Export thread

So I have an older exmark machine with a Kohler engine on it. I have no clue the year or make of either since the moron I bought it from painted over everything.
The problem I am having is this. The mower runs but almost dies out every few seconds and then backfires. It does not die completely after backfiring it boosts back up and runs. I changed the plug, air filter, fuel filter, cleaned the carb new gas tank cap. Motor completely dies when I engage the blades too.
Mower has sat for two years only being started once every couple of months. I went to use it on an account the other day and was fortunate enough to get the entire backyard done without any problems. After that it died out and I used another mower to finish the front yard. I was fortunate enough to get it started so I could get it back on the truck but it is not running any better after all the tune up stuff.
Any ideas would be great! Oh yeah, I ran some seafoam thru it today too and did not help. How much of that am I supposed to use? Can it be dumped right into the gas? I was just pouring it down the air filter assembly like you would starter fluid and letting it run through like the can said. Thanks in advance.

It sounds to me the sea foam will help the plugged carb.,I usually put a whole can with about a gallon of gas and run it for about 15 minutes then shut off over night. The next morning finish running the gallon through then fresh gas and ready to role. Hope this helps

You say you cleaned the carb, did you put a kit in it and replaced old worn out parts. They have kits and sometimes you have to replace these parts to get the engine running back up to par. Hope this helps.

I used the rebuild kit. It was only a gasket and the needle. I pulled the carb off and let it sit in a bucket of cleaner overnight, then used the kit and bolted back on. I will try the seafoam again today like you said. Thanks.

check the fuel solenoid on the bottom of the carb. Sounds like it has a short and is opening and closing shutting off the fuel flow.

Check your fuel tank cap. I had an issue in which my motor would run down and stall. After it sat for a couple of minutes she would start right up. Once when I loosened the cap to check the fuel level I hear the hiss of a vacuum. That tipped me off that the cap vent was stuffed. Real tiny drill bit cleaned it out and no problem since.

I replaced the fuel cap with a brand new one in hopes that might have something to do with it, no luck. I will look at the fuel solinoid. Where exactly is it located? I didnt see anything under the carb and there is nothing attached to the bottom of the bowl..

I also talked with Exmark and they tell me that I have the Kohler CV14T spec 1466 motor if that helps out with some troubleshooting....

perkins said:

I replaced the fuel cap with a brand new one in hopes that might have something to do with it, no luck. I will look at the fuel solinoid. Where exactly is it located? I didnt see anything under the carb and there is nothing attached to the bottom of the bowl..

I also talked with Exmark and they tell me that I have the Kohler CV14T spec 1466 motor if that helps out with some troubleshooting....

Click to expand...

Without looking it up, it's possible that you don't have a fuel shut-off solenoid. They typically stick out of the bottom of the carb bowl, and have two wires running to them. Pretty easy to see most of the time if you've got one.:smile:

You said the kit only had a needle and gasket in it. Did you replace the seat? it should have been in the kit. Part number for kit is either 12 757 01-S or 12 757 03-S and it should have alot of parts in it and even some you wont use. If the seat isn't replaced then it will not close properly. Otherwise you may be looking at getting a new carb and end all of your problems, part number is 12 853 139-S and runs about $153.

This si the kit I used. eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

If you left that carb in cleaner overnight, you are going to need a new seat in it. When I looked up the model that exmark says is on there, the 2 kits that I told you are the ones that can go on there, I have both kits in stock and the difference between them is the seats. In the new kits one is smaller and brown and the other one is slightly larger and black. Looks like 1 runs about $10 and the other about $12, go to your local dealer if you have one so u won't have to pay shipping.

This is the carb that is on there now. LMK series Walbro.

Might find the fast idle jet is worn - why the motor is trying to fix itself between to much fuel to much air or starved for fuel .