Kohler Command 27HP

[Deere2me]

Hi folks, looking at a repair manual could it be a bad ground causing the smart spark advance not to work? Just a thought.

Glenn

Numbers would be nice,( you know that's one of my pet peeves), BUT the OP said it has the Smart Spark system, did he not? There's only three systems, and only one is called "smart spark" and uses an external module.
However, all of the electrics depend on a good, solid GROUND,no?

Unless of course, the OP just heard of the smart spark system associated with Kohler Command but has no idea if it is equipped with it or not (Would not be the first time). ... so one could end up chasing a red herring.

SAys he's looking at a repair manual, 'course he coulda been lookin' at a repair manual for a washing machine for all I know..........

[bgsengine]

SAys he's looking at a repair manual, 'course he coulda been lookin' at a repair manual for a washing machine for all I know..........

Uh Huh.. and your point is? I can look at the same repair manual too and read all about the smart spark system, but that doesn't mean the engine I am working on *has* the smart spark system, does it?

[G Archer]

Sorry about the numbers,here they are Model #CH740 Spec# CH740-0007 Serial # 3325506111 I checked all grounds and connections all are clean and tight.I hooked a timing light as per the manual and the mark I made on the flywheel screen seemed to move very little from the benchmark I made on the shroud at WOT. Checked the ground on the Smart Spark module and it was clean and tight.Checked rpm and it was 3550 no load,but seemed to have slow response in getting there.Cranks and idles fine.Seems to me spark is not advancing but I could be wrong.Thanks for the responses and help.

Glenn

[smallen]

how well did you bleed lifters when it was apart? what oil you using, what type of load on engine

[Deere2me]

Sorry about the numbers,here they are Model #CH740 Spec# CH740-0007 Serial # 3325506111 I checked all grounds and connections all are clean and tight.I hooked a timing light as per the manual and the mark I made on the flywheel screen seemed to move very little from the benchmark I made on the shroud at WOT. Checked the ground on the Smart Spark module and it was clean and tight.Checked rpm and it was 3550 no load,but seemed to have slow response in getting there.Cranks and idles fine.Seems to me spark is not advancing but I could be wrong.Thanks for the responses and help.

Glenn

It doesn't move a whole lot, but it is very noticeable. Could be the adv. module is bad, did ya test both cyl. for advance? Ya might wanna double check the coil to flywheel gap. It's more critical ,it seems, on the smart spark units than on others. I set it at .012 using a piece of plastic (poly) can lid that I miked out. You can check out the individual coils/modules but it's a pain. You need special tester for the adv. module.

[Deere2me]

SAys he's looking at a repair manual, 'course he coulda been lookin' at a repair manual for a washing machine for all I know..........

Uh Huh.. and your point is? I can look at the same repair manual too and read all about the smart spark system, but that doesn't mean the engine I am working on *has* the smart spark system, does it?

Well...ONE point would be that your last two posts had absolutely nothing to do with helping the OP with his problem, now did they??

Wait for it............

[KE4AVB]

According to your model-spec and serial number your engine is using the DSAI Ignition System and not the smart spark system. Similar but not the same.
DSAI is a self contain system as where Smart Spark has a separate control module.

DSAI Ignition System
This system uses a digital microprocessor which is located in ignition modules. Ignition timing varies depending upon
engine speed with this system. There are 2 inductive-style ignition modules that control ignition timing based on
engine RPM. A typical DSAI application consists of:
● 1 magnet assembly, which is permanently affixed to flywheel.
● 2 inductive, 12-volt ignition modules, which mount on engine crankcase.
● 1 12-volt battery, which supplies current to ignition modules.
● 1 kill switch (or key switch) which grounds spark advance module to stop engine.
● 2 spark plugs.

It would be rare that both ignition modules would fail at the same time. When testing with the timing light did both modules respond the same way? If so you may simply have a dirty carburetor. It could just be something migrate into carburetor since you repair the system. I seen a couple here that ran fine at idle but lack power at full throttle that this was the case.

But let's make sure this isn't converted engine ignition. Are the ignition coils two or three terminal versions? The two terminal system would be using a DSAI conversion kit.

Just thoughts as I don't see many of the larger Kohlers here but they are coming as customer find out that I work on the ZTR's.

[Deere2me]

Kohler has a DSAI to MDI conversion avail. that reverts back to the old/simpler magneto type ign. Does away with the DSAI module/s altogether. Have not used it, but it's supposed to be WAY cheaper and more reliable. Part # 25 707 03-S . Just uses a ground/kill wire, no 12V supply.

[G Archer]

This engine has a module that is bolted to the top of the shroud.It has several wires connected to it one being green,one black,one yellow, and one red.I assume it is the smart spark system as it has this module.



Glenn

[bgsengine]

SAys he's looking at a repair manual, 'course he coulda been lookin' at a repair manual for a washing machine for all I know..........

Uh Huh.. and your point is? I can look at the same repair manual too and read all about the smart spark system, but that doesn't mean the engine I am working on *has* the smart spark system, does it?

Well...ONE point would be that your last two posts had absolutely nothing to do with helping the OP with his problem, now did they??

Wait for it............

Sure it does - asking for the model and spec number is a valid step towards helping them out, and evidently a well justified request. So now we can all focus on giving the OP the *correct* advice based on the fact that we can now identify his ignition system, as opposed to speculating.