[wildav83]

My Dad and me rebuilt the motor in his 300 little over a year ago and it still is hard to turn over. Sometimes if it hits top dead center just right it is a bear. You have to have the battery just up all the way and don't let of the ignition until you think you got it started. We have gone through 2 used starters and just not sure what to do. We inspected the the spring on the camshaft but it seemed OK before we put the motor back together. Not sure what else to do. It is a 16 horse power single cylinder Kohler with about 30 hours on it since the rebuild. Thanks for your time

 

[E Behm]

I would check ignition timing.

 

[cubby]

Sounds like the ACR (automatic compression release) isn't working. I rebuilt my 300 and managed to bend the release. The spring was just fine, the release was jammed. I ended out replacing it. Before tearing it down, check the compression. If it is showing any much if any compression, the release is stuck.

 

[jcronk69]

Valves adjusted properly? If valve clearance is to much, ACR will not work.

 

[kam_sihl]

I had the same issue after a rebuild of a 16 kohler. Had to have the battery absolutely totally charged and that still wasn't a guarantee. For a while I just chalked it up to the engine being fresh. After screwing around with it for quite some time I finely got a new starter. Turned over so easily and fast that it startled me. Unless your absolutely sure about those starters I would try that, assuming of course all wiring connections are good

 

[david_a_calkins]

David ,after 30 hours of use the engine should be ok ,and the timing is ok at .020 points ,and the valves are set fine .010 and .017 ,and the starter is ok ,i would remove the cam cover ,and remove the spark plug ,turn the engine over by hand ,and if the ACR spring is bad you should be able to hear it click ,if you do hear it ,the spring is bad ,i went through this on k-301 engine ,i was able to remove the spring ,with the engine in place ,i just tied a thread on the spring ,so it would not fall in the pan ,and replaced the spring ,we never know how many hours are on the engine ,and springs go bad ,hope this helps .David

 

[wildav83]

THANKS EVERYONE. I will let my dad know what you guys suggested and see How he makes out. THANKS AGAIN.

 

[radinpa]

I have the same problem. I just looked in my JD parts catalog and for the life of me can not find a part called the ACR. Would someone elaborate on which part you are referring to and where it's located?

 

[inspired_metal]

It is on the cam and as the engine is turning over at low revolutions (like Starting) it 'bumps ' the valve just enough to let the compression drop to a lower level the allows the engine to spin easier. Once started, centrifugal force keeps the spring in and it has higher compression. I've had them go bad on B&S Intek engines but not on an old Kohler though its not uncommon. Follow Davids directions to test.

Check all the wires for bad spots and also check your ground wires.

Dom

 

[radinpa]

Thanks inspired_metal, I have a Kohler manual and I've found what you are describing. Only question I have, can this wait until spring? Will it hurt the motor if I don't repair it immediately?

 

[steveh]

The ACR only works at low (cranking speed) rpm. Once the engine starts it is no longer used. The only problem you will have if the ACR is not working is hard cranking once started it becomes a non-issue. So assuming you can get it started it will not cause any problems while running.