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Bill, I've had two Kohler Magnums, one a 20, the other a 22. Both have been problematic. I've changed oil and filter in each every 50 hours, Kohler recommends 100 hrs.
These machines are a bear to start in cold weather, and the carburetors are hyper sensitive to foreign matter. I have to clean the carbs monthly to keep the machines running smoothly, I can't figure how the dirt gets past the filters.
Each one has had intake gaskets sucked in numerous times, the dealer says this is a common problem. I tried to finish the day out in this condition and burned an intake valve.
I've had to replace a coil on one when it dropped a cylinder.
The lifters make noise so bad on occasion you'd swear they were going to come out the side of the block! Again, the dealer says this is a common problem, let them fast idle until it goes away. It has taken up to an hour for this to clear.
The amount of time I've lost from both down time and transport time to the dealer is considerable, not to mention rental fees for a replacement machine to stay on schedule. Reliability will be the major factor in making my engine choice, not price.
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