Ed C - it was late last nite when I posted about how quick your engine should start and I dreamt about it all nite. Your 1650 should start within 5-10 secs in normal temps and 15 secs in cold temps. Running the starter any longer than 15 secs risks damage to the starter and you should let it cool for 60 secs before trying again. If your 1650 is well tuned it really should start within about 5 secs in normal temps. In cold temps the little starter is alot slower and the engine will almost groan or you may even think your battery is weak, but it still should start in 15 secs at most. I really think you probably have a points/timing issue.
(And for those of you with the older Kohlers with Starter/Gens they should start in 0-5 secs at normal temps. I used to say they would start "almost" before you turn the key but that is a little unbelievable, although almost true. When it's really cold they turn more slowly, especially the hydro tractors, but still should start in 10 secs at most. You might have to try 2 or 3 times - waiting about 15-30 secs in between).
These times are just "my opinion" of a well tuned Kohler. If your's doesn't start within the times I noted then you may have a points/timing issue, spark plug, gas, battery, carb, head gasket, valve, on and on, issue - or you live in the artic.