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I have a cub cadet Z-Force 48 zero turn, model 17AF3AGV010, with a Kohler Courage Pro 23 engine. I mowed the lawn today and it ran fine, I shut it off to cool down before putting it away and now I can't keep it running. The mower will start but only run for about 2-3 seconds then shuts down like it isn't getting any gas, I'll wait a few minutes and start it again and it does the same thing. I blew through the fuel filter and it wasn't plugged, blew through the fuel hose going to the gas tank, that wasn't plugged either, has a full tank of gas. Any ideas where to start trouble shooting?

Hello grantiman,

Can you also provide the engine product label numbers? The engine is not made by Cub Cadet.

Look at the fuel lines where they are clamped and check for cracks that can pull in air.

Next would be the fuel pump crankcase pulse pump line and check it for cracking due to age. These fuel pumps work off of pulses in the crankcase.

Part #9 in the diagram:

Another thing to check is the oil level. If the oil is low, the low-pressure cutout may not allow the engine to start and run.

I'll start with replacing the fuel lines, they do feel stiff and brittle. If that doesn't work I'll change the fuel pump and fuel filter, pump has never been replaced and the fuel filter is getting old too. Just changed the oil this spring, oil level is still fine. I have a Kohler Courage Pro 23hp engine on my Z-Force, what numbers do you need, model and serial?

Gas cap vent

Poor fuel delivery AT carb inlet.

Dirty carb.

Weak spark.

Hi grantiman,

I forgot to mention earlier:

One problem that I am seeing more of is the fuel shutoff (after fire) solenoid harness connector spreading the pins and losing contact.

Aftermarket solenoids are worse because the pin shape is different on many of them. They do not work with the existing harness connector.

When you turn the key to the on position (without cranking), you should hear a faint click at the carburetor indicating the solenoid is working. If no click is heard, wiggle the connector and see if it clicks.

The female pins may need to be tightened if that is the problem.

For all of my riders, I snapped the tip off the solenoid plunger and installed a manual fuel shutoff valve.

I have a manual fuel shut off, my Z-force is over 15 years old. I gave it half throttle, left the choke opened, and it started running again. After it ran for about 15 seconds I push the choke back in and the engine ran fine, it seems once it starts getting enough gas it'll stay running. I'm gonna try a new fuel pump and fuel filter tomorrow, I'll keep you posted..

Auto Doc's said:

harness connector spreading the pins and losing contact.

Click to expand...

Tells me people removing them by jerking connectors side to side, side to side, rowing the boat till the connector comes off. That spreads connectors too.