Kohler K301 issues

[Lead Head]

The old two screwdrivers and a pair of needle nose trick not strong enough for the Kohler springs? I don't understand why there would be a diode in the ignition system. My K301 on my Cub Cadet doesn't have a diode anywhere. Although Diodes do have a slight voltage drop, it could have been used as a suedo-resistor of sorts. Although I'm quite sure all the normal Kohler coils are 12v/Internal Resistor units.

[ford2go]

If I was as handy as most of you guys, I wouldn't need special tools -- but, I'm not.

As for the diode, I mentioned earlier that I think that this was an older engine stuffed in a newer tractor. I also think that they 'patched' the engine.

Diodes are used on WH breakerless (pointless !) systems. It doesn't provide much of a drop ( 0.6 v is pretty standard), but it could limit the current somewhat.

I don't see any need for it, and it may be hindering the ignition slightly, so I'm going to get rid of it. It's not the source of my problems -- I have jumpered it out while testing.

[Ford_Six]

Are you 100% positive it's a diode and not a capacitor? If a cap fails shorted, it'll take away your spark.

[ford2go]

No, there's a diode in series between the +12 and the + coil lead.

I don't actually know where it is, I just found it with my ohm meter.

My Kohler manual shows that they use them for the solid state ignitions.

[GlennFordx4]

Ok I am going to throw this out there,have you checked for water in your fuel,looking at the color of your exhaust valve it looks like water has been hitting it when it is very hot(leaves white ash deposits) and will cause the problems you are having.All it takes is a little bit of water to cause problems and if there are other issues it will just make it worse,this new gas has been giving me tons of problems with water which it absorbs on small engine carbs and fuel systems this season.