persof 14 #1 Posted January 20, 2011 I recently bought a C-161a and am fixing it up. It has new points but they are eroded already so I suspect that the condenser is bad. Can I use any condenser from Nappa or must I use one designed for a Kohler 16HP? Many years ago my first couple of cars had points so I bought a SUN engine meter for tune ups. It has a one cylinder scale for dwell. What should a correct dewll reading be? Thanks Francis Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #2 Posted January 20, 2011 You should buy a condenser specifically designed for your engine. If you get the wrong "size", it will cause excess pitting/burning of the points. Set the timing with a stroboscopic light (per the Kohler manual) and don't worry about dwell. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
persof 14 #3 Posted January 20, 2011 Unfortunately my timing light is lost? broken? gone. Dwell tells me that the points gap is correct; why ignore that? I will look in the Kohler manual Thanks Francis Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #4 Posted January 20, 2011 There is no way of advancing/retarding the timing on your engine other than adjusting the point gap. (there is no movable base plate like inside an automobile distributor) If you use the timing light method, the dwell will automatically be correct - unless the points pushrod or cam lobe is worn excessively. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
persof 14 #5 Posted January 20, 2011 Thanks, I will do that Share this post Link to post Share on other sites