I'll have to get over to see that splitter Pete. Sad to hear about the Kohler though. They used to be one of the very best.
I think your Kohler was built about 70 miles south of Kohler. I wouldn't doubt if there's something wrong with your particular Kohler. Ask the guys that have the dht on this site and nobody has complaints like this.
It does sound like a faulty carb and is being replaced free. Hoping for a better result the rest of the splitter is great! If the motor works right I would imagine it will be the best I ever owned.