Not running smoth

[Retired Wrencher 6,764]

I have this 1057. I have been working on it for a while now. In the beginning when I first put this together  it ran smooth. The last few months It  developed sputtering I started working on it yesterday. I had a rebuilt carb on it thought that was it. Put on another rebuilt carb. Same thing. I put on a new Kohler condenser.The others where aftermarket. Same thing. Today I will look at the points today. There new also by Kohler. I have this new coil on there. So hoping the new points need adjustment. Last will be the valves. Any Ideas after that? Thanks in advance. Feel free to ask questions.

Edited Sunday at 10:10 AM by Retired Wrencher

[kpinnc 18,710]

6 hours ago, Retired Wrencher said:

Any Ideas after that?

 

Sounds like you're looking in the right places. 

 

My old Kohlers splutter just a tiny bit every few seconds unless under load and I've never got them adjusted properly whatever it is. 

[WHX?? 57,270]

34 minutes ago, kpinnc said:

old Kohlers splutter just a tiny bit every few seconds

Same here but some do and some don't. More so with small blocks. Always suspected it has something to do with variable timing issues. Points variation, cam lash or something like that but could be dead nuts wrong too.  Never bad enough to really worry about so I just run er. 

[pfrederi 20,819]

My small blocks will pop especially going down hill 

[Retired Wrencher 6,764]

Thanks for the reply`a guys. I am moving on to the valves now. These are new valves by Kohler. I will try lap them in more.I always thought when you see a whitish line you are good.  

Edited Monday at 09:25 AM by Retired Wrencher

[Blaine 121]

I’ve chased my tail many times over a simple spark plug. I’m not saying that’s what it is, but if you’re at the point of throwing parts at it…

[Retired Wrencher 6,764]

21 hours ago, Blaine said:

I’ve chased my tail many times over a simple spark plug. I’m not saying that’s what it is, but if you’re at the point of throwing parts at it…

Thanks for the reply Blaine. I will look into that.

[sqrlgtr 3,143]

On 7/5/2026 at 6:06 AM, Retired Wrencher said:

I will look at the points today.

I have found that some engines smooth out with a little different point setting than what's called for and the only way I have found to find that sweet spot is change setting, test, change test, etc, until Im satisfied. Agree with @Blaine all plugs are not created equal and that is an easy change just to see. I like NGK, or Autolite, plugs and the Champion are my least favorite.

[Retired Wrencher 6,764]

@sqrlgtr Thanks for the reply. The points are around 18 for this old guy with a slight shaky hand. Do you know the # for the NGK`s I am going through it again just in case I missed something on assembly. Also I saw a little oil leaking from the head on disassembly. That could also have something to do with it. Could be a little warped. I have another head in good shape will be putting that on.

Edited 3 hours ago by Retired Wrencher

[Blaine 121]

I always remove three feeler gauges from the set. If the spec is .020”, i take the 19 20 and 21 out of the set and use them individually to check the gap. I can get a much better “feel”. If i try using them without removing them, i can guaranty it’s not right.
 

You might find that your shaky 18 is actually 21. @Retired Wrencher

Edited 2 hours ago by Blaine

[sqrlgtr 3,143]

2 hours ago, Retired Wrencher said:

Do you know the # for the NGK`s

I'm just going by memory here, but big block Kohlers run NGK B4L (Autolite216) and small blocks run the NGK B4S (Autolite255). Your K241 should use the B4L. I put the Autolite numbers in parentheses because sometimes they are easier to find local. 

Edited 1 hour ago by sqrlgtr