QuestionQUESTION: I have a Craftsman LT2000 Lawn Tractor with a 17hp Kohler engine.
Starts and runs fine, plenty of fuel in through filter, however, after about 45 minutes of running the engine seems to run out of gas and stall even though there’s at least a ½ tank full.
When this occurs, the gas filter seems empty, with barely a trickle of fuel coming in from the tank. I checked the gas cap and the vent is clear. Even removed the cap. I changed the gas, and air filters. I pulled the fuel line from the carb and the fuel flows fine through the filter.
It seems that the carb looses fuel suction.
ANSWER: Hello Jim:
>>Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine and the Unit/Mower Model Numbers, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Engine Model Numbers May be Stamped Into the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) Above the Spark Plug. The Unit/Mower Model Numbers are Usually Located Under the Seat on a Sticker on the Body of the Mower.
>>For this Problem you can Start with;
>>Replacing All the Spring Style Hose Clamps with Screw Style Hose Clamps on the Fuel System.
>>Thanks.
Respectfully
John
>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I noticed that when the tractor sits "off" for a while, the fuel filter is completely full. Starts right up. The problem seems to somehow be associated with the engine warming up.
Here is the info you requested:Tractor Craftsman LT2000, Model#: 917273130
Kolher Engine Model#CV490,Type/Spec#27508.
Meanwhile I'm going to change the hose clamps and even the fuel line, as you suggested. It could be sucking air from someplace, why only after warm-up is a mystery. Thanks , talk to you soon.
AnswerHello Again Jim:
>>THINK SAFETY: Always Remove the Spark Plug Wire/s from the Spark Plug/s and Tie Away from the Spark before Working on Any Small Engine unless the Plug/s must be Connected to the Coil/s for Diagnostic Reasons.
>>The Reason for having this Problem Only when the Engine is Warm is Usually because the Spring Style Hose Clamps will Weaken when Warm/Hot and this Allows for Leaks (Vacuum and Fuel).
>>Also, if the Engine is an OHV (Over Head Valve), then the Valve Clearances being Off can cause this Problem Also.
>>However, from your Description it Sounds like the Hose Clamps or the Fuel Pump Requires Repairing/Replacing.
>>You can View a Breakdown of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.kohlerplus.com/login.asp and Select Enter as Guest (Requires IE5 or Higher). Now Select the Thumbnail of the Engine Catalog you Wish to View. You can Download the Service Manual to your PC and Save it for Future Reference.
>>The Service Manual Explains a Lot about Troubleshooting, Servicing and Repairing of this Engine.
>>The Following is a Basic Instruction File I made for this. Any Input is Appreciated. I Usually Suggest you Check the Following in this Order for a Problem like yours.
>>1- Check the Gas Tank Cap and Ensure it is Venting the Tank. A Vacuum Builds in the Tank and the Gas Flow Stops or Slows (15 to 45 Minutes and if the Small Granular Sand is in the Tank it can Take Several Days of Constant Running to Bring All the Sand Particles to the Tank Outlet Port) to a Point it Shuts Off the Engine.
>>2- Operate the Equipment Until it Quits (15min to 1hr). Then Immediately Check for Fire from the Plug. If the Plug is Firing, then
>>3- Replace All the Spring Style Hose Clamps with Screw Style Hose Clamps on the Fuel System.
>>4- Check the Carburetor Solenoid.
>>Sometimes the Plunger is Moving, Just Not Far Enough to Allow the Gas to Enter the Jets or it is Overheating and Leaning Out the Fuel to the Engine.
>>The Following is a Basic Instruction File I made for Checking the Carburetor Solenoid. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>**Check for Current/Voltage (10.5 VDC Minimum) to the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid. If the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid has Current, then On Some Solenoids you can Remove the Needle and Replace the Solenoid to Test them.
>>****PLEASE DO NOT OPERATE THE MOWER WITH THE SOLENOID BYPASSED IN THIS MANNER. THIS IS "ONLY" FOR TESTING.****
>>For Others, Remove the Carburetor Solenoid and Go to the Hardware Store. Purchase a Bolt of the Same Diameter and Threads. It Needs to be 1/2" to 3/4" Long for the Horizontal Mount Solenoids and 1/4" to 1/2" Long for the Vertical Mount Solenoids. Put this Bolt in Place of the Solenoid. If this Corrects the Engine Problem, then Replace the Solenoid.
>>***NOTE: THIS IS FOR CHECKING THE SOLENOID ONLY I NEVER SUGGEST YOU OPERATE THE ENGINE WITH THE SOLENOID OUT OF THE CARBURETOR EXCEPT FOR TESTING PURPOSES***
>>Sometimes the Plunger is Moving, Just Not Far Enough to Allow the Gas to Enter the Jet Properly.** **Use 440 Wet Dry Sand Paper and Engine Oil to Clean the Pin. Wet the Sand Paper with Oil Until it is Flexible and then Lightly Polish the Pin. There is Some Slop/Free Play in the Solenoid Pin. Usually the Electromagnet is Simply Not Pulling the Pin as it Should or there is a Small Bur on the Pin. Use 440 Wet Dry Sand Paper and Engine Oil to Clean the Pin. Wet the Sand Paper with Oil Until it is Flexible and then Lightly Polish the Pin. Clean and Lightly Oil the Pin before Inserting it Back into the Solenoid. Just a Film of Oil is All it Takes.**
>>5- Depending on the Model Mower, it can Also be the Pickup Tube in the Gas Tank.
>>If No Fire, then Remove the Shut Off Wire from the Coil and Check for Fire.
>>If Still No Fire, then the Ign Module or Coil is Bad. **Even if the Coil is New or Fairly New, it can Still be Bad.** On JD Mowers; Remove the Igniter/Module and the Coil and have the Local JD Dealer Test them.
>>Usually on JD Mowers the Igniter is the Most Common cause for No Fire to the Plug.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
