How to Set the Ignition Timing with Crank Trigger Ignition on Kohler engine model KT17, KT17 Series II, KT19, KT19 Series II, M18 or M20

How to Set the Ignition Timing with Crank Trigger Ignition on Kohler engine model KT17, KT17 Series II, KT19, KT19 Series II, M18 or M20

To set the timing with crank trigger ignition on models KT17, KT17 Series II, KT19, KT19 Series II, the timing is set at 23º BTDC when the S mark on the flywheel is aligned with the roll pin on the #1 cylinder. It's at this position the timing is set, and this is when spark occurs. So to set the timing with crank trigger ignition, align the S mark with the roll pin, then align the magnet in the locking collar with the sensor in the Dynatek Dyna S module, and then tighten the set screw in the locking collar.

To set the timing with crank trigger ignition on models M18 or M20, being the flywheel has an external magnet, to find the location of the timing mark on the flywheel, where the bracket for the solid state ignition coil is fastened on the cylinder, there's two bosses with threaded bolt holes, and there's a small/short boss with no hole somewhat between the two bigger/taller bosses on the #1 cylinder. There's two magnetic poles in the magnet on the flywheel. When looking at the flywheel magnet from the right side of the engine, align the center of the upper pole with the center of the small boss. It's at this position the timing is set at 23º BTDC, and this is when spark occurs. So to set the timing with crank trigger ignition, align the center of the upper pole with the center of the small boss, then align the magnet in the locking collar with the sensor in the Dynatek Dyna S module, and then tighten the set screw in the locking collar.

The locking collar can be slightly rotated clockwise on the crankshaft to advance the timing if you wish for the engine to have more lugging power.

The ignition timing setting are the same (23º BTDC) for the M18 and M20 because these engines use the same flywheel. If there's kickback when trying to start the engine, back off the timing until the engine has no kickback. If in doubt about the timing with the M18 or M20 flywheel, then the easiest way to to set the timing is to acquire a flywheel from a KT17, KT17 Series II, KT19 or KT19 Series II engine, and set the timing according to where the S mark on the flywheel is in alignment where the roll pin boss is located on the #1 cylinder of your engine.

Call me at 573-256-0313 (shop) or 573-881-7228 (cell/text) if you have any questions about how to set the timing on your engine.