Kohler 17HP engine won't start

[freddmc]

I have a riding mower with a 17HP Kohler engine. I ran fine a week ago but yesterday when I went to start it it runs on the choke very slowly for a few seconds and then dies. I had a problem with it early on this season but after changing the filter and all the fuel lines it ran fine until now. It has also backfired a few times when trying to start it. I took the carb off and cleaned it which mad no difference.

Any ideas,

Thanks

Fred

[KE4AVB]

Please post model and spec number of your engine so we look-up the ipl related to this engine.

As cleaning the carburetor, did you cleaned the fuel shut off solenoid if this engine is engine is equipped with one? Also have you squirting a little fuel into the carburetor throat to see if is a fuel starvation problem?

[freddmc]

Here is the engine info from the last time I had trouble. At that time I did clip off the end of the plunger on the anti bAckfire solenoid. It almost feels like a timing issue.

"Unfortunately the indetification tag on the engine came off but the owners manual says it is a Command Series Kohler and lists the models as CV11,CV 12.5, CV 14, CV15,CV16,CV460 and CV490. The engine has a tag on it saying 17HP."

Thanks

Fred

[KE4AVB]

Looked up your previous posts. The engine appears to be the CV490-27511 on a Husqvarna mower.

[freddmc]

Just did some more testing. It has a nice strong spark. The plug is wet when I take it out so it obviously is getting fuel. Also tried squirting gas through the carb but that doesn't seem to make a difference. When you try and start it on the choke it runs real slow for 5 seconds or so and then dies. I presume the fact it will run a little means it must be getting at least a little fuel. What could I look for in the carb?

Regards

Fred.

[KE4AVB]

Just did some more testing. It has a nice strong spark. The plug is wet when I take it out so it obviously is getting fuel. Also tried squirting gas through the carb but that doesn't seem to make a difference. When you try and start it on the choke it runs real slow for 5 seconds or so and then dies. I presume the fact it will run a little means it must be getting at least a little fuel. What could I look for in the carb?

Regards

Fred.

Fred, Sound more like a sheared flywheel key or a compression problem. I don't think it is a carburetor problem from your test results. I think a compression and leak-down tests are needed to be done.

I only had one engine that the same symptoms your describing and it had a burnt valve and was worn out cylinder-wise. I could only get it started by pouring fuel in the cylinder and cranking. As soon as the excess fuel was gone it died.

[38racing]

Is the throttle working properly?

[freddmc]

Just did a compression test and its less than 75lbs. Burnt valve???

Fred.

[bobodu]

Did you have the throttle wide open when you ran the test?

[okie]

My Money is on a blown head gasket.

Travis