CC XT1 LT42 with Kohler 5400 series engine 18hp and has 39.9 hours.
The engine starts and runs great even with the throttle at the lowest (turtle) position. When the throttle is moved to the fastest position the engine runs smooth and steady. But, when the blades are engaged the engine begins to buck and will occasionally backfire. Disengage the blades and the engine runs great at any throttle position.
I have cut two 1/4 acre lawns with the mower. First lawn everything worked fine. Second lawn with a little higher grass and if a clump of thick grass was cut, the engine would begin the run rough. If the blades were disengaged and the mower just sat for a 15 to 20 seconds, the engine would begin to run smooth again and would run and cut fine. Encounter another thick clump of grass and same stalling would happen. Now it is virtually impossible to cut grass, 3 lawn, without potentially damaging the engine.
I just acquired the mower so I am not sure of past maintenance practices, however, the oil was at the proper level and looked new when I acquired the mower. I do not know but doubt that the gas was drained over winter. The mower was built in 2018.
I checked the spark plug and it was dry with no buildup of deposits. The air filter is relatively clean - I don't think the filter is the problem.
Any opinions or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
The engine starts and runs great even with the throttle at the lowest (turtle) position. When the throttle is moved to the fastest position the engine runs smooth and steady. But, when the blades are engaged the engine begins to buck and will occasionally backfire. Disengage the blades and the engine runs great at any throttle position.
I have cut two 1/4 acre lawns with the mower. First lawn everything worked fine. Second lawn with a little higher grass and if a clump of thick grass was cut, the engine would begin the run rough. If the blades were disengaged and the mower just sat for a 15 to 20 seconds, the engine would begin to run smooth again and would run and cut fine. Encounter another thick clump of grass and same stalling would happen. Now it is virtually impossible to cut grass, 3 lawn, without potentially damaging the engine.
I just acquired the mower so I am not sure of past maintenance practices, however, the oil was at the proper level and looked new when I acquired the mower. I do not know but doubt that the gas was drained over winter. The mower was built in 2018.
I checked the spark plug and it was dry with no buildup of deposits. The air filter is relatively clean - I don't think the filter is the problem.
Any opinions or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
