Engine occaisionally sputters

[watpress]

I have an Argo with a Kohler KT17 Series II engine. On occaision the engine will start to sputter and run rough and I have to pull the choke out to keep it running. I have changed the fuel filter and cleaned the carb. Sometimes it will run for weeks at a time without any problems.

One thing I noticed that solves the problem is to turn the fuel mixture screw counter-clockwise for a few seconds and then put it back to its original location. It will then run good for awhile. The problem seems to be worse in wet weather.

Could it be dirt getting caught on the fuel mixture needle and by opening it up allow the dirt to pass through?

Any other ideas?

[SmokeNchoke4x4]

Carb Problems

Sounds like you really need to clean out the carb, I had to clean mine two times. I just used carb cleaner and if you can get your hands on a welders cleaning set. Amazon.com: Hobart 770085 Welding Oxy-Acetylene Tip Cleaner - Large: Home Improvement

It should be no problem!

If your are going to use the welders files, be careful not to enlarge any of the jetting holes, this will mess the carbs fuel flow up.

[rigidrider]

sputter

I second that. When I got my 2001 Max IV It did the same thing. Clean the carb then clean it again. Now mine idles and runs like a champ.

Sounds like you really need to clean out the carb, I had to clean mine two times. I just used carb cleaner and if you can get your hands on a welders cleaning set. Amazon.com: Hobart 770085 Welding Oxy-Acetylene Tip Cleaner - Large: Home Improvement

It should be no problem!

If your are going to use the welders files, be careful not to enlarge any of the jetting holes, this will mess the carbs fuel flow up.

[watpress]

Has anyone had any trouble with the Kohler fuel filters? When I bought the machine it came with a couple of extra filters. I used both and then bought a new one. These are those white plastic ones and I noticed by using a flashlight that it appeared very little fuel was inside them.

I then switched to a cheapy clear plastic one and it stays 3/4 full of fuel and so far no sputtering. Has this happened to anyone else?

Also noticed the engine was running rich as the plugs were black and sooty. Checked and the main fuel mixture was set at 3 turns off seat. I noticed in my manual that a KT17 should have a starting point of 2.5 turns off seat. I switched to that and now my plugs are nice and grey.