manual start (pull rope), no battery. Magneto is located behind/inside flywheel, no adjustment. One wire to the points from the magneto with a jumper from the points to the condenser. Two other wires go to the generator/welder. One goes directly to one of the brushes. The other one goes to some type of fuse or resistor from what I can see, Didn't pay attention as to where the wire continued to, in fact if memory serves me right, I think two wires split off that resistor/unit. And obviously the plug wire. There pictures in a previous post showing the point cover and external condenser. Also, from the condenser there is a single wire which goes to a kill switch which I had disconnected to rule the kill switch out. I had to close the generator/welder up before I restarted the motor. The spec number is 46755d. The ignition circuit has all new connections and are free of corrosion as far as I can see. This shouldn't be this difficult, be it's being a pain in the you know where. I don't use the welder a lot, but use it periodically, but because I can't get this engine to run properly, I can't weld. As stated in prior posts, spark tester shows an intermittent weak spark.
Rivets, attached are pictures of the magneto/stator and the spec number.
Attachments
My engine problem is solved. It turned out to be a weak spring on the points. I spoke with a tech at Central Power Distributors. I explained my issue and the tech asked if the tension spring felt strong. He suggested that I stretch the spring out more to make sure it was tough enough to handle the engine rpm's. I thank everyone for their suggestions. Now to find out why no output power (3.5v @ 3600 rpm (110v outlet)) on the welder/generator.