Kohler Courage 23 knocking and won’t start

[otpaul]

Good afternoon

I’ve got a cub cadet lt1050 with a Kohler Courage 23 in it with 240 hours. I purchased this mower used about 3 weeks ago and got 3 mows out of it.

Today, the mower died without warning and I just thought it ran out of gas. Wrong. Half of a tank. Attempted to start again but heard loud knocking when turning over and engine would not run.

Removed spark plugs and both pistons are moving when manually turning over the engine. Oil level is good but does have a gasoline smell to it. Could be my imagination though. Spark plugs dry as a bone

Any suggestions on what to do next? Sounds bad to me and wondering if it’s worth tearing into it.

Thanks!

 

[mechanic mark]

rebuild or replace carburetor, change oil & filter.

https://www.cubcadetpartsnmore.com/cub-cadet-service-manuals

do not crank engine, when you drain oil pay close attention to color of oil & what comes out, hopefully no pieces of engine.

https://www.kohler-engine-parts.ope..._page=document_general_info&products_id=34596

scroll down page for your engine manual

 

[otpaul]

I see your edit now. Thanks and will do

 

[otpaul]

Drained the oil and found no signs of metal. Oil was slightly darker from new. Will rebuild carburetor this coming week

 

[otpaul]

Solved. Adjusted valve lash (rockers were loose and off center), cleaned carburetor (jet appeared slightly clogged) and it’s running great. Thanks for the help!