Troy Bilt w Kohler engine

RickReed · Aug 29, 2008

Ijust was given a 1983 Troy Bilt tiller. It is the big one with 8 hp Kohler engine. It has the following problems. The engine starts and runs for about 45 min and then runs bad looses power or quits. After it sits for awhile it will start and do the same thing. Any ideas what the cause may be and is it something that I can fix myself? The other problem is that the tines don't turn. Can a person with reasonable mechanical skills rebuild this engine? Thanks

old · Aug 29, 2008

Engine problem is probably a coil going bad. Now as for the tines you probably have a bad worm or drive gear in it if the belts are good. My dad got one back in 1972 and it has had the tranny rebuild 4 or 5 times in that time but only 2 engines. I still use it every year
Hobby farm

Gene Dotson · Aug 30, 2008

Rick;
First thing I would check is valve adjustment. May be a tight intake or exhaust valve... Gene

Bill(Wis) · Aug 30, 2008

I have a 1984 8hp Troy Bilt with Kohler engine. It has a dog clutch to engage/disengage tines. Has a very small lever to activate. I don't know if the '83's had that as it was a relatively new feature whwn I bought mine.

olddog · Aug 30, 2008

Overheating??? Cooling fins blocked?
Valve lash decreased with wear?
Finally check the coil.

john d · Aug 30, 2008

Sticking exhaust valve is a good possibility. After it quits, you may hear a "snap-ping" come from it after a few minutes as it cools off. Not a difficult or expensive fix.

RickReed · Aug 30, 2008

Thanks I wondered about valves. Do you know is there a manual that tells how to adjust the valves or is this a thing for a mechanic? Rick

RickReed · Aug 30, 2008

How do I check the coil? Just replace it? Is the transmission problem as described it a thing for a mechanic? Thanks Rick

supergrumpy · Aug 30, 2008

was a similar post under tool talk recently

Kohler was Garden Way premium motor, terrific engine with lots of power

right after it dies, spray tiny bit of starting fluid right into the carb, if it pops/runs your coil is OK and you have fuel problem, no pop means other problems

in my experience bad coil won't last 45 minutes

do you have a mouse nest inside the shroud causing engine to overheat???

keep us posted, horse tillers have lots of fans

RickReed · Aug 30, 2008

Thanks Rick

RickReed · Aug 30, 2008

Thanks I am going to try and get a manual so I can do that. Rick

old · Aug 30, 2008

To check the coil I would fire it up and run it till it dies, then the minute it dies check for spark. If it has no spark or a weak spark its the coil. As far as the tranny I rebuilt the one in the one I have the first time and my dad because I wasn't around had it done by a shop the 2nd time. Rebuild one is not an easy job
Hobby farm

J.C.in AZ. · Aug 30, 2008

We had one back then,Fuel Tank tended to Rust,Maybe rust in Fuel outlet??

teddy52food · Aug 30, 2008

If the valve sticks open it will sound different when it stops.

Troy Bilt w Kohler engine

RickReed

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old

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