Gerry Ide (Kide)- hey keep scratching your head. You took my comment somewhat out of context. I can't ever say anything in 1 sentence. Here is what I said (it's 5 or 6 sentences):
"That little points pushrod does wear and with the points set at the correct gap your timing will still be off. If you have a timing light use it to set the timing. You might find the points have to be adjusted closer to .025 before you get the timing to 20degrees BTDC. I think the FAQ's may have a static method to set the timing if you don't have a timing light. These Kohler engines will still start and run even with the timing way off and nearly TDC, but you'll burn a hole thru the piston, which is how I got my first 1450."
Here is what I meant: "with the points set at the correct gap (meaning .020 with a gap gauge) your timing will still be off (well maybe off, or could be off, but was always off for me). The main point I was making is setting the points at .020 generally will not give you the correct timing of 20degrees BTDC. I always related this to wear on the little pushrod but I believe even when I replaced the pushrod and set the gap at .020 with my gauge, it would not give me the correct timing of 20degrees BTDC. If I recall correctly I believe I always had to increase my gap to get the timing exact (maybe my gap gauge was worn or I just don't measure my gap very well). I don't know scientifically if wear on the little pushrod would go this or not. I realize it may not make sense - but what does make sense is that everyones .020 gap measurement with a gap gauge may not be exactly the same. I think Matt or someone else confirmed before that a point gap of .020 will hardly ever give you the correct 20degrees BTDC timing.
I'm actually not that convinced that the static method for setting the timing gives you the correct timing either but I'm certain it's better than a gap gauge on the points. I may be old fashioned but I like using a timing light and seeing the S or SP timing mark hit the line exactly when my timing light flashes. I don't think there is any better timing method than having the engine running and seeing exactly when it sparks. (Now I suppose someone is going to tell me the marks on the flywheel can be off and if this is the case then I suppose you have to pull the head and make sure the piston is exactly TDC when you see the T mark on the flywheel thru the site hole - does make me wonder how much tollerance Kohler allowed for with their casting and markings).
My overall point was that setting the gap on the points will hardly if ever give you the correct timing - it gives you a good starting point and the engine will generally start, but it's absolutely best to use a timing light and adjust the point gap until you get your timing exactly 20degrees BTDC.
Chris R - Woooo Hooo to you. Now, I was just talking about adjusting things so I have a recommendation for you. Since you found the spring assist I would suggest you initially set the spring tension to the point where it feels good for what ever you may be lifting - then for each year older the tractor gets I would tighten the adjusting bolt 1/4 turn. This will return the spring tension to where it was the year before. Then when ever you use the tractor it will seem to require the same lifting strength as it always did (and will have nothing to do with you or your muscles getting a year older).
Nice find.