Kohler 17.5HP Single Cylinder Weird Issue

13 years ago

Kohler 17.5HP Mod CV490S, Spec 27532, Fam 3KHXS.4902GB, on a Craftsman 917.273180 LT-2000.

Go out to check this out for the customer last night. Engine runs, works fine under load, mows and drives for about 5 minutes, then it stalls out.

Trying to restart, it won't restart right away. Wait about 2 minutes, restart, and it dies immediately -- like a regular carb issue. There's no fuel pump on this model.

I disconnected the wire to the cylinder that is mounted underneath the float bowl (what is that for?) and it wouldn't start at all.

I'm thinking carb or fuel filter, but I wondered about a coil issue or perhaps the little flat "ignition module" looking piece mounted on the side of the engine flywheel cover?

Mower is not that old, stored inside, and fuel was brand new. Fuel lines were solid and did not feel any localized soft spots. Same issue presented with or without air filter in place.

I'm not too familiar with Kohler, so I'd love any assistance. Customer is going to have me go over it anyway so it will get new fuel filter, etc., but if carb is the issue, I need to get him a price.

Comments (7)

canguy
13 years ago
It won't run with the wire to the carb disconnected, that powers the fuel shut off solenoid.
propane_derek
Original Author
13 years ago
The solenoid clicks when the wire is reinstalled even with the key off. But I think perhaps the solenoid is failing when the engine is hot. Is this possible?
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walt2002
13 years ago
Gas cap vent open?

"Go out to check this out for the customer last night"

"I disconnected the wire to the cylinder that is mounted underneath the float bowl (what is that for?) and it wouldn't start at all."

??!

Walt Conner
canguy
13 years ago
I wondered about that.
propane_derek
Original Author
13 years ago
I am not too familiar with the Kohler engines with the cutoff solenoid. I thought perhaps disconnecting and reconnecting might reset the solenoid, as is sometimes the case with electrical parts.
walt2002
13 years ago
These things have been being used on Kohler AND B&S engines for at least 10 years. I am amazed that someone who apparently claims to be in the business could not have encounter them long ago and know what they do.

Walt Conner
rustyj14
13 years ago
I found one that clicked, but when i took it out, it was all gummed up. I cleaned it out with carb cleaner, put it back in, and engine started and ran well!