I have a 1994 cub cadet with a 18 hp kohler v twin When shutting it down it sounds like you can hear the compression in the motor two or three strokes. Sounds like exhaust compression. It is not a backfire. You can also hear this during it running. Seems to be on the right side of engine when sitting on the mower. To better describe it it sounds like air being released. Any suggestions what to look at. 702 hrs on engine. Heard nothing while mowing, but I had a time when it seemed like it was running out of gas, going downhill, shut it down and checked but it was 3/4 full. Started it again and it ran fine. The engine sounds fine ohter wise and runs smooth.
You may wish to do a compression test. I know that some Kolers have problems with the right side blowing head gaskets. Your mower seems a little old to be pat of that group. But a compresson test may answer your question.
I need to know if I can do a compression test on this engine and be accurate? According to the manual it may have the ACR on it and if it does compression test may not be acurate. However I did do a compression test with both plugs out and the right was 125 and left was 175. If this is accurate the I know what I need to do. The question is does the ACR release both heads at 700 rpm starting or just one side, if this motor is equipped with it. This is a 1994 Kohler ch18s. I also pulled the exhaust manifold off that right side and the gasket shows carbon blow by on it and it is somewhat deteriorated. I'm going to replace the gasket and see if th noise tops.
For everyones info, the problem was an exhaust manifold gasket and the head bolt was loose, replace the head and exhaust gasket. New problem is the mower wants to quit running after cutting for a while, acts like it is running out of gas. Stops and starts righ back up, and then in a little while does the same thing again. Filter seems to have gas in it when it stops. Any help here.
