DIY: Why Kohler Courage 20hp won't start KOHLER SV540

if you checked fuel lines and filter, I've replaced the battery and the spark plug, have tested for spark, and it still just turns over and won't fire check your VALVES

[@royhinkle2640]

To prevent putting a ton of hours into finding the problem, I use a routine to narrow it down as fast as possible.
No matter what engine you have I follow this procedure-
1: Try putting a small amount of fuel strait into the carb, (not starting fluids) and try to start it.
2: Pull the plug wire(s) and plug(s).
3: Inspect the condition of the plug(s), does it look wet, does it look like it has soot on it (carbon), does it have a buildup on it.
4: Connect the plug(s) back into the wire(s) and lay on any metal surface on the engine.
If it fires ok check this:
A: Wet plug - check for good compression.
B: Carbon or soot - check for flooding, float stuck or other excessive fuel problem.
If it did not fire check this:
A: Unplug the ignition switch connector and jump the starter with 12v directly. This will bypass all of the safety switches and wiring.
if it fires, look for a safety switch fault or bad ground to the chassis.
Following this simple diagnostic can point you in the right direction much faster.

[@king49334]

Remove the small wire on the coil.that is for ground the coil

[@jonnayr58]

That was my problem as well I changed that cover a few years ago read the old one leaked. Bought new improved with better gasket noticed it was leaking again tighten it but yesterday tractor stopped. Found this video opened cover & bingo left side was loose tighten & back in business. Thank you very much.

[@clayl9202]

Excellent video. Having similar issues, and now with this video I have a great checklist of things to try to get it started. Thanks!

[@andrewshedron425]

If you have gas and spark only one more option in equation to make a motor run, compression. Valve staying open=no compression

[@commonsence8223]

I had my tractor die the same way, pulled off that valve cover and the exhaust one was pretty loose but still in place. I tightened it back up and did valve adjustment, but motor still doesn't run. Compression test shows less than 5 psi. I don't know if there's another problem internally or not.

[@georgesmith4520]

Did you ever figure it out? I adjusted valves as well and stink wont start . Cranks but wont start.

[@commonsence8223]

@@georgesmith4520 yes it was the valve seat that popped out. I tapped it back in, reassembled, adjusted gaps and works great!

[@georgesmith4520]

Was it the intake or exhaust valve seat ? Is this what you did?
ua-cam.com/video/JExXHohaWqo/v-deo.html

[@commonsence8223]

@@georgesmith4520 exhaust side

[@commonsence8223]

@@georgesmith4520 yes that video kind of explains it, I wish he flipped it over cause thats where the seat/guide popped out. When it was flat, the valve sits flush and it keeps compression.

[@oldbuddyolpal9859]

I know what I am checking next on the engine in my workshop…

[@carlthornton3076]

Very Good!

[@philliphall5198]

It cost a lot to guess, better to let a mechanic check it and fix it

[@DicksSmallEngines]

Good video sir. Before replacing carburettor did you clean jets & bowl from existing carb as I imagine you didn’t need to replace if valve clearances were gapped correctly as you’d shown ? Cheers 👍🏻

[@charlesnorman7107]

If it's over 1000 hours its not new. You should have adjusted the valve while you had the cover off instead of running it .

[@andrewshedron425]

Just throwing parts at stuff will get real expensive!

[@andybub45]

You shouldnt just throw parts at it in the first place... simple diagnostics would have saved you from replacing all of those parts.

[@advancedcomputersolutionsinc]

YOUR THE BEST! Saved me from buying a new tractor. I was about to when I saw your video. It was an easy fix. THANK YOU!

[@slavik97]

AdvancedComputerSolutionsINC glad could help ,

[@baldeagle242]

Thanks for sharing. You have a new Subscriber. 👍
I have one of these motors that blew up. I’m getting ready to do a video on replacing it.

[@dfestus]

Hi. Have the same motor in a craftsman garden tractor. One day it quit while in use. I went thru all the basic checks. Nothing. Watched your video. Pulled my valve cover. Same problem but on exhaust side. Fixed. Runs great. Thanks for posting your video.

[@waltergrady2501]

Thank you for a lesson

[@mattbower1068]

Great video thank you, saved me a lot of head scratching!

[@homerosanchez204]

20 hp Kohler courage is a horrible engine! I got ine. I loved my 16 hp craftsman hydrostatic.

[@kyzerw3816]

Kohler usually makes pretty good engines

[@michaelbradford4444]

I hope that is my problem. Either way thanks for giving me hope...hard times.