PLEASE HELP - Cub Cadet Mower Model CC46ES Runs A Few Seconds Then Dies

Ru4him

Active Member
I have a self propelled Cub Cadet mower Model CC46ES that starts right up, runs a few seconds, then it dies.
Here are the numbers:
Mower Model 12AE46JA009
Mower Serial Number 1F071K30583
Engine Serial Number 2P70M0C1010102A0314

Here's what I have done
Changed out the gas
New Carb
New Fuel Lines
New Primer Bulb

If I press the primer bulb repeatedly after it starts up, it will keep running. When I stop pressing the bulb, it dies.
 
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Sounds like an air leak. Did you replace the insulator gasket behind the metal carb gasket when you replaced the carb?
 
I used the gaskets that came in the kit. The previous owner had the same problem before I replaced the carb.
 
How does fuel get pumped to the carb? I bought a lawn dethatcher and all that was wrong with it was the fuel pump. Did the same thing.

That said, not all engines have a dedicated fuel pump. Some use the pressure pulses from the breather to work diaphragms that sit under the carb. Others just gravity feed, and there are a few that pressurize the tank. You can try loosening the fuel cap on the tank in case it has a one way valve that is plugged. I also noticed from the parts diagram online for the model you gave with a Kohler engine that there is a diaphragm that looks to operate the auto choke. I would think if that were perforated it could cause issues. Also if you have a dedicated fuel filter, make sure it is new. Maybe someone who knows more about your engine will be by soon and post a definitive solution. Good luck.
 
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It appears to be gravity fed. Fuel flows freely from the tank through the inline filter (where it exits the gas tank) and also without that filter. I did try with the gas cap off. I'll look for the diaphragm for the auto choke. Can you give me the link to the parts diagram? Thanks much for your help.
 
you really want the engine model number and serial before commiting to any parts, but a generic google search of what you posted yielded this. This is the Kohler engine (2012). https://www.partstree.com/models/cc...d-mower-2012/kohler-xt173-3316-fuel-system-8/

Some older ones (2010) of that model come up with a completely different B&S engine. https://www.partstree.com/models/cc...ind-mower-2010/b-s-122l05-0768-f1-engine-2-2/ That don't have the auto choke diaphragm. I have an edger similar to this and the pulses from the engine crankcase cause one of the gaskets under the carb to act as a valve in a fuel pump.
 
Still sounds like the same issue that Kohler had with that carb with either the float valve corroding and sticking open or in some cases sticking shut. I would be checking to make sure the float valve hasn't corroded on the new carb and is not allowing fuel flow into the fuel bowl.
 
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