Maybe the brushes in the starter is worn out. Don't know if they are replaceable or whether you just have to replace the starter. If the windings are cooked out it could be loosing power due to partial shorting out of the winds.
Probly somebody here who owns one will have a better answer for you.
Paul

I'm not sure how closely related the courage is to the Kohler command engine is my Simplicity, but mine does that from time to time.
It seems that the Kohlers don't have a compression release and they like to stop spinning on a compression stroke.

That said I usually put my whole hand on the flywheel screen and turn the motor backwards a bit and then try to restart.
Only a few times hot I have not been able to do so.

It is like the compression is too high come to think of it. It just will not crank over withe spark plug in. What next?

This is what runny was saying. The piston stops at the start of compression stroke and there is so much chamber pressure with the valves closed that the starter can't turn the engine over. Backing the flywheel up to open the valves and release the pressure in the chamber makes it easier for the starter to spin it and get the momentum up enough to roll past the compression cycle. Did I get that right runny?
Paul

Model #s could be nice. I would verify the valve clearances. Your Courage is early enough to have intake cam issues. Part of this cam can break away and null and void the compression release. Here's a manual link. for specs.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kohler

I set the valves exactly as the Kohler manual said and no change. My friend put the jumpers right to the starter and that did no better. What do you think now? Cam or starter? I hate to put money into it and get no further.

That is correct Paul.

Ed - you mentioned that you had put in a new battery... But, was that new battery load-tested to verify it was up to snuff ?
Also, closely re-check EVERY electrical connection in your starter circuit, making sure that no corrosion is present. Doesn't take much to cut down full power to your starter motor.

If still trouble, you might try calling the Kohler Co. (920-457-4441) and ask for Engine Customer Service.

Try pulling the valve cover and inserting a thicker feeler gauge .025 or so in the intake valve gap and see if it wants to crank then.

OK, it will cranks and run doing the feeler gauge trick. Do I replace the compression release? Is this a big job?

Order the intake cam kit, valve cover gasket & case cover gasket, oil and filter. You will need a hub style wheel puller for the flywheel and the manual. and a couple hours....

Thanks! Parts are on the way and will be here Friday.
How do I get the the clutch off the crankshaft? The bolt turns the shaft when I try to loosen it.

The PTO clutch? Leave it on. The engine stays on the tractor! The pieces and parts come out of the top.

We will be tackeling the repair today. Do I need any gasket compound or sealant?

Sealant is not needed, tho I shoot the pan side (or cover side in this case) of the gasket w/ High tack before assy. You will need a good, narrow gasket scraper. Both I've done the gaskets were a pain and stuck mostly on the lower half to add a half hour of clean up time to the job. If you use a gasket remover -carefully brush it on and it will help some. Remember you are working with an aluminum case that will marr easily.

It's back from the dead! Thanks Tomplum! It took me and a friend about 3 1/2 hours- we had spent a good amount of time on cleaning the gasket area and looking for pieces of the old gear and spring. I didn't quite understand what you had meant about the cam breaking away. Apparently that is what happened and it let the spring break? I was concerned when I had the new part in my hand thinking that this was all that was keeping my compression release from working. It seemed to be an improvement over the old gear. My wife said I was nuts for doing this on my own. She called the local lawnmower shop, who was unimpressive and gave her ~$400 estimate. Time for a beer! First one is for the guys on this forum!

Cool beans