Kohler — Electronic Ignition Systems and Oil Sentry™ Tests
Testing & diagnosis · Electrical System
From a Kohler service manual covering: CH245, CH255, CH260, CH270, CH395, CH440. Check it applies to your exact model before use.
Applies to: Kohler CH260, Kohler CH270, Kohler CH395, Kohler CH440
Before you start
- Electrical Shock can cause injury. Do not touch wires while engine is running.
Procedure
- Disconnect cap from spark plug and attach to spark tester; attach tester spring clip to good ground. Turn ignition switch ON and crank engine while observing firing tip.
- If tester doesn't fire, on electric start engines disconnect black/white kill lead bullet connector inside blower housing and repeat spark test.
- Disconnect bullet connector where Oil Sentry™ control module joins yellow lead from float switch; repeat spark test.
- Set ohmmeter to Rx1 and check continuity between yellow Oil Sentry™ control module lead and black wire.
- With crankcase oil at proper level, check continuity between Oil Sentry™ float switch lead (yellow with green sleeve) and crankcase ground.
- Check resistance from kill lead (black/white) terminal to spark plug cap: should be 13.5-18.0 K ohms; with kill lead removed, small spade terminal to spark plug cap should be 9.5-12.9 K ohms.
- Test ignition/key switch continuity in all switch positions.
Tools required
Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.
Specs & values
- Kill lead terminal to spark plug cap: 13.5-18.0 K ohms
- Module spade terminal to spark plug cap: 9.5-12.9 K ohms
Full service-parts list: Kohler CH260 →, Kohler CH270 →, Kohler CH395 →, Kohler CH440 →
Source: Kohler service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.