Need Part for Old Kohler Generator

[Lin]

The vacuum choke diaphragm on my pre-Columbian L654 Kohler generator is bad.  This is not a huge deal since all it means is that the generator is slower to start in cool weather, or I have to jiggle the choke to start it faster.  However, it would be nice to fix it.  I have not been able to find the diaphragm or a repair kit.  Does anyone know of a source for such ancient parts?

[gus]

I had the same problem with my ancient Onan and just choked it by hand until it warmed up.

Not convenient but the part is not available.

[Lin]

Yeah Gus, that's what I do when I need to.  Just thought it would be nice to fix it.  Can't understand why they don't have little parts for a merely 40 plus year old generator!

[luvrbus]

Lin, I have no idea where to get the parts but that has always been a simple fix go to a wrecking and  find a vacuum cylinder off the fresh air door from a automobile find the smallest size, a rod and bracket you are in business you could probably buy one from NAPA or AutoZone

I watched a guy do that before on a Onan to do away with his electric choke also  it was simple the engine not running the choke was closed running it was open from the vacuum from the engine a old dash pod off a carburetor should work   

[wg4t50]

Years ago I had the Kohler using the flat head 4 cyl water cooled gasoline engine, no diaphragm assist choking, just carb ice under the right conditions, so being a fool, I changed it to LP Gas, had a 60 gal LP tank, worked great as such, my gph went from .75 to 1.1 gph, so I got real tired of that real quick, yes it was a perfectly nice easy, smooth, reliable setup, but LP refills are not cheap and the 60 gal tank gave limited range, so I built the 12 kw diesel, used a 50 gal tank.
I figured 10 gal per 24 hr run, I ran it 24/7, so the 50 gal gave me 4 full days run time.
Dave M

[Paso One]

Okay guys have you tried  www.smokstak.com

Please don't hold me responsible for your extra 3 hours a day you spend on another website.

There is a company on there that has NOS parts for all old engines.

Carb kits for many old small engines, broken down by make and model.

[gus]

Better would be an electric, short throw solenoid connected to a switch at the driver. Some of these old engines require a lot of choking.