QuestionI HAVE A JOHN DEERE MODEL # LX173 WITH A KOHLER 15 HP MODEL # CV15S I HAVE GAS IN THE CRANK CASE PULLED THE HEAD ALL LOOKS GOOD WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT? COULD THAT MUCH GAS GET BY THE RINGS IF THEY WERE BAD?
AnswerBill
The carb is the culprit.
Either a stuck float (relatively rare IMO) or the needle & seat has a piece of crud preventing it from sealing.
You'll need to remove the needle & flush the crud out.IMO Gunk in the bowl, without full fuel system clean-up it will happen again most likely.
Fuel system clean up starts in the fuel tank, drain it (you most likely be amazed what you find in there), remove it, clean the inside out (swabbing, pressure washing, rocks and gas, what ever but make sure it pristine clean, flush the fuel lines and inspect them for cracks or rot, replace any questionable hoses. replace the filter, flush the fuel pump to clean it out (if it has one), (fuel pumps on kohler is another way fuel can get into the crank case, just like fuel pumps on old Chevy's or ford the diaphragm my leak/crack and pump gas into the crankcase). Remove the carb bowl (and o-ring Carb cleaner may cause it to swell and maybe pinched upon re installation) and clean it out.
I would also wash the carb area under the bowl where the float is with carb cleaner, wash the fuel shut-off valve and test it using a 12V source. lube the carb. bowl o-ring with Vaseline so it won't get pinched, install the bowl holding while starting the fuel shut-off solenoid tighten it hand tight while watching the bowl to o-ring seat for pinching. use a wrench put final torque on the shut-off valve noting how tight it was when you removed it.
If you plan on keeping the mower for awhile regular routine maintenance is required to keep it running in tip top shape. Fuel system clean up IMO is required every 3 or 4 years.
Over filling the crank case can cause internal engine damage including blown head gaskets. Most likely it push some of the seals out and may of push the head gasket out also. If you got lucky you will probably see a lot more oil leaks at the minimum IMO. remember this is only my opinion other will say Baabaaaabbbaaa it not required, but they haven't experienced fuel related problems YET. then, again the carb. may have to be overhauled, but at least the fuel system will be clean?
