Kohler Courage 25HP hard to turn over at the Compression Stroke 

Okay video. Got what I needed, but a whole lot of what I didn’t need. Just get to the point.

I couldn’t figure it out! Thanks, for the video!

Thank you for the info. Mower with kohler engine was locking up on compression stroke when attempting to start. Adjusted all 4 valve clearances to .004. Problem solved! It now starts better than it ever did.

Be careful how tight the valve clearance is. The engine parts expand when hot and the gap changes. That's why there is a gap spec from the factory. It would be bad if under certain conditions the valves (particularly exhaust) didn't close all the way. I have a courage twin set to factory spec and it does turn hard on the first compression event but after that is better. This is a very common thing. Thanks for the video

Thank you, great information, now I believe I can fix this problem with my 10-year-old 22hp Kohler.

There is no comp release on this engine, you're correct. But if you're going to tighten the valves, only tighten the intake valves down to 0.004". The exhaust valves will expand the most and will burn if set below 0.004. Set the intake to 0.004 and exhaust at 0.005" and you should be good. if not, then your starter is dragging.

I new you was doing the right thing 😊

Your videos are very helpful.. thanks brother

It is the intake valve that closes right before the piston builds compression, so in saying that the intake valve needs to be adjusted also to a smaller tolerance.

Question. When I take my valve covers off there is about 2-3 oz of oil that leaks out. Yours was relatively dry in comparison. Is this an indication of a certain issue I need to fix? Thanks.

Nice man…I’m in the middle of this same problem right now on my Courage 27

Right now I’m encountering this on a Briggs and Stratton ex1900. I’ve adjusted the valves to 004, which is listed as mid range on the engine specs. Also I’ve seen a few videos advise to set both at that. It will turn over, hangs momentarily and then spins over into cranking. However, it will only do this a few times then I have to charge the battery as it doesn’t seem to keep the power to crank after a few times. Is that what is draining the battery you think? The stress of trying to get past compression?

I had a Troy Built it never had that exact problem and I owned it for 14 years and then one day I went to start it & the solenoid stuck on & by the time I could get the battery unhooked I had electrical smells & some smoke. After that point that exact problem occurred it would have a problem, cranking it over with a brand new battery when it hit its compression stroke & never had that problem before that. It was so old I was buying a new mower so I didn’t worry about fixing it or try to find out what was the cause. I would turn engine by hand just past compression stroke and then it would crank it over good once it would get by that first initial compression stroke. It ran perfect once it started if you do know that issue and what caused it so if you find out what is causing it let us know incase that happens again will know what to look for, but a stuck on solenoid caused my issue.

I have a kohler sv735-3001 courage 26 hp on a husqvarna RZ5426 zero turn. Cold very difficult to start. If I turn it just beyond compression stroke, it starts more easily. One it is running for a while and gets hot, it loses power and sometimes stalls. Let it cool for an hour and starts again. I am thinking valve adjustment compression compression relieve like you showed is part of the problem and possibly dirty carb fuel bowl, and lack of cooling .. possible birds nest grass build up under shroud blocking air flow. Going to tear into it tomorrow. What do you think sir ? New oil, new plugs, new air filter. Thanks

You did good! You can't beat experience, they say.

I've got one just like this and I just adjusted the valves. Was having the same problem, will try this tomorrow before I mow. Thanks

Interested to see where this goes. Im just when your talking about the new battery. I have an sv715 which is the 22hp that has the same issue. It needed a new battery this year. I cleaned all the connections and it started better but still has this issue. I was thinking maybe the starter needs replaced but don't want to just try that randomly. I just stumbled upon this video wasn't looking about this problem specifically though.

This I think is a bent cam shaft there was a noticable bearing piston noise

About to go adjust mine to .003 to see if it helps. First, I have to replace the starter solenoid (which I just cooked trying to start this POS). Why they didn't put a compression release on this engine is beyond me.

Amen to comment by dougchaffin2608, You are still chasing your tail by adjusting clearances if it doesn't have an unloader. Simple fact, either the batteries do not have the cranking amps they advertise or the starters are under rated for the job it is supposed to do. Older engine did not have this problem due to excessive clearance. Setting them closer than spec will burn valves if they do not completely seat when running. They need the contact with head to help cool the valves while they are seated.

Im having same problem

I have the same motor in my cub cadet rider from 9 years ago, i just bought a new cub cadet zero turn this week cause im tired of putting a new starter in every 13 months with that damn engine the compression is crazy to get over and kills the starters.. only 312hours on that motor

Hi I have Cub Cadet LT50 24hp, mine work fine last week now it won't turn over. I had tune- up with new oil, sparks plug, oil filter and air filter. Checked battery and starter are good. Now when I turn the engine by hands it won't turn at all. Do you know what is the problems or Do i need new engine. Appreciate if you can help here. Thanks!

I need to replace my starter because of this issue

I'm confused... What is the trick with the screw driver to get it at center??

Are you sure a valve guide didn’t move?

Needs a starter. Those don't have compression release

I can't see how adjusting the exhaust valve clearance will make any difference. The exhaust value doesn't engage until the end of the power stroke. The exhaust valve will be closed all through the intake stroke and compression stroke. Adjusting the intake valve would help. Means you will have a bit less compression.

Basically you tighten the valves so you lowered the compression where it could start. Okay, did you say you are going to sell it? Nice. The real problem is that the compression release is stuck in the open position. Basically lack of maintenance. Changing the oil goes a long way. This is the wrong information. Does it work? Yes, you can get it to start. When it gets up to running temperature, it will be weak as granny's panties. Pull the engine and clean or replace the cam shaft.

Had to have been Tim Conway 😂

Don't kohler have hydraulic valves?

There terrible on starters and kohler keeps trying to build a starter kit that will work a year

You didn't fix shit😂. My single cylinder Kohler has been like this for the last 6 years. Gonna try a starter solenoid eventually.

Who cares about all right, I’m not going to even finish this video because you aren’t all right!

ive been running kohlers for years. this chinese crap has convinced me to move on from them, and cubs