So I got a 25hp kohler go-devil and I went to start it the other day and all it would do is spin real fast(the motor). Usually when I go to crank it the prop turns too but it wasnt, but the shaft coming out of the motor wouldnt turn either. The wire screen on the front of the motor would turn like it usually does, but it turned wayyy faster than normal. I was wondering if anyone has ever had this problem. I know its probably something internal in the motor with the gears maybe, but I figured some of you guys could help me out. Thanks

not a guru on this stuff for sure but sounds like you have a broke crankshaft. Dont understand how it would still spin half the shaft tho.

I would have to look at it to be sure tho. Second thought maybe the wire screen and flywheel came un pinned from the crank and the starter is spinning just the flywheel???? I am not sure how the flywheel is attached.

Something's definitely fukkd up, it does sound like the flywheel came loose somehow. The guru's will chime in I'm sure, good luck.


Can you turn the prop and get the motor to turn?

Sounds like the flywheel came loose and broke the key. (The best! Easy fix)
OR
Something MAJOR broke inside (The worst! Get out the check book!)

you definitely have a stripped flywheel key. not a hard fix

I believe autogateman and mike w are correct. The Woodruff key between the flywheel and crank on the 25 and 27 Kohlers are a weak spot. It usually shears as a result of hitting stumps or rocks repeatedly. I've seen it 3 or 4 times up here in Alaska. It happened to one of my friends while out moose hunting. He pried the flywheel off the crank, replaced the sheared key with a big cotter key he found in his tool box and finished the season. He said the engine never ran better. I saw an EFI 26 hp straight from the factory with a sheared key. Let us know what the fix is. Good luck.

Thanks for the input guys. I had a friend of mine who works on small engines check it out this a.m. and he said it was the flywheel key. He put a new one in and said it runs like a champ. Now time to finish gettin after them ducks for me. Only got 2 weekends left

glad you got it fixed bud, i had a gdlt 25 and it did the same exact thing

..same here, 25 kholer with a new key, couldnt be happier.