2017 Hustler Raptor 42" w/ Kohler 22 HP, 7000 series KT 725 - 725cc won't start every time

[SS Print]

I've had this mower since new. Great machine. Only problem was the "Smart" choke. Plastic broke off of it. I put choke cable. Works great. I have a problem now that when I turn the key sometimes it just turns the flywheel 1/4 or 1/2 turn and stops and sometimes it starts. So far it's started every time but one time it just bumped several times 10-12 and I put battery charger on it and boosted it and it fired right off. Battery is brand new and shows 13.36 volts so I'm pretty sure its not the battery.
Thanks for any advice.
Mike

 

[Bertrrr]

I ran into one of these auto choke setups and couldn't find a replacement, I added a Primer bulb to shoot a bit of fuel into the carb and it starts easily with out a choke , next time you try and start it squirt some starting fluid into the air intake and see if it starts up for you. It sounds like you're not getting the choke to work for you in a consistent manor .

 

[ILENGINE]

Wouldn't be a bad idea to check the valve clearances to see if that helps. Could also be a dead spot in the starter.

 

[Tiger Small Engine]

Wouldn't be a bad idea to check the valve clearances to see if that helps. Could also be a dead spot in the starter.

How many hours on mower? In this case, checking and setting the valves would be the first step.

 

[SS Print]

Thanks for the helpful hints. Choke works perfectly. Remove the air filter and you can see the open/close action. Primer bulb is interesting. I never thought of that. Mower doesn't have hour meter. Next time I go down I will check valve clearances.
Thanks Again
Mike