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Kohler Couger XT-7 & Courage XT-7

#1

S

Scripkilla

I copied this post from one I posted in the new member area. I figured it would get a little more view-ability here! Thanks in advance for any feedback:

Hi everyone, first post on this forum. Looks like a very helpful site! Anyway, I could not resist posting because I also have A lawnmower with this kohler xt7 engine. It's the last year toro super recycler (bought in april). I have always purchased lower line $200 dollar yard machines and decided to spend some more $$ and get a higher quality one. This mower was awesome all year long - started on the first pull every time. Followed the service schedule to the tee since I paid over $500 for this thing (replaced plug, drained oil, run it dry prior to storage and changed air filter). Went to fire it up this spring and it ran for about 2 minutes and choked out. Would not restart! I thought maybe a put old gas in it since the gas I used was about 3 months old - 87 oct. Replaced with new and still would not start. I talked to my local Toro dealership and they said to unscrew the nut on the carb bowl and make sure fuel is flowing through there. Flushed it with new fuel and the fuel went through successfully, but since i have no experiene with this i dont know if there was a partial blockage. Still did not start so i took it in to them and after about 1 week they said it was burning oil and some gasket had a leak? I am still learning about how these engines work, but for a 1 year old motor this is unacceptable. They are still checking with kohler about a kit to fix this and if it is covered under warranty. I will be furious if they come back and say it was "bad gas". I am wondering if what js is speaking of related. This mower may have about 15 hours of use!


#2

M

myost7

re: Kohler Couger XT-7 & Courage XT-7

I have the same problem with mine only my kohler engine is on a husqvarna I took mine to a kohler dealer who replaced the carb but said they had to use a different model carb because Kohler did not stock that carb because it was so new when I got it back it ran rough was hard to start and only worked mabe three times when I pulled the spark plug today it was covered with gas and oil what a piece of crap I also have two ridding mowers a craftsman and a troy bilt the craftsman has a b/s twin cylinder the troy bilt has a kohler 20 hp single cylinder the craftsman starts right up but the kohler always needs a spray in the carb to start what a joke I will never buy a another Kohler engine again!


#3

S

Scripkilla

re: Kohler Couger XT-7 & Courage XT-7

Just got an update from the repair shop (over 1 week). They have the replacement 'kit' coming and it was determined there was an issue with the parts being machined wrong. Something about a hole being drilled too small which is causing a build up of compressed air and forcing oil/gas into the carb? Whatever it is, I'll let you know what becomes of it...


#4

M

myost7

re: Kohler Couger XT-7 & Courage XT-7

Thanks that will help


#5

J

Joe Maintenance

re: Kohler Couger XT-7 & Courage XT-7

Boy, do I feel like a real Bonehead!
After several attempts of trying to start my new mower, I had to rest my arms, so that I wouldn't have a separated shoulder to deal with. While I rested, I went back and reread the manual on how to get the mower started, (Mine came with no primer push button or starter switch).
Again I headed over to the mower and looked at the front of it, to my chagrin, there it was, the rubber spark plug cap, hanging down and off of the spark plug...
Wouldn't you know it, after placing the connector onto the spark plug, the very first pull had the mower running!


#6

C

Carl in CT

re: Kohler Couger XT-7 & Courage XT-7

Kohler has gone way down hill over the last several years, I would not buy any Kohler engine if I could help it. I've had two Kohler Commands and they were both bad. The Kohler Cougar XT-7 is a rebranded engine made in China. I'm not saying they are automatically bad but they are not what you think of when you pay extra for the Kohler name. Although like I said, even the "real" Kohlers, including their flag ship Command series are not very good in my experience so maybe the Chinese Kohlers are better, they can't possibly be worse.


#7

K

ktgfk1

re: Kohler Couger XT-7 & Courage XT-7

Here is what I have figured out about this:
First my mower: MTD Pro (from menards)
Ran fine the first year. Every start since then it has problems and I have to pull apart the carb to get it to run. I'm getting very fast at this. I knew nothing about small engines until I had to figure this out.

The problem is a stuck Fuel Inlet Needle! (Look at Figure 5-12 of the engine manual - exploded carb view). The inlet needle has developed some kind of corrosion on it and it STICKS. There is a float and a tiny spring which should regulate the fuel inflow through the hole the Needle is in. When the cup is full, the float pushes the needle up to stop fuel inflow. When the fuel level drops due to fuel usage, the float falls and lets more fuel into the cup therefore keeping the fuel level constant (at least how it is supposed to work).
If the needle is stuck in the UP position, NO FUEL gets to carb. If needle is stuck DOWN, engine flooded, and fuel keeps on flowing out filling the cup and eventually starts to drip out the air intake.

