The Differences in the Kohler K241 & M10S

Series

• Kohler manufactures and identifies its engine by series. Each series carries the same letter at the beginning, along with a different number for each engine. K241 is an example of the K-series engines while M10 is part of the M, or Magnum, series. The K-series is a group of four-cycle, single cylinder, air-cooled engines. The Magnum is a series of single cylinder engines. The letter at the end of M10, in this case an "S", is the version code. The letter "S" means the engine is an electric start. Each series has its own owners and service manual.

Weight

• The K124 is a lighter engine with a weight of 118 pounds. The M10S weighs 129 pounds. Despite the difference in weight, both engines produce 10 horsepower with essentially the same displacement; 23.9 cc, or cubic centimeters, for the K241 and 23.85 cc for the M10S. The bore, or the diameter of the cylinder, is 3.25 inches, and stroke, or distance travelled by the piston, is 2.88 inches, are identical for both engines.

Carburetor

• The K241 comes equipped with a carburetor known as a "26" which refers to the diameter of the throttle bore being 26 millimeters. The throttle bore is part of the throttle body that controls the amount of air entering the engine. The larger the diameter of the throttle bore the more air flows into the engine. The bore can be enlarged, or bored out, to increase airflow. The M10S comes with a Walbro carburetor. It is a fixed jet, meaning it cannot be adjusted or bored out. Boring out the carburetor increases air pollution. That is the reason for the change.

Engine Starting

• The M10S is an electric starting engine as opposed to a rope pull engine. The electric start eliminates the problem of the rope wearing out and breaking, which requires a replacement rope.