Koehler command 12.5 engine, choke over fuelling?

Chrisgixer2

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  • / Koehler command 12.5 engine, choke over fuelling?
The fuel level should be about 1/8" below the float bowl gasket, which would place it about 1/4" below the interior of the carb.... So YES, your float level is WAY too high.

A good rule is to turn OFF the fuel when you finish mowing and allow the engine continue to run as you walk back to the storage shed or garage. This pulls the fuel level down, which drops the float, which then releases the pressure on the float needle, which makes those delicate viton tips on the float needle last longer. This procedure requires the presence of a manual fuel shut off valve, which is s a very good thing to have. About $8 anywhere.

I my personal view, if your mower/ tiller/ generator has an external 'rubber' fuel line, then you should have a manual fuel shut off valve AND a fuel filter. Having those 2 items would end about 40% of the common issues associated with small engines.
Orders yesterday as it happens ?
Filter is already installed
 

Born2Mow

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  • / Koehler command 12.5 engine, choke over fuelling?
Unless they are recessed with a screw driver slot…. Or no slot as in this case ?
IF there is no way to physically remove the jet, THEN they must be cleaned in-situ... just like I said. This type carb design/manufacturing is becoming more common. They simply want you to buy a new carb every year.
 

Chrisgixer2

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  • / Koehler command 12.5 engine, choke over fuelling?
IF there is no way to physically remove the jet, THEN they must be cleaned in-situ... just like I said. This type carb design/manufacturing is becoming more common. They simply want you to buy a new carb every year.
If it’s recessed, as this one is, then it wouldn’t be OBVIOUS …. Was my point

i presume they press the jets /seats in
 

chrisgixer3

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  • / Koehler command 12.5 engine, choke over fuelling?
carb float valve holds pressure over night. currently looking at fuel pump leaking into crank case, or somehow over presurising the float needle while the machine is stood
 
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Born2Mow

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  • / Koehler command 12.5 engine, choke over fuelling?
OK, now that we understand each other.... (Brings back the thought of Churchill's famous quote..)

1. The float valve really can't restrain that much fuel "pressure". The modern float needles with the viton tip do better than the older metal and nylon versions, but still the "pressure limit" on fuel going into the carb has to be well below 1-2 psi. This is one reason for the fuel shut-off valve, whether manual or 'automatic', and/or the fuel pump. And by this last bit I mean that designers know that float valves are a weak point in the system, and so they purposely place the fuel tank BELOW the carb. In these designs, the fuel must be pumped up to the carb. Thus, when the pump (the engine) is turned OFF, excess fuel into the engine also stops.

When the fuel tank is placed above the carb, and sometimes this can't be done any other way [think motorcycle], fuel On/Off valves must be present. So the whole point of this is to say don't expect heroic efforts from your float needle. It's not within the realm of possibility. Therefore, high fuel levels in the carb must be the fault of something else. High fuel levels is then simply a symptom, not a direct cause.

2. So the photos of Westwood T1250's that I see, show a fuel tank above the level of the carb. You may have an automatic fuel shut off valve, but you'll need to add a manual in-line fuel shut off valve. This because 1) the automatic fuel valve cannot be trusted after a year in operation, and 2) you can't easily detect what effect that valve is having.

3. In addition, you cannot be sure that small grit has not entered the fuel system. So if you do not have an in-line fuel filter, then one needs to be installed. Installation of a filter simply adds a measure of insurance. Both the filter and manual fuel valve are inexpensive items.

4. Then, so that we can start "fresh" from the beginning, I would install a new carb float and float valve.

5. Lastly, and most importantly, I would begin a new operating procedure. One which will further insure your success. And here I assume you are some distance from your garage or storage shed where you park your mower. When you finish mowing, manually turn OFF the fuel. The engine will be able to run another 4-6 minutes without issue. During your drive back to the storage area, your float bowl will be emptied. This relieves the fuel pressure on the float system and insures the carb will NOT be flooded with fuel when you go to start the engine on the next day of use.

Implement these steps and your problems will be over, my friend.
 
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StarTech

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  • / Koehler command 12.5 engine, choke over fuelling?
If it’s recessed, as this one is, then it wouldn’t be OBVIOUS …. Was my point

i presume they press the jets /seats in
Yes they are and they are replaceable on the Walbro carburetors. So when installing a new seat the height setting important. The kit PN is not listed on the parts IPL normally.

Here is how to check the current setting. I error toward the lesser setting instead going for the larger setting.
1625581498152.png
 

Born2Mow

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  • / Koehler command 12.5 engine, choke over fuelling?
Honda issued a nice tool for measuring that.
 

Chrisgixer2

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Just to say, finally able to log in again, after numerous attempts emailing admin, after a received an email comedy thread link out of the blue…. And to say Thankyou for your help, I did manage to set the float as the diagram. Cheers all. 👍
 
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