I can now get the carb off, cup off and pull the needle out in less than a couple minutes. I scrape the sides of that little needle with a fingernail to remove the rough stuff (corrosion?) that builds up (even between mows) and reassemble. I make sure needle moves up and down as the float moves while reassembling.
It then starts and runs fine.

I have replaced the fuel line with one that has a 1/4 turn shutoff valve so I don't have to drain the tank or clamp the line each time.
I'm trying to find replacement parts to fix this problem for good!!!


#8

C

Carl in CT

re: Kohler Couger XT-7 & Courage XT-7

I have had good luck buying small engine parts from Pat's Small Engines Plus Small Engine Parts, Lawn Mower Parts, Marine Parts, ATV Parts, Dirt Bike Parts, Snowmobile Parts and More. and Tulsa Engine Warehouse TulsaEngineWarehouse.com - How To Guide: Repowering With A New Engine Others have said they use Partstree.com.

Pat's helped me figure out what carb I needed for my old snow thrower over the phone, very knowledgable, professional sales person. I got the right carb and my snowblower was like new again. I also just bought a bunch of parts for my Toro/Wheelhorse tractor with Kohler Command engine for dirt cheap. Got a brand new carb on clearance for $43. If I were you I'd just get a rebuild kit for your carb which should include a new needle, spring, cross pin, etc for around $10.

Good luck!


#9

C

crappy_kohler_xt7

re: Kohler Couger XT-7 & Courage XT-7

CARL in CT...... Do you think just a new needle/spring/pin will fix this?.... I don't. I have the same gas leak problem with my Ariens A173K22 / Kohler XT-7 . First it was the plating in the needle vavle. I cleaned it up myself and it worked for about a month until I left it for over two weeks. Gas on the floor again. I opened it up, took the valve and float out finding no apparent problems. Put it back together and it worked for the day. Several days later, gas on the floor. I clamped the gas line with small vise-grip until next mowing. Unclamped gas line, gas all over the floor. Took out the valve & float. found no problems, put it together.... it worked for the mowing. Days later... gas on the floor. I clamped the gas line. This is now my routine. What are we going to do? The routine all the time? Purchased 8/10. Have not gone through the trouble of bringing in for warranty repair. That might be more hassle than it is worth @ my location. I am also having some auto-choke problems. Once started, I already have my air cleaner off and have to hold the plate open for 30 sec or so or the engine will flood out. I have to run it for about 3 mins standing(not cutting grass) until the heat from the exhaust/choke control keeps my plate open.


#10

C

crappy_kohler_xt7

re: Kohler Couger XT-7 & Courage XT-7

ktgfk1.... we have duplicated eachothers efforts. Let's keep posting our solutions here. I think I will FINALLLY pursue warranty work next week.


#11

K

ktgfk1

re: Kohler Couger XT-7 & Courage XT-7

I just ordered a whole new carburetor. It appears you can't buy the individual parts for this engine model. Total was $30.04 shipped. I will see if this fixes the problem. I imagine it will, at least for this mowing season...


#12

C

Carl in CT

re: Kohler Couger XT-7 & Courage XT-7

I don't know if a carb rebuild with new needle and spring will fix it but often times if a needle is getting stuck, as you said, a new one will help and it's the cheapest thing to try, which is where I try to start. It sounds like the whole thing is low quality which doesn't surprise me with a Kohler, especially the Chinese made XT line. Obviously if you can get a whole knew carb for $30 shipped, that's the best thing. That said, I hope the new carb doesn't have the same problems. I am not a mechanic, nor do I play one on tv :biggrin: I was just saying what I would try if bringing it in for warranty work is a huge hastle.

Anyway, good luck to everyone, I feel bad you are having such trouble with new engines. It's a shame Kohler has gone cheap like this because they used to make some of the best engines out there.


#13

JDgreen

JDgreen

re: Kohler Couger XT-7 & Courage XT-7

I don't know if a carb rebuild with new needle and spring will fix it but often times if a needle is getting stuck, as you said, a new one will help and it's the cheapest thing to try, which is where I try to start. It sounds like the whole thing is low quality which doesn't surprise me with a Kohler, especially the Chinese made XT line. Obviously if you can get a whole knew carb for $30 shipped, that's the best thing. That said, I hope the new carb doesn't have the same problems. I am not a mechanic, nor do I play one on tv :biggrin: I was just saying what I would try if bringing it in for warranty work is a huge hastle.

Anyway, good luck to everyone, I feel bad you are having such trouble with new engines. It's a shame Kohler has gone cheap like this because they used to make some of the best engines out there.

