Cub Cadet 122 starting issue

reconsr

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Have a Cub Cadet 122 production date 1967. Has been running great until yesterday. Started up and to keep the battery charged and it ran for about 15 minutes with no issues however, it then abruptly conked out. Tried to restart the tractor and was unable to get it started. Has a new sparkplug a tank of leaded gas, recently changed oil and a new air filter. I emptied the fuel bowel under the gas tank and cleaned it but to no avail still won't start. Engin turns over but will not start.
Any suggestions as to what be the problem. The tractor is 58 yrs old and there are few repair people in my area who have ever seen a 122 yet along worked on one. Look forward to any suggestions or tips.
Thank you
 

ILENGINE

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You said it has a new spark plug. But is it actually producing spark. Remove the spark plug and connect it to the wire and then ground the spark threads to the engine block and crank to check for spark. If that pans out then reinstall and try putting gas into the carb intake and crank to see if it tries to start and run or start and then die. Let us know. Also can you supply the engine model number information so we can see what engine we are working with.
 

StarTech

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IL that mower is going to have a Kohler K301a series engine if it is the original engine. One those that uses the generator as a starter.
 

reconsr

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You said it has a new spark plug. But is it actually producing spark. Remove the spark plug and connect it to the wire and then ground the spark threads to the engine block and crank to check for spark. If that pans out then reinstall and try putting gas into the carb intake and crank to see if it tries to start and run or start and then die. Let us know. Also can you supply the engine model number information so we can see what engine we are working with.
 

reconsr

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To answer your questions:-
Engine model number is K301AS
Spec. # 4759B
SN C053424
Data from the engine shroud plate
Yes, there is spark from the plug
 

reconsr

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IL that mower is going to have a Kohler K301a series engine if it is the original engine. One those that uses the generator as a starter.
You are correct about the engine. It is the original Kohler 12 HP engine that uses a generator starter. It cranks but won't start.
 

Rivets

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More than once I have found the 301 engines with an automotive style coil will show spark when the plug is not under compression. Need to test for spark using an inline tester. With this style ignition system I would be checking the condition of the points and be sure they are well grounded. Worn points, wrong point gap, bad ground, bad condenser or connection, and/or oil in the points chamber will contribute to a weak spark. I would make to check all of these before digging into any other problems.
 
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