pfrederi 18,406 #1 Posted February 1, 2022 (edited) most the plugs I pull have carbon build up or even some some oil. Kohler manual doesn't have color pictures. This is from K341. Just static checked timing it is dead on... Edited February 1, 2022 by pfrederi 5 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,406 #2 Posted February 1, 2022 I am actually wondering if it maybe too lean?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,632 #3 Posted February 1, 2022 The perimeter of the plug is black indicating that the mixture is rich or the engine is consuming some oil. The center electrode appears fine indicating the spark plug heat range is good. The side electrode is very white which leads me to believe that the mixture is lean. I would adjust for a richer mixture and measure oil consumption. When taking a plug reading, work the engine hard for a while, then quickly shut down, you shouldn't idle at all. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,406 #4 Posted February 1, 2022 2 minutes ago, lynnmor said: The perimeter of the plug is black indicating that the mixture is rich or the engine is consuming some oil. The center electrode appears fine indicating the spark plug heat range is good. The side electrode is very white which leads me to believe that the mixture is lean. I would adjust for a richer mixture and measure oil consumption. When taking a plug reading, work the engine hard for a while, then quickly shut down, you shouldn't idle at all. She was working hard snow blowing. Shut off went to restart when the starter motor fell apart. I am sure that she is using a bit of oil have no idea how many hours is on the engine. runs well. Will richen her up a tad... Thank you 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 42,885 #5 Posted February 1, 2022 Snow blowing takes more fuel. If you were driving down the interstates of PA and pulled the plug it would probably be fine. You may have a tad bit of rough running with the blower off but smooth out with it on. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 23,117 #6 Posted February 1, 2022 My opinion...nothing wrong with that plug. It's got a nice burn where it counts. If I did anything, if the points are at .020, I would try .018... 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pacer 3,176 #7 Posted February 1, 2022 "My opinion...nothing wrong with that plug. It's got a nice burn where it counts." I tend to agree .... A one time reading is not very reliable - working under load, cold weather, several factors could affect the plugs appearance. So, maybe the plug is not "ideal" but I really dont see anything to get excited about. 5 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,406 #8 Posted February 1, 2022 1 hour ago, stevasaurus said: My opinion...nothing wrong with that plug. It's got a nice burn where it counts. If I did anything, if the points are at .020, I would try .018... Steve I checked the timing using the static method. S line was in center of the hole... 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheelhorse#1 1,767 #9 Posted February 2, 2022 Here’s a chart not sure if it’s very accurate though.kinda hard to read between the different symptoms and pics given. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 58,419 #10 Posted February 2, 2022 Paul, that plug looks great to me, I wouldn't change a thing. The Magnum on my 310-8 has the same spark plug in it that was there when I bought it five years ago. Each winter I service it after mowing/leaf sweeping is done. I pull the spark plug, take a look and can't see replacing a good plug like that. Even in the '50s and '60s you replaced spark plugs every 12,000 miles, that would be 200 hours of driving 60 MPH. Considering the fact that I'm operating the about 25 hours a season I guess an eight year interval for spark plugs would be about right. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,632 #11 Posted February 2, 2022 There is a Cub Cadet dealer in my area that always leaned the Kohlers as much as he could, that gave me a lot of burned valves to replace for friends. Always err on the rich side. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 50,921 #12 Posted February 2, 2022 What brand Paul... Chumponion H-10?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,406 #13 Posted February 2, 2022 3 minutes ago, WHX?? said: What brand Paul... Chumponion H-10?? Yes she starts and run well which is why I didn't switch to autolite. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TJ5208 1,824 #14 Posted February 2, 2022 (edited) This might not help none but I think it's running too rich. You could also have a weak ignition. The signs of the whitening tip of the spark plug is caused by overheating it could be too lean fuel mixture or it could be the carburetor or the ignition there's so many signs. Edited February 2, 2022 by TJ Salyers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites