Toro WH Classic 312-8 Kohler Magnum 12

[brewster 11]

I’m told I need a new carburetor for my beloved Toro WH Classic mower.

 

The Kohler Magnum 12 engine has a label that shows:

 

Model M12S

Spec No. 471527

Serial No. 2005211023

 

What’s the correct / best carburetor for it? I also welcome advice on installation.

 

Thanks 

[Sparky-(Admin) 22,058]

8 minutes ago, brewster said:

I’m told I need a new carburetor for my beloved Toro WH Classic mower.

 

 What reason was given for it needing replacement? I always try to rebuild mine if possible before I replace. 

[brewster 11]

In fact the repairman — I can’t do it myself— said either a “kit” or a replacement. I just assumed that a replacement would be the quickest / easiest route to go. No?

[Sparky-(Admin) 22,058]

43 minutes ago, brewster said:

In fact the repairman — I can’t do it myself— said either a “kit” or a replacement. I just assumed that a replacement would be the quickest / easiest route to go. No?

  Quicker yes. But the aftermarket carburetor’s aren’t always good to go out of the box. Quite a few guys here have had to adjust and work on them right away.

  Personally I would prefer to have my original rebuilt. It’s also a great way to learn about the Kohler carbs. 

[ebinmaine 70,719]

54 minutes ago, brewster said:

In fact the repairman — I can’t do it myself— said either a “kit” or a replacement. I just assumed that a replacement would be the quickest / easiest route to go. No?

Agree with @Sparky above.  

 

There are Kohler OE carb rebuild kits available. 

 That's the way to go.  

 

[ri702bill 8,967]

I totally agree with Mike - the aftermarket "one size fits most" from offshore suppliers can have a couple of issues - the choke lever as supplied is usually on the wrong side - it would work backwards. SOME are supplied with the correct missing parts - if so, YOU have to change it.

One size fits most - the carb bore may be sized for an 8HP, but is too small for a 12 or 14 HP to give decent performance - but it "fits"...

Unless there is major damage to your original - better to rebuild it.

One exception - I Save Tractors sells quality replacement carbs...

Bill

Edited July 2, 2023 by ri702bill

[Brockport Bill 1,824]

1 minute ago, ebinmaine said:

Agree with @Sparky above.  

 

There are Kohler OE carb rebuild kits available. 

 That's the way to go.  

 

i have used the Isavetractor carbs as well as their rebuild kits  ---- but --  I also like using the Kohler engine OEM site to buy original -- there can be $ difference but i make decisions on long term $ not just immediate short term costs----------- https://kohlerenginesparts.com/?lid=6076dg164f141b5030d5ab15&loc=12601

[ebinmaine 70,719]

1 minute ago, Brockport Bill said:

i have used the Isavetractor carbs as well as their rebuild kits  ---- but --  I also like using the Kohler engine OEM site to buy original -- there can be $ difference but i make decisions on long term $ not just immediate short term costs----------- https://kohlerenginesparts.com/?lid=6076dg164f141b5030d5ab15&loc=12601

 

 

I use Kohler parts but not bought from them directly.  

Neither one of my two local dealers is .... Old stuff friendly.   

 

 

[ri702bill 8,967]

7 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

 

 

I use Kohler parts but not bought from them directly.  

Neither one of my two local dealers is .... Old stuff friendly.   

 

 

Do they insist on getting you away from the Parts Counter and onto the Sales Floor to look at the shiny new pressed tin & plastic models?? I have walked out of a few of those - not quietly, but I left...

[ebinmaine 70,719]

7 minutes ago, ri702bill said:

Do they insist on getting you away from the Parts Counter and onto the Sales Floor to look at the shiny new pressed tin & plastic models?? I have walked out of a few of those - not quietly, but I left...

No. They just look at ya .... Confused.  

[Brockport Bill 1,824]

2 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

No. They just look at ya .... Confused.  

i'm still giggling - i have that image in my mind

[ri702bill 8,967]

When my local guy still sold Toro (no longer), I would usually go to the parts window and rattle off the part numbers I wanted. This would irk the counter guy - he "needed" a year, model and serial number... The owner would come by and "chat" - asking what ancient WH I was working on. Then he too would rattle off the same numbers.....Now the counter guy had a butt rash instead...!! 

[ranger 1,774]

Is this likely to have a ‘fixed’ main jet ‘Walbro’ carb?

[ri702bill 8,967]

5 minutes ago, ranger said:

Is this likely to have a ‘fixed’ main jet ‘Walbro’ carb?

Mayhaps (a word not often used this side of the puddle). Kohlers have 2 adjusting screws...

[Jon Paulsen 291]

Keyword:
 

2 hours ago, brewster said:

repairman

 

Has he opened the old carb to see what it might need?

 

Gaskets are often reusable and small engine carbs are often just dirty inside. 

 

What was the engine doing before taking it in for repair?

[ebinmaine 70,719]

42 minutes ago, Jon Paulsen said:

Keyword:
 

 

Has he opened the old carb to see what it might need?

 

Gaskets are often reusable and small engine carbs are often just dirty inside. 

 

What was the engine doing before taking it in for repair?

 

 

I have respectfully disagree with at least a part of that. 

 

The modern world has ethanol.  

 

NO gasket from an ethanol laced carb should be reused after even a few months. 

 

If the needle or seat is rubber it too is non reusable.  

[Jon Paulsen 291]

2 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

 

 

I have respectfully disagree with at least a part of that. 

 

The modern world has ethanol.  

 

NO gasket from an ethanol laced carb should be reused after even a few months. 

 

If the needle or seat is rubber it too is non reusable.  

I'll buy that philosophy, Eric!

 

But I would at least peel it open and see what's going on inside. 

 

Last 2 stroke carb I got into had been shut off with gas in it years ago. I had no kit and all gaskets came off clean and pliable. Last 4 stroke I did was not shut down with gas in it, but it had some gaskets that I replaced because I had them and the old ones did not look so great. I'm no saying everyone should follow the practice of reusing old gaskets. If I had the 2 stroke gaskets handy, I might have replaced them. Now, if you ask me next year if that 2 stroke over-revved with a lean condition, I'll answer honestly and we'll both know if Lawnboy gaskets are susceptible to alcoholism.

 

I appreciate your speaking up in disagreement with my practices. Constructive criticism is always welcome 

[ri702bill 8,967]

11 hours ago, Jon Paulsen said:

Constructive criticism is always

...in abundance and offered up freely sometimes around here!! Take the color green - the only socially acceptable green colored item welcomed is folding money... 

[brewster 11]

Wow! A prompt and helpful abundance of wisdom, humor and links to useful websites…with no score settling, name calling, politics or culture wars. What a wonderful world is Red Square! Thank you all.

 

In answer to some posed questions: my mower turns over but has difficulty catching. If it does get going, it runs well, but once it’s shut down, it won’t soon start again. On another’s advice, we replaced the gas filter but that didn’t do much. So my repairman then recommended — not clear if he had opened it up and looked inside — that the carburetor be fixed or replaced. I’ll visit the linked websites —🤞— and with any luck, be back mowing (as soon as the never-ending rain in New Hampshire ends). Thanks again. And happy Independence Day to everyone. 

[ebinmaine 70,719]

13 minutes ago, brewster said:

What a wonderful world is Red Square!

All of your above listed reasons is why I'm ONLY here and not on FB or the rest of the various tractor sites.

 

Going by Google maps you're less than an hour from my place. If you need your carb rebuilt and or installed let me know.

Most of us are glad to help trying to keep this old iron alive and obviously you have an appreciation for it. 

 

BTW. We have a gathering in September every year not too far south of you and I. North Berwick Maine.   

[Rick3478 434]

From the problem description, I'm wondering if the fuel pump could bear some checking.

[Jrblanke 885]

I would dig into the reason they said replacement. Sometimes the throttle shaft has worn the body to the point that it will be difficult to tune due to vacuum leaks around the shaft. The shaft can be rebushed. If thats beyond your ability, you may try the isavetractors carb. Otherwise I'm on team "rebuild the old carb". 

 

James

[ebinmaine 70,719]

8 minutes ago, Jrblanke said:

Sometimes the throttle shaft has worn the body to the point that it will be difficult to tune due to vacuum leaks around the shaft. The shaft can be rebushed

 

 

I can do the top just fine but I've seen a couple carbs where the bottom of the bore was worn. 

IMHO that takes a carburetor out of being a  candidate for rebuild. 

[D_Mac 9,136]

I just went through the carburetor replacement nightmare. If yours can be rebuilt, rebuild it. If you need a replacement,  buy one from Isavetractors.

[Wheel-N-It 2,971]

12 hours ago, Jrblanke said:

Sometimes the throttle shaft has worn the body to the point that it will be difficult to tune due to vacuum leaks around the shaft. 

James

 

This is the first thing I check when looking a Wheel Horse that's for sale.  A worn throttle shaft bushing can make an otherwise excellent shape Kohler run completely awful. No amount of adjusting the carburetor will compensate for the wear in and around that bushing.