Courage 26 start issue.

[JRD1054Cub]

Kohler Courage 26 SV735s
Cub SLTX1054.
725cc twin OHV.
I replaced carburetor and fuel solenoid, starter, starter solenoid. New fuel, oil and air filters, fuel pump.
I adjusted the valves per spec.
Replaced spark plugs. New battery.
I get strong crank and turn over. But it just will not start. When turning the key, the exhaust pops after a second, like it wants to start
Any suggestions on what to check? And yes there’s plenty of oil and fuel is getting to the carb. I fiddled with the choke, just to make sure it wasn’t any rod damage or anything. But no difference.

 

[VegetiveSteam]

When did it last run correctly? Did you notice anything unusual the last time it was shut down? What is compression?

 

[JRD1054Cub]

Last ran correctly before the starter began grinding. Ever since, it’s been really finicky and now it won’t start.
Last time I shut it down, I didn’t notice anything odd. It feels like the engine isn’t getting enough air or gas or something.
Adjusted valves to .05
But maybe I should take another look? It feels like it’s something else though because the crank is nice and strong.

 

[VegetiveSteam]

If you've got good spark and are getting fuel to the spark plugs I'd probably be thinking a timing issue. Either ignition or valve.

If the ignition timing if off that would mean the flywheel key is probably sheared or partially sheared. To know for sure the flywheel will need to be removed. I always tell techs that they need to hold the key in their hand and examine it. Most of the time they just take the flywheel bolt off and look down and think it's fine but you can't tell for sure unless you remove the flywheel.

If it's out of valve time that would mean the gear on the crankshaft has moved and the valves aren't opening and closing at the correct time. The gear is pressed on the crankshaft and it's rare but once in a while they will turn slightly on the crankshaft especially if the engine has ever been run hot. That is a fairly easy thing to check by removing one rocker cover and checking for valve overlap.

And of course it might not be either of these. I'd still be curious about compression.

 

[JRD1054Cub]

This is a big help regardless.
I’ll check those. The engine has been run hot on a handful of occasions. Mowing on a 92+ degree day a few times and the exhaust getting clogged. As well as running with a bad transaxle for a month. I replaced the trans 2 years ago, but I imagine it would have a lasting effect?
I know these engines do not like running on hot days as it is.
Do you know what the correct compression is supposed to be? I thought valves were supposed to be set at .04-.06 on both intake and exhaust. But I could be wrong.

 

[Hammermechanicman]

Set throttle to max. Do not choke it. Remove air cleaner. Spray about 1/2 second shot of starting fluid in the intake and try to start engine. If it doesn't fire and run for a couple seconds either spark, timing, valves or compression. If it fires and runs fir a couple seconds then fuel delivery problem. Fuel line, fuel pump, filter, carb or solenoid.

 

[VegetiveSteam]

This is a big help regardless.
I’ll check those. The engine has been run hot on a handful of occasions. Mowing on a 92+ degree day a few times and the exhaust getting clogged. As well as running with a bad transaxle for a month. I replaced the trans 2 years ago, but I imagine it would have a lasting effect?
I know these engines do not like running on hot days as it is.
Do you know what the correct compression is supposed to be? I thought valves were supposed to be set at .04-.06 on both intake and exhaust. But I could be wrong.

Anything above 150 psi is good. If taken correctly and the engine is in good shape it could easily be 180. And .004 to .006 on clearance is correct.

 

[slomo]

All those new parts will require testing of each and every one.

What you meant to say was you put all new "untested" parts on........

Were these Amazon or Ebay parts?

 

[JRD1054Cub]

All those new parts will require testing of each and every one.

What you meant to say was you put all new "untested" parts on........

Were these Amazon or Ebay parts?

I generally don’t buy parts from Amazon. Strictly from small engine parts depot on eBay.

 

[JRD1054Cub]

Set throttle to max. Do not choke it. Remove air cleaner. Spray about 1/2 second shot of starting fluid in the intake and try to start engine. If it doesn't fire and run for a couple seconds either spark, timing, valves or compression. If it fires and runs fir a couple seconds then fuel delivery problem. Fuel line, fuel pump, filter, carb or solenoid.

I tried using spray already and nothing