I know, I am excited about the new motor, and since I don't have it yet I was looking at the kohler 26.5 horizontal motor service and owner's manual! There is no detail on the throttle! On the carb motor I understand where it connects from long use, but on the EFI motor where, exactly, does the throttle linkage connect? As I understand it, I won't/need to fiddle with it to get more rpms as this is already set and I won't have to tinker with it. Any elucidations are welcome? (not hallucinations)

Hi, I bought a swomp 27 Hp,Kohler EFI long tail from Backwater last year before the duck hunting season.
With the factory setting and the Backwater 9x7 prop I was getting only 3200 rpm (prop in water) and around 3500 out. I did call them, they said the did not make any alterations on the engine. I called Kohler and the ask me to take it to a dealer here in Miami. I did, they check the engine and everything was OK, but because it was under warranty the dealer didn't want to change factory settings.
Now I have around 40 hours on it and I'll change the settings of the governor before the season starts, to see if I get more rpm's of it. Like this I was making 17 to 18 mph, with 2 persons and gear in a 16ft ribeted customized Sea Nimph.
I Hope my experiences give you some help.
P.B.

Thank you, neighbor! I'll be happy with those numbers, similar to my old carb 27 Kohler, I tweaked that to 4400 rpm out of water and 3670 in the water under load, got 19.9 mph by myself and 17 mph two hunters and gear, I will be happy with a similar result. Reviews I've read say around 25% more fuel efficiency, which does not seem like much but over time and with gas prices likely to climb at some point, significant, but mostly to avoid the gumming issues with a carb, easier starting in both cold/hot weather and running more effectively at lower rpms. By the way, did you get the 59" or 71" drive? I did better with a 9x6 prop; you might find that as well without having to tinker with the governor. I went wih a new motor because my 27 HP 2004, though still real good, has been run many hours and is due for an expensive overhaul, and it is time for a new motor and my experience with Kohler motors has been real good. Actually the price I paid back in 2004 is about the same that I am paying now for a BW new so I am happy. If I really needed the speed and had long runs I would have gone to a bigger motor or shorty. My test drive with a 35 sold me on the BW design. We've had high water the last couple of years but over the last thirty it has been skinnier more than high and that is where the longtail shines IMO.

I attached a pic of the throttle linkage. There is a governor though I do not know why because the ECU also has a 4500 rpm limit. As far as I know you can adjust the gov 2 ways. You can change how the gov spring attaches by using a different hole on the arm pointed to by the arrow on the left and you can tighten the screw pointed to by the arrow on the right. In my case I had to buy a longer screw. Both methods increase the tension on the gov spring making it harder for the gov to pull back on the throttle, I think. I tried to find a stronger spring (different color as Briggs has) but I could not find one for the Kohler's. I am by no means an expert so this is just a place to start as far as looking into this. If anyone finds out any information about gov adjustment on these engines please let me know. I was able to increase my oow rpm's to 4350. I am now using a 9x6 prop. I turn 4200 rpm and max out at 21 with a solo fishing load. 19-20 on average though.

Thank you, hawilson! Useful info! I will be happy with 21 mph solo! I think that is pretty much the limit.

GR, Hi, yes I agree with you, before start messing with the original governor settings I will try a Ron Hill 9x6.
I had one of his props 9x7 on my carburated Kohler 25 , same boat and did work very good.
The new one is a 71", safer when the water level is low.
Since you are having the same engine it will be good to keep in touch for performance experiences.
thanks
P.Bernal
bernalrefinish.com

Good idea, leonides! Good to know a Kohler dealer in Miami will look at these motors, in the past I've taken my rig up to Melbourne...I was going to re-do the steelflex on the hull bottom but it will last another season. Have you switched to synthetic oil yet and what plugs are your running?

Hi, Using a cross reference chart I switch to NGK, and yes, always Synthetic oil.
The dealer that Kohler recomend me is Shadwell & son, Ph. 305-233-7672.
P.B.

I will try them! On my old motor I found the E3 type worked well; most say it does not matter but might as well use the best on our "glorified lawnmowers"! Even with oil filters I went to using a higher priced Bosch. After the first couple of changes, I will buy Mobil 1, unless someone really raves about another brand! I just wish the fancy stainless mufflers were cheaper for the Kohler, everybody wants 400$ or more, and I'd rather invest in another pump gun! My mentor in duck hunting, who has since moved up to Delaware, used an older seanymph 16.5x52, first with a 25 LT, and then with a 35 Hyper MB shorty- the MB cracked the transom after a few seasons but he had it welded and beefed up and still owns that rig and breaks ice up there when needed.

The Sea Nymph, was originally a Bass Boat. My grandson and I remove all the carpet and plywood, aprox 300 pounds, because was soaked in water, made an 1/8" aluminum floor, 4 compartments at the front, one of them a gun box. Also 2 compartments in the back for batteries etc. Painted in camo and we apply 3 coats of Gluvit on the bottom ( is a 2 parts marine epoxy sealant ) we were so please that a year later my grandson found the same model and we did the second one.
My old Kohler 25 went to his boat and I bought the EFI 25.
Now the only thing we need is a good next duck season.
P.B.

Good find! They'll last a lifetime and more if you don't abuse them! Duck season was slow, I killed only ringers but I love the Glades!