QuestionI purchased a used Craftsman 42" lawn tractor with the 15.5hp Kohler engine from a buddy of a buddy. Of course, it did not come with a maintenance manual, so I am a bit frustrated with troubleshooting my problem(s). First of all, the engine is the Kohler CV15S-41596. Now for the history of problems:
* Every time I start this engine, I get some platter of unburned, raw fuel out of the muffler........and blue/white smoke. Once up and running, the smoke goes away.
* Last years mowing season was the start of the periodic problems. Started out that I would be mowing for an hour or so, and the mower would start sputtering and try to stall. I would disengage the mower deck and the mower would continue to run, but very rough until it eventually stalled. Upon attempts to restart, the engine would severely backfire. After leaving the mower to sit for several minutes, I would restart the mower and finish my lawn. This sort of thing would happen periodically throughout the season.
* This years season has been nothing but problems with this engine. There would be days that the mower just flat out would not start. The motor would turn over, but there was no evidence of the engine firing. Checking of the spark plug revealed that I did not have any spark (stuck a screwdriver into the spark plug wire and touched the screwdriver to the frame of the mower while turning over the engine......no spark). Just left the mower set out of frustration. Next day, mower started up with no problems.
* Other times, mower starts up with no problems and runs fine while it warms up (just idling for about 5 minutes). The minute I tried to engage the mower deck, the mower stalled. Upon trying to restart the mower....the mower would severely backfire multiple times with no starting. Once again, I walk away in frustration. Next day I try to start the engine, the mower turns over...but never fires and won't start. Inspection to see if I have a spark shows that there is no spark. I walk away in frustration.
* Other times I jump on the mower, it starts on the first try........and I mow for 2 hours with no problem.
* Recently the issues have gotten much worse and the issues are much more frequent.
Not knowing exactly what the problem is, I do not know if it is really worth messing with. Seems like I may have more than one thing going wrong with it (ie. fuel from my muffler, oil burning on startup, possible coil issues or other ignition system issue, etc.). I paid $350 about 3 years ago for this mower (actually looked to be in good shape and ran fine) and never really liked how it cut, so I am not particularly attached to it.
Other issues I have with this mower that are a nuisance, but I havn't taken the time to fix are:
* Drive belt periodically pops off when changing gears. Have to periodically get off to put back on. Need a new belt I suspect, but haven't taken the time to replace.
* My yard is not level, as I have some areas where I am mowing on an incline. I mow my grass at a higher setting, and due to the incline, I never get an even cut on my yard on these areas. Any advice on adjustments?
Any advice would be much appreciated. Certainly the fact that my engine will not start right now is my main priority right now.
AnswerHello Ty:
From your Description it Sounds like a Bad Relay or the Ign Module/Coil is Causing this Problem. Also, the Gas from the Muffler is a Sign that the Carburetor Float Needle is Sticking and Flooding the Engine. Check the Crankcase Oil for Gas Contamination. As for the Uneven Cut, I Suggest you Install Adjustable Wheels to the Deck Itself and Set the Cut Using the Adjustable Wheels. I have had the Same Problem over the Years and this was the Only way to get a Good even Cut on an Incline. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Model Numbers are Usually Located Under the Saet on a Sticker on the Body. If you cannot Locate the Model Numbers, then Go to this Site Addy, http://www3.sears.com/ and Use the Model Locator at the Lower Left of the Page. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
