Kohler 18 Command fires then dies

[drfrideres]

okay, so how do I go about that?

 

[Raw Dodge]

I wouldn't replace the carb unless you found one dirt cheap...first off take a pair of needle nose pliers and pinch the fuel line closed between the fuel pump and carb.fire it up it should stay running now .if it does be ready to release the needle nose pliers when it starts to bog...release and crimp again after it starts to load up and blubber..so this 2 - 3x...it may push out whatever is stuck in the needle and seat assy...if clears up I'd drop the float bowl and clean it before the debris gets in the main jet.. if it still won't stay running, I'd suspect that you may have to remove and clean the carb soak it overnight in cleaning solution after disassembly and blow it out good..also try starting with the air filter off..see if it gets better. .if it does your air filter is plugged.even if it looks clean oil mist from the breather will soak it and clog it.

 

[drfrideres]

So I realize it has been a couple of months since I posted but I wanted to post the outcome on this problem. The problem was indeed gunk in the carb. Specifically the inner lining of the gas line between the pump and the filter began to break down. I tried to clean out and soak the carb but that didn't work. So I found a cheap carb on ebay (65$) which is quite a bit less than than the list price ($315) on parts tree. It worked great for one hour then the carb motor began to do the same thing. I took the new carb off and noticed the rubber chuncks/flakes in the float valve/assembly, realized what it was. I replaced the rest of the gas line, cleaned the new carb out, has worked great ever since. I'm assuming there is probably a product that would breakdown the rubber flakes if I soaked the old carb, but if not I have a back-up carb if I need it for parts now.

BTW thanks for the help!

 

[mechanic mark]

http://www.kohlerengines.com/onlinecatalog/pdf/24_690_07_EN.pdf your engine service manual