Husky Joe
ArboristSite Operative
I shut off the Kohler SH265 engine on my Dirty Hand Tools splitter sometime in the spring. Things have finally cooled off and it's time to finish up the wood gathering but my Kohler won't start. This is the second engine on this bomb; the first engine was replaced under warranty after a valve stuck. I went through the usual troubleshooting and removed a mud wasp's mud from the exhaust. When I take it into the local small engine repair shop, it seems like he just cleans the carburetor and throws another spark plug in it so for $14, I bought another carburetor and for a few bucks more, I bought a new spark plug. I have spark but it seems like all I can get it to do is backfire when I'm trying to start it. It DOES NOT run, despite many, many tugs on the recoil starter rope. It did the same thing with the original carburetor. I usually run av gas but I have run some unleaded through it with ethanol (and additives), so I was wondering if the carburetor didn't get crapped up. Given my history with Kohler engines (not good), I'm trying to find a Honda GX 200 but just about everywhere I look---even local dealers---everyone is out of stock. I saw one or two retailers online which may have one in stock but it looked like they were price gouging. Any other options/another brand I should be considering? I just need to make sure the bolt holes and horizontal shaft diameter and length will be compatible with the DHT splitter. Every time I go to the local small engine repair shop, I throw down another hundred bucks. Might as well just upgrade and cut my losses. I'm not even sure if DHT is still in business. I emailed them and my email got bounced back. Called the number on their website and it just rings and rings…
Winter is coming. Thanks for any help!
Winter is coming. Thanks for any help!