QuestionCraftsman rider with Kohler pro, 17HP OHV, model CV490S, spec# 27508.
2 weeks ago, it quit a minute after starting. Restarted and ran fine until 3
days ago. 5-10 minutes into cutting, engine spit and sputterd, then finally
died. Replaced sparkplug, fuel filter, oil filter, air filter, changed oil, drained
fuel, replaced with fresh(er) fuel(added Stabil additive), removed "bowl" under
carb and emptied(before adding fresher fuel). Started cutting tonight for the
first time since minor repairs, and it spit and sputtered and finally died again,
exactly the same as before. I can keep it running by adjusting the choke up
or down a bit, but ultimatly it won't stay running, either deck engaged or
disengaged. If the answer is "clean the carb", is there a cheap manual I can
get to assist in what appears to be a complicated task?
AnswerWhen I hear hoof beats I look for horses not zebras. Meaning let's start with the things an engine needs to run. You know you have compression and if you have a clean air filter you have air. That leaves fuel and spark. When the engine dies and won't restart do you have spark? You have to check this the instant the mower dies. If no spark you need a coil.
If you have spark, you already know the answer. I'm going to just start saying CTC. Really a manual isn't needed. Don't just remove the bowl. Pull off the complete carb. Remove the bowl and blow through every hole you can find with a good carb cleaner. Every hole, no matter how big or how small. You get what you pay for, I recommend Gumout.
I understand if you google search, kohler carb cleaning you get about 3 gazillion choices.
FYI.... there are no "cheap" manuals. They all start at about 30.00 and go up from there. Unfortunately, carb cleaning is considered "common knowledge" and won't be in the manual anyway.
Go to the library. My local branch has about 80 different how to manuals and most have a section on carb cleaning.
Admit it Dan. You haven't been to the library in years. Great source for info.
