Carburetor 12-853-93, 104,107, 117, 118 -S 12 853 107-S 12 853 117-S for Kohler CV460 CV461 CV490 CV491 CV492 CV493, For Toro Craftsman Riding Mower

What It Is

This is an aftermarket carburetor assembly designed for Kohler CV460, CV461, CV490, CV491, CV492, and CV493 engines. It replaces OEM part numbers 12-853-93, 12-853-104, 12-853-107, 12-853-117, and 12-853-118-S. It’s commonly used on Toro and Craftsman riding mowers with a 42-inch or larger deck.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your engine model number (stamped on the valve cover or blower housing). This carb fits Kohler Courage and Command Pro V-Twin engines listed above—not single-cylinder or older Kohler K-series. Check your OEM carb number: if it’s one of the five listed (12-853-93, -104, -107, -117, -118-S), this will bolt on. Measure the mounting flange bolt spacing (center-to-center) to verify—Kohler’s standard pattern is 2.5 inches. This is a complete assembly with gaskets, so you don’t need to reuse old parts. Not compatible with engines that have a different fuel inlet orientation (e.g., side-mounted vs. top-mounted).

Key Things to Know

• Quality variance: Aftermarket carburetors sometimes have slightly thinner gaskets or less precise float adjustment. Inspect the float height before installation (typically 1/8-inch from gasket surface).
• Installation difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need to remove the air filter housing, fuel line, and throttle/choke cables. Expect 30–60 minutes.
• Common gotcha: The fuel inlet may be angled differently than OEM. If your original carb had a straight fitting, you might need a 90° fuel line adapter.
• Tuning required: After installation, you’ll likely need to adjust the idle mixture screw (turn in until seated, then back out 1.5 turns as a starting point).

Should You Buy It

This is a solid budget-friendly option if your OEM carb is clogged, leaking, or warped and you’re comfortable with basic engine work. It’s not a perfect OEM replacement—expect to tweak the settings—but at this price, it’s a practical fix for a mower that’s otherwise in good shape. Skip it if you want factory-grade precision or if your engine has severe internal wear (e.g., low compression).