KIKITE 14 165 20 S Recoil Starter Assembly Compatible with Kohler XT675 XT650 XT775 XT800 149cc 173cc 6.5 7.75 8.0HP Engine Toro MTD Lawnboy Lawn Mower Pull Start Replaces 1416520,14165 20S,1416520-S

What It Is

This is an aftermarket recoil starter assembly that replaces the pull-start mechanism on Kohler XT-series engines (149cc to 173cc, 6.5–8.0 HP) commonly used on Toro, MTD, and Lawnboy walk-behind mowers. It’s the part you pull to crank the engine; if it’s broken, slipping, or jammed, this swap restores starting function.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Engine models: Kohler XT675, XT650, XT775, XT800 (also listed as 149cc, 173cc, 6.5–8.0 HP). Confirm your engine’s model number on the shroud.
• OEM cross-reference: Replaces Kohler/part number 1416520, 14165 20S, 1416520-S. If your OEM part ends in those numbers, this fits.
• Brands: Toro, MTD, Lawnboy mowers using the above Kohler engines. Not universal—check your mower’s engine tag, not just the deck brand.
• Measurements: The rope length is ~60 inches; the housing bolt pattern is standard for these Kohler engines. Measure the bolt spacing (approx. 2.75” center-to-center) to be sure.
• What to check: Verify the engine shroud has the same mounting hole layout. If your old starter uses a different rope diameter (typically 3/16”), this kit includes a matching rope.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Aftermarket, not OEM Kohler. Most users report it works fine, but the plastic housing may feel slightly less robust than the original. Fine for residential use.
• Installation difficulty: Moderate. You’ll need a socket set and possibly a screwdriver. The hardest part is winding the spring correctly—watch a YouTube tutorial for your engine model. No special tools required.
• Common gotcha: The rope may be pre-wound, but the spring tension can loosen during shipping. Before mounting, test the recoil action by pulling the rope a few inches; if it feels slack, manually re-tension the spring (turn the pulley clockwise 2–3 turns).
• Fitment nuance: Some Toro models with a plastic shroud require removing the shroud to access the starter bolts. Have a Torx bit set handy if your mower uses Torx screws.

Should You Buy It

If your Kohler XT-series engine won’t pull-start because the recoil is seized, broken, or the rope snapped, this is a cost-effective fix. It’s not built for commercial duty, but for home lawn mowing, the price and 4.3-star rating make it a solid choice. Skip it if you need an exact OEM match or have a different engine brand—double-check your engine model number first.