C-160 starts easily then quits

[RJR49 175]

A few weeks ago my C-160 started then quit. Starts quickly maybe 4 seconds later quits. Afer a couple of those efforts ran fine. Today the same thing happened! I was thinking that the electric pump got tired but if you let it sit for a couple of minutes it will run for 4 or 5 seconds. If I restart immediately it only runs for 2 or 3 seconds so now im leaning towards the filter. Before i start troubleshooting i thought i would ask if anyone has other thoughts.

[ebinmaine 80,045]

 IMHO.... Always do regular maintenance before troubleshooting.  

 

If you cycle the fuel pump off and on three or four without starting the engine, that should fill the fuel bowl for sure. Will it stay running then?

 

Have you removed the inlet hose from the carburetor to verify that you are getting good fuel flow?

What is the age of the fuel filter?

When was the last time the carburetor was rebuilt?

All fuel lines replaced?

 

[RJR49 175]

I dont think the carburetor is the problem. It starts to easily and repetedly. The flow from the pump is the first thing im planning to check.

[ri702bill 12,682]

Could be a fuel issue... could be a spark issue. Use an inline xenon bulb spark checker to narrow down the true source of the issue...

[ranger 1,860]

Condenser?

[953 nut 68,091]

Quick way to check your condenser is to disconnect the wire, if the problem goes away then get a new condenser. The engine can be run for a few minutes without it for testing without damaging the points.

[sqrlgtr 3,573]

I know I'm probably the only one that has done this, but could the fuel valve be shut off.

[RJR49 175]

It was a problem with the carburetor. I bought a Chinese carb from Amazon.  Had to cut off the choke tab of course. Fired right up.

Edited 23 hours ago by RJR49
Spelling

[ebinmaine 80,045]

4 minutes ago, RJR49 said:

It was a problem with the carburetor. I bought a Chinese carb from Amazon.  Had t cut off the coke tab of course. Fired right up.

 

Do you still have the original  #30 Kohler carburetor? 

Can you clean and rebuild it?

 

My experience shows me that the "inexpensive" one won't last.....

 

 

[RJR49 175]

I have a couple of Kohler Carbs i could rebuild but the Chinese carbs are half the price of the Kohler rebuild kits. Other than the choke being backwards I'm satisfied with them. As an aside; I have 3 Honda Motors on various pieces of equipment. All, well over 10 years old. When I start them for the season, snow in the winter, leaf vac in the fall, and my pressurewasher once every blue moon they always start on the first or second pull. I take care of them when i put them away but they are amazing. I've toyed with the idea of putting Honda motors on my two C‐160's if the Kohlers ever die

 But, as good as they are that just seems WRONG!

[ebinmaine 80,045]

18 minutes ago, RJR49 said:

I have a couple of Kohler Carbs i could rebuild but the Chinese carbs are half the price of the Kohler rebuild kits.

 

I can see your logic but I have NOT had the same results of satisfaction. 

At least 4 cheap carbs have gone through this shop. 

Two were from isave. 

 

All. Four. Failed.  

 

They're excluded forever. 

 

Kohler kits are no longer available but I was buying them for about $15. 

 

I'll always spend the money and time to do a rebuild.  

 

 

Quote

 

 

. As an aside; I have 3 Honda Motors on various pieces of equipment. All, well over 10 years old. When I start them for the season, snow in the winter, leaf vac in the fall, and my pressurewasher once every blue moon they always start on the first or second pull. I take care of them when i put them away but they are amazing. I've toyed with the idea of putting Honda motors on my two C‐160's if the Kohlers ever die

 But, as good as they are that just seems WRONG!

 

Understand and agree.  

[Bill D 3,054]

1 hour ago, ebinmaine said:

 

I can see your logic but I have NOT had the same results of satisfaction. 

At least 4 cheap carbs have gone through this shop. 

Two were from isave. 

 

All. Four. Failed.  

 

They're excluded forever. 

 

Kohler kits are no longer available but I was buying them for about $15. 

 

I'll always spend the money and time to do a rebuild.  

 

 

 

Understand and agree.  

When did the Kohler 25 757 01S kit become NLA and are there any good aftermarket kits?

[ebinmaine 80,045]

11 minutes ago, Bill D said:

When did the Kohler 25 757 01S kit become NLA

 

Not sure. I found out a few weeks ago. 

 

11 minutes ago, Bill D said:

and are there any good aftermarket kits?

 

I haven't tried any so I don't dare recommend one.  

 

 

 

 

[sqrlgtr 3,573]

2 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

At least 4 cheap carbs have gone through this shop. 

I have a couple that wasn't 2 bad but a couple that were junk so 50/50 chance for me to get a good one. I will take an original if given the chance though. Hate to hear the Kohler kits are no longer available.

[kpinnc 18,835]

On 8/13/2026 at 6:32 PM, sqrlgtr said:

I know I'm probably the only one that has done this, but could the fuel valve be shut off.

 

Absolutely yes you are. I have never ever done such a thing. 

[sjoemie himself 3,156]

About the carbs.. are there no good B&S, Honda or custom/aftermarket carbs that fit the Kohler engine(s)? 

I know from my moped years that carbs were swapped out for (mostly) larger ones all the time. After all it's "just" an air-fuel mixing device..  

Seems to me that a carb of a dirtbike with about the same CI's/cc's should work just fine.

[ebinmaine 80,045]

21 minutes ago, sjoemie himself said:

About the carbs.. are there no good B&S, Honda or custom/aftermarket carbs that fit the Kohler engine(s)? 

I know from my moped years that carbs were swapped out for (mostly) larger ones all the time. After all it's "just" an air-fuel mixing device..  

Seems to me that a carb of a dirtbike with about the same CI's/cc's should work just fine.

 

The Pulling community may have something available but that would be  $$$$

 

I've wondered for years if there are other options but haven't had a serious enough need to figure it out.  

 

 

[RJR49 175]

 BAck in the Hot Rod days guys would make adapter plates to fit the carb of choice on they're cars. I dont see why you couldnt do that with a Honda carb unless it creates interference with the hood

[ebinmaine 80,045]

3 minutes ago, RJR49 said:

 BAck in the Hot Rod days guys would make adapter plates to fit the carb of choice on they're cars. I dont see why you couldnt do that with a Honda carb unless it creates interference with the hood

 

Yep. For sure.  Matter of fact it would be reasonably easy to craft a small one barrel adapter from hardwood.  

[RJR49 175]

I think steel would be a better choice. Absorption, heat. Steel would be tougher to make but if one of you guys in Connecticut want to try steel. I can help