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Hello everyone...

I have a Craftsman tractor Model 917.271014 with a 15.5hp Kohler engine. It has been giving me some problems for some time but recently it just suddenly bogs down and back fires. I went to use it this week and cant even to get it to stay running. It almost sounds like timing to me but I'm not sure what to look for next. It actually ran yesterday while I was working on it then suddenly just shut down. I'm thinking this is electrical just by the way it was runnning fine then suddenly misfired and shut down.

Here is what I have done so far:

Cleaned the carb fully (also tried to use a little starter fluid to see if it was a fuel issue but I get no chancge when sprayed directly into he carb...Actually it seems like it floods it)
New Plug
New Fuel filter
Removed valve cover and checked valves and rods - There is no adjustment on this engine for the valves
Removed Head and checked for scoring (none)
Checked spark at both wire and plug - Good spark
Removed flywheel and checked key to ensure it is not sheared
cleaned the terminals on the ignition magnets
Cleaned electrical connections.

Sorry for the bad video but this will give you an idea of the best I can get it running.

[video]https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=4mvDIkN9ikA[/video]

Any help would be great!

Two things come to mind after reading your post. First, I would check for spark immediately after it shuts down. You may have a coil that is breaking down (know as hot shorting) which will look like a timing problem. After it cools down it may run again until it gets hot, solution replace the coil. Second, you may have one or both hydraulic lifters building up, which will change the valve timing. This is a condition that is very hard to diagnosis, but losing power and backfiring are a common symptom. Solution, replace one or both lifters.

Rivets said:

Two things come to mind after reading your post. First, I would check for spark immediately after it shuts down. You may have a coil that is breaking down (know as hot shorting) which will look like a timing problem. After it cools down it may run again until it gets hot, solution replace the coil. Second, you may have one or both hydraulic lifters building up, which will change the valve timing. This is a condition that is very hard to diagnosis, but losing power and backfiring are a common symptom. Solution, replace one or both lifters.

Click to expand...

Thanks I did notice that the spark did come and go but I thought it was due to corrosion. Ill try this first and see or do you recommend that I do the lifters as well being it is already open?

Is this the coil part number? $67




Ignition module
PART NUMBER: 12-584-01
Substitution: 12-584-04-S Learn why

One last issue is that if I leave the fuel valve open it will just keep running the gas into the cylinder while it is not running. Sometimes it blows through to the exhaust on the first turn and other times it locks the piston. I'm not sure if this could be the cause of this coil failing by putting the extra stress on the firing. I remember when I firs got this from my friend you had to "hold" the key on to get the first rotation cause of the fuel in the cylinder. I probably should have fixed it then I guess. I rebuilt the carb but maybe im not setting it right

I never like to throw parts at a unit in hopes of solving a problem, unless I am totally lost or have ruled out all other options. That being said, as long as you have the engine open, it would be the time to do it. Haven't looked at the cost, but it is a call you'll have to make, as you'll have to open the engine to replace them later. My guess is a bad coil, but remember, I'm not there and can only go by what you post. Wait a day or two if you can and see what the other techs around here have to say. There are a few very knowledgeable guys who may have another idea.

Rivets said:

I never like to throw parts at a unit in hopes of solving a problem, unless I am totally lost or have ruled out all other options. That being said, as long as you have the engine open, it would be the time to do it. Haven't looked at the cost, but it is a call you'll have to make, as you'll have to open the engine to replace them later. My guess is a bad coil, but remember, I'm not there and can only go by what you post. Wait a day or two if you can and see what the other techs around here have to say. There are a few very knowledgeable guys who may have another idea.

Click to expand...

Thank you...it was the coil. Now that I have it running EVERTHING is out of adjustment. That must have been an ongoing problem.

Now the issue is that the engine runs wide open regardless of the setting on the level. I noticed that the lever for the governor is pinned against the back of the case once it starts to wind out. I've tried to adjust the spring that pulls it back but it seems that the pressure coming out of the carb is too much and the governor arm wont pull forward from the spring tension.

Suggestions?

Let me know if you have aCommand or Courage engine. I'll find a manual to tell how to adjust the governor?

Rivets said:

Let me know if you have aCommand or Courage engine. I'll find a manual to tell how to adjust the governor?

Click to expand...

Craftsman Lawn Tractor model #917271014
Kohler Engine model #CV15S-41567

Also Im trying to find the initial number of turns out for the carb

Here's a manual that should help you out. Post back if you have any other questions.

http://www.mymowerparts.com/pdf/Koh...13-CV14-CV15-CV16-CV460-CV465-CV490-CV495.pdf