Church Mower Again

S

sano888

Active Member
Every time I think I have this church mower running right, something new comes along. I think it is some sort of compression issue. Charged the battery over night.

Suggestions as to where to start tackling this?

 

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First, check the oil level, making sure it is not over filled and smells like gas. Second, remove the spark plugs and see if it turns over smoothly. Report back with what you find.
 
Did I see the blades turning while cranking? Are those hydro fans or what? I'm not familiar with that mower.

Why are they turning while cranking?
 
Took the spark plugs out and it wasn't much better. Maybe a little smoother but not much faster in terms of revolution (see video below). This mower came with the church, so I have no idea about its history other than what I've done to it. I believe this engine has the hydraulic lifters that need bled. According to Youtube U, you have to remove the cylinder head to get to them (I think). Can't adjust the valves at the lifters with a lock screw like other Kohlers. Also, a few videos suggest that it may be the ACR on the camshaft. Looking for some direction before I start tearing into it or decide to take it to a pro. I am self-taught and enjoy wrenching. Just know enough to know when I don't know, if that makes sense.

 
Kohler command engines have non adjustable hydraulic lifters and do not use an ACR. Cranking sounds like either a weak battery, or voltage drop causing slow cranking.
 
It's slow, but seems to be turning over fine. Did you check if the oil smells like gas, and if the level is right? Will it run at all? I wasn't sure based on your first post. Have you cleaned the battery, solenoid and starter connections?
 
New starter/solenoid last summer. Cleaned the ignition switch and connector then and today. Have not checked the oil. Will do so next time I'm up there. One of the valve covers has been leaking. Re-torqued the bolts. May replace gaskets if it continues. Battery was charged overnight. Read 95% on the charger when I put it on the charger the night before. Service manual says it has an ACR but I wasn't able to identify it on any diagram I could find. That might be a me thing though. Could a battery read charged but still not have cranking power?
 
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