I always laugh when I see this thread, because I know a cougar is either a mountain lion or an attractive older women on the prowl....:laughing::laughing:


I have a one year old Kohler XT-7 COURAGE engine on my Yardpro (Husqvarna) and have had zero problems. Did not know it was a Chinese Kohler until I saw that on LMF. $30.04 for a new carb, delivered? WHHHAAATTT? Why do you have to pay ANYTHING if it's a warranty issue?


#14

C

crappy_kohler_xt7

re: Kohler Couger XT-7 & Courage XT-7

ktgfk1, where did you get the carb? Should be a warranty issue but the work has to be done over 100 miles away! Can't get warranty parts/work over the phone or on-line. This may be the best solution.


#15

JDgreen

JDgreen

re: Kohler Couger XT-7 & Courage XT-7

ktgfk1, where did you get the carb? Should be a warranty issue but the work has to be done over 100 miles away! Can't get warranty parts/work over the phone or on-line. This may be the best solution.

Feel bad for those who are stuck with the problem XT-7's....I love my cougar, OOPS Courage powered mower....:laughing:


#16

K

ktgfk1

re: Kohler Couger XT-7 & Courage XT-7

At: Kohler Engines and Kohler Engine Parts Store, Genuine Kohler Engine Parts

search for 1485327s
That is that part number for the complete carb unit.
Currently $24.09 + shipping ($5.95 USPS priority).

I also didn't bother with warranty issues as it is not readily accessible here. Plus I already modified the fuel line, and I'm sure that would void any warranty.

Have not received it yet as of 6-6-2011.


#17

K

ktgfk1

re: Kohler Couger XT-7 & Courage XT-7

Received carb in mail today. Took 30 minutes to change out (for a non-mechanic). There are some parts that had to be moved over from the old one to the new one.
Started on 2nd pull. Ran well for the most part. I noticed a couple times it didn't sound quite right. Didn't mow as it is raining. Then had to go to work.
I left the fuel cut-off valve in the 'on' position. I'll see if the tank has any gas left in it tomorrow or if it dumps it all on the ground again...


#18

ILENGINE

ILENGINE

re: Kohler Couger XT-7 & Courage XT-7

I replaced 3 of those carbs under warranty last year. just ordered my second carb for a warranty this year.


#19

R

ROK247

"The problem is a stuck Fuel Inlet Needle! (Look at Figure 5-12 of the engine manual - exploded carb view). The inlet needle has developed some kind of corrosion on it and it STICKS. There is a float and a tiny spring which should regulate the fuel inflow through the hole the Needle is in. When the cup is full, the float pushes the needle up to stop fuel inflow. When the fuel level drops due to fuel usage, the float falls and lets more fuel into the cup therefore keeping the fuel level constant (at least how it is supposed to work).
If the needle is stuck in the UP position, NO FUEL gets to carb. If needle is stuck DOWN, engine flooded, and fuel keeps on flowing out filling the cup and eventually starts to drip out the air intake."

this is what was wrong with mine - that needle was so corroded and stuck in there that i actually broke the end off of it trying to pull it out! and the damn mower isnt even a year old yet. i have mowers out back behind the shed that are older than me that still run better than this piece of junk.


#20

ILENGINE

ILENGINE

Kohler has had problems with the diaphragm that is suppose to open the choke partway until the engines warms up and the other choke finishs opening it. Kohler is well aware of the needle valve issue with the carb built from serial number 37XXXXXXX something to 39XXXXXXXX something and if your engine falls within the specified by the kohler bulletin the dealers are replacing the carb or needle valve under warranty per Kohler instructions.


#21

JDgreen

JDgreen

Kohler has had problems with the diaphragm that is suppose to open the choke partway until the engines warms up and the other choke finishs opening it. Kohler is well aware of the needle valve issue with the carb built from serial number 37XXXXXXX something to 39XXXXXXXX something and if your engine falls within the specified by the kohler bulletin the dealers are replacing the carb or needle valve under warranty per Kohler instructions.

Thanks for the info put my Kohler engine mower away an hour ago gonna run out and check the number now....oh crud my engine begins with 38 and the warranty has probably expired by now. Thanks for the heads up.


#22

Y

yoster

Interesting thread, I'll have to keep an eye on this. I'm now on my 3rd Kohler Courage engine. The first was an XT-6 that ran great, but only ran it twice (another part on the mower broke on its second use so I returned it..was a Husqvarna). The second one was a Huskee (from tractor supply) with an XT-7. That motor had issues.. wouldn't run at a steam RPM once it warmed up. Always up down up down up down in RPM's.. like it was always running out of gas. Returned it to get the exact same mower only with self propulsion (decided I didn't like pushing), this one doesn't have any issues whatsoever. Been using it about 2 months now.. hopefully I don't run into the issues mentioned here.


#23

Y

yoster

Quick update here.

