Engine Service Manual

32
Electrical System
KohlerEngines.com 17 690 01 Rev. F
SPARK PLUGS
CAUTION
Electrical Shock can cause injury.
Do not touch wires while engine is running.
Spark Plug Component and Details
B
A
C
D
A Wire Gauge B Spark Plug
C Ground Electrode D Gap
NOTE: Do not clean spark plug in a machine using
abrasive grit. Some grit could remain in spark
plug and enter engine causing extensive wear
and damage.
Engine misfi re or starting problems are often caused
by a spark plug that has improper gap or is in poor
condition.
Engine is equipped with following spark plugs:
Gap 0.76 mm (0.03 in.)
Thread Size 14 mm
Reach 19.1 mm (3/4 in.)
Hex Size 15.9 mm (5/8 in.)
Refer to Maintenance for Repairs/Service Parts.
Service
Clean out spark plug recess. Remove plug and replace.
1. Check gap using wire feeler gauge. Adjust gap to
0.76 mm (0.03 in.).
2. Install plug into cylinder head.
3. Torque plug to 27 N·m (20 ft. lb.).
Inspection
Inspect each spark plug as it is removed from cylinder
head. Deposits on tip are an indication of general
condition of piston rings, valves, and carburetor.
Normal and fouled plugs are shown in following photos:
Normal
Plug taken from an engine operating under normal
conditions will have light tan or gray colored deposits. If
center electrode is not worn, plug can be set to proper
gap and reused.
Worn
On a worn plug, center electrode will be rounded and
gap will be greater than specifi ed gap. Replace a worn
spark plug immediately.
Wet Fouled
A wet plug is caused by excess fuel or oil in combustion
chamber. Excess fuel could be caused by a restricted air
cleaner, a carburetor problem, or operating engine with
too much choke. Oil in combustion chamber is usually
caused by a restricted air cleaner, a breather problem,
worn piston rings, or valve guides.