Kohler 23hp breaking my heart

[phil_1066]

I have a Kohler 23hp in a new max I bought last year. I cannot get it to tick over properly. I have given it a complete service and adjusted the idler screw. It runs fine then I drive it it for a few minutes and it stalls when I stop. I reset the idler until she runs smooth again, drive her for a few minutes and the same thing happens again. There is no mixture screw I can see. Any ideas anyone. This is driving me crazy!!

[Jeff t-boss]

It sounds like it's choking for fuel. See if your fuel tank vent is plugged, and double check the fuel filter. I have also seen where the "NEW" gasolines have swoolen fuel lines on the inside and closed them off. You can't even tell by looking at them. I have also seen the gas deteriorate the inside of the lines. Also check your fuel pump and pressure.

[Robinhood02]

try taking your gas cap off too, see if you have a vent problem

[Eldon]

I'm betting on the fuel filter.More chance of plugged filter than a blocked vent on a new machine.

[phil_1066]

I bought the Max New from a dealer over hear in Ireland. He brought 5 over about 3 years ago to set up as an agent but it did'nt work for him. So Although it was sold new it was 2 years old but never used. No manual though. Is the tank vent on the cap itself or located somewhere on the tank as I cant see anything that resembles it. Are Kohler engines good as they are unheard of in Ireland. would a car fuel filter fit or even a briggs and stratton

[Robinhood02]

is there a black plastic knob sticking out of the dead center of the clear part of the cap ?? if so try unscrewing it a bit, if not just go for a ride with the cap unscrewed a little so the cap is loose ,if that seems to solve the problem then you know it is a vent prob, if that does't fix it then move on to something else.

[mike bar]

How old is the gas in the tank?

[Rock Doctor]

Sounds a little like the Pilot/Idle jet is plugging off, could be some crap in the carb, or a buildup in the jet. I like to pull them apart and clean the little holes with a "Torch Tip Cleaner" when mine start acting up. I just had to do a friends last week, in his Argo. Was done last yr as well, but it sat all winter, and when I pulled it apart, I couldn't believe how much "stuff" was sloshing around in the float bowl, and his idle jet and the brass siphon tube holes were plugged off. The engine would run, but it was the governor cycling that was keeping it going. Purrs like a kitten now.

Just a thought

RD

[Jeff t-boss]

I bought the Max New from a dealer over hear in Ireland. He brought 5 over about 3 years ago to set up as an agent but it did'nt work for him. So Although it was sold new it was 2 years old but never used. No manual though. Is the tank vent on the cap itself or located somewhere on the tank as I cant see anything that resembles it. Are Kohler engines good as they are unheard of in Ireland. would a car fuel filter fit or even a briggs and stratton

You can use a filter from a Briggs with no problem. And being the machine sat for 2 years, I would definately dump that gas out. Could have alot of water in the tank too. If these suggestions don't help, you may just be looking at a carb rebuild project. And if it does, I would definately replace the fuel lines too. Being that it sat so long, my earlier post about lines deteriorating from the inside is more in perspective. JMO Good luck On another thought, you mentioned your idler/limiter screw. If this machine was built in the US/Canada, it may have a (Steel) cap over the main jet adjusting screw. Here in the US one must have it removed and adjusted by a certified technician. If you