Kohler Courage running out of fuel

[Ron]

Kohler Courage 22 MN SV620 Spec 3215 SN4112522133 Build date 5-5-2011
Engine is in a Troy Bilt lawn tractor. It runs about 20 mins and then runs the fuel filter dry. If I take off fuel line and put it back on it does the same. So far, new filter, tank is super clean, nothing at all in bottom. Cap isn't vented but there is a vent line on top of the tank going to air filter housing. Taking the cap off makes no difference. Removed carb. very clean, no sediment in bowl. Took off plastic tip on the needle of the fuel bowl solenoid to eliminate that. Same result. Fuel line is in perfect shape & right after the engine shuts down, fuel flows freely out of fuel line on both sides of the filter. Bowl does feel hot & is near muffler but nothing has changed since this tractor was bought new a couple yrs. ago. Muffler isn't leaking or blowing exhaust on carb. Ideas? It is definitely fuel related just don't know what is going on.

[KE4AVB]

Could post the model of the mower? I like to look though the complete setup.

[38racing]

Had similar on neighbour s kubota. was some crap caught in the shut off valve

[Ron]

Will post the tractor model later when I get to the shop. As stated, tank and fuel lines are clear to the carb.

[motorhead64]

Try with a larger capacity automotive type fuel filter and see if it makes a difference. MH

[Ron]

Fuel flows through the new filter like it doesn't have any media in it. This problem occurred when the old filter was on, changing to a new filter didn't help.

[KE4AVB]

Without the equipment numbers this is only guess but I check the fuel routing. With under seat mounted tanks the line could be pinch/bent to where it is nearly collapsed. I have seen several AYP/Craftsman here where line pulled into 90 turn too tightly causing fuel flow problems; even new lines can collapsed this way. Operator station mounted tanks don't usually have this problem unless something is clogging the outflow connector.

[Ron]

Fuel tank is under hood. Line is routed in a straight line, no turns, no links.

[motorhead64]

Remove the filter from the system. Does the same problem reoccur? MH

[Ron]

Took carb off, all looks clear. Checked viton tipped needle, looks good. Adjusted valves just for the heck of it. Let it run outside of shop & could watch as the filter got emptier. Cut some grass and it started cut out, choke helped a bit, then it died. Spray fuel in carb and it starts right up but won't draw fuel. Took fuel line apart at the filter and fuel came out both ways, from the tank and from the carb. Blew through the line and can hear as air goes through carb. Put line back together, filter fills half way up and it runs. Ran out of daylight. Tomorrow I will run new fuel line from tank to carb and eliminate filter and see what happens.