How to Troubleshoot a Small 18HP Kohler Engine That Runs High RPMs

An engine that runs at high RPMs is likely suffering from a throttle cable that requires adjusting. A 18-horsepower Kohler engine can suffer from this problem. You can operate on and replace the throttle cable in your Kohler engine to fix the high-RPM issue, even if you lack engine troubleshooting expertise.

Pliers
Phillips screwdriver
Replacement throttle cable (if necessary)

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the housing over the throttle cable with a pair of pliers. The throttle cable runs into the throttle arm on the side of the engine.
- 2
  Unscrew the lock screw on the arm's handle with a Phillips screwdriver to disconnect it from the engine.
- 3
  Feed the existing throttle cable back through the housing the way it came out. Slide it into the handle, ensuring you keep the cable taught. The throttle cable may have been too loose. Insert the lock screw back into the cable's handle with your Phillips screwdriver.
- 4
  Test the Kohler engine. Repairing the tautness of the existing throttle cable may fix the high-RPM issue.
- 5
  Turn the engine off if the RPM problem persists. Remove the throttle cable as you did before.
- 6
  Install a new replacement throttle cable the same way you reinstalled the old throttle cable.

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