How to Troubleshoot a Kohler 11 HP

Check the Kohler 11 HP's spark plug if the engine is struggling to start. It may be disconnected. Find the spark plug on the right side of the engine, where it lies near the thin, black spark plug wire. This wire must be inserted into the back of the Kohler's spark plug. Reinsert it if it has come loose.

Check the general condition of the spark plug if the wire was not the issue. The spark plug must not feature any brown or white corrosion on its end. If it does, disconnect the ignition wire, and remove the current spark plug.

Insert a replacement spark plug, and insert the Kohler 11 HP's ignition wire into its rear.

Locate the two terminal wires extending out of the side of the machine's battery. There is a red wire and a black wire. Follow these back to where they extend to the solenoid on the Kohler 11 HP engine. Ensure each wire is connected to the bolts on their respective side of the solenoid. If the wires have come loose, fix their ends over each bolt, and tighten the wire into place on the bolt using a socket wrench.

Look along the Kohler 11 HP motor's left side for the carburetor bowl, which can be found about halfway down the side. The engine may be sputtering and/or failing immediately after starting due to a flooded carburetor. Place a dish under the carburetor bowl and loosen the nut on the bottom of it with a socket wrench.

Wait as all the fluid drains from the carburetor.

Tighten the nut back into place on the bottom of the Kohler 11 HP's carburetor bowl using your socket wrench. The engine should now run smoothly and without sputtering.