QuestionI inherited a case lawn tractor (Model 444, PIN #14059231) with a Kohler 14 HP engine (SPEC # 60410, Model R321AS). I am running into a starting/running problem. It will start only intermittently. There are a variety of results when you turn the key anything from silence, to a single click, to a half hearted attempt to start, to the starter whirring but no attempt to crank over, or rarely starting. When it does start, it will run great for anywhere from 5-15 minutes whereupon it just dies...sometimes followed by a backfire....and then generally refuses to start. There is a great deal of heat coming off of the engine. I did find a stripped wire which was blowing the fuse to the ignition, but after fixing this the starting problems continued. Do you have any idea where I should start to fix this problem? Ignition? Starter? Solenoid?
AnswerThis is an oldie, but goodie, Start with your points and condenser and make sure you have a good consistent spark. Make sure you don't have a safety switch on the tractor that is causing you grief. There will most likely be a safety switch located near the seat, brake and shift lever, there may be others.... this is an oldie..
Valve service is also important to this engine.
The heat that is coming off the engine you describe, can u give me more info? is the muffler turning cherry hot? or is it just seem hotter then normal to you?
In the late 70's early 80's these engines were notorious for the exhaust valve hanging in the valve guide and stopping, so when you were mowing, the valve was actually expanding inside the valve guide and sticking causing the engine to quit, the raw fuel would then seep past the valve and explode inside the muffler causing the backfire you are describing.
Be forewarned...many parts for this engine are no longer available