My XT-7 is still going strong. This thing is a beast of an engine. More power than any other push-mower I've owned. Just mowed a lawn yesterday that was almost as high as my knees (bagging the grass), this thing just charged right through it. Tons of torque.

I'm going to throw one of those shredder blades on it from lowes.. that should make it even better.


#24

C

crappy_kohler_xt7

I don't know if a carb rebuild with new needle and spring will fix it but often times if a needle is getting stuck, as you said, a new one will help and it's the cheapest thing to try, which is where I try to start. It sounds like the whole thing is low quality which doesn't surprise me with a Kohler, especially the Chinese made XT line. Obviously if you can get a whole knew carb for $30 shipped, that's the best thing. That said, I hope the new carb doesn't have the same problems. I am not a mechanic, nor do I play one on tv :biggrin: I was just saying what I would try if bringing it in for warranty work is a huge hastle.

Anyway, good luck to everyone, I feel bad you are having such trouble with new engines. It's a shame Kohler has gone cheap like this because they used to make some of the best engines out there.

O.K.... sorry for the delayed info. I bought my Kohler @ Home Depot and finally got mad enough to bring it back to THEM! They said they would have it serviced under warranty, no cost to me. Supposedly a new carb was put on(that was around june/july) and it has given me no problems so far. I guess kohler has had enough problems with this particular issue and warranty work was easily obtainable. This is now a known issue and it was taken care of for me by Home Depot and Kohler. I'm lucky this did not turn into more of an issue. Good luck to all......


#25

C

crappy_kohler_xt7

Following up on my previous Kohler xt7 posts here. I had the corroded needle/float problem..... leaking gas. Sorry for the delayed info. and not posting the end to my case sooner. I bought my Kohler @ Home Depot and finally got mad enough to bring it back to THEM! They said they would have it serviced under warranty, no cost to me. Supposedly a new carb was put on(that was around june/july) and it has given me no problems so far. I also coaxed a new air filter out of them as the leaking gas ruined mine. I guess kohler has had enough problems with this particular issue and warranty work was easily obtainable. This is now a known issue and it was taken care of for me by Home Depot and Kohler. I'm lucky this did not turn into more of an issue. Thanks to all for the information here & Good luck to all......


#26

Z

Zuluboy

Greetings from South Africa;
The Kohler XT-6/XT-7 have been in our country for a couple of years. Previously, our market was dominated by Briggs&Stratton. We have sold numerous of these motors and have had nothing but great service from these little motors. In response to many of the carburettor problems, it would appear that you have more of a fuel issue than a carburettor problem as we have not experienced any carburettor issues. The only issues that we've had were a couple of recoil starters that the factory replaced as they were aware of some problems and our first batch of motors had the auto-choke mechanism, which apparently caused some problems, but those that we sold never gave any trouble.
All in all, we rate them very highly.


#27

D

Dwayne Oxford

Mine had gotten progressively harder to start, finally wouldn't, hit a few little licks and quit. Took carb off, in engine side of venturi I saw/felt the adjustment needle screw, which has a "special" dimmercrap EPA head that the unfortunate "user" is unable to turn. What I'd prob do is take dremel with cutoff wheel and cut a screwdriver slot in the head and back it out 1/4 to1/2 turn and see what happens.:smile::biggrin:


#28

B

Bushy

I copied this post from one I posted in the new member area. I figured it would get a little more view-ability here! Thanks in advance for any feedback:

Hi everyone, first post on this forum. Looks like a very helpful site! Anyway, I could not resist posting because I also have A lawnmower with this kohler xt7 engine. It's the last year toro super recycler (bought in april). I have always purchased lower line $200 dollar yard machines and decided to spend some more $$ and get a higher quality one. This mower was awesome all year long - started on the first pull every time. Followed the service schedule to the tee since I paid over $500 for this thing (replaced plug, drained oil, run it dry prior to storage and changed air filter). Went to fire it up this spring and it ran for about 2 minutes and choked out. Would not restart! I thought maybe a put old gas in it since the gas I used was about 3 months old - 87 oct. Replaced with new and still would not start. I talked to my local Toro dealership and they said to unscrew the nut on the carb bowl and make sure fuel is flowing through there. Flushed it with new fuel and the fuel went through successfully, but since i have no experiene with this i dont know if there was a partial blockage. Still did not start so i took it in to them and after about 1 week they said it was burning oil and some gasket had a leak? I am still learning about how these engines work, but for a 1 year old motor this is unacceptable. They are still checking with kohler about a kit to fix this and if it is covered under warranty. I will be furious if they come back and say it was "bad gas". I am wondering if what js is speaking of related. This mower may have about 15 hours of use!

I had the same identical happening, tried everything and everyone, going to just give it away.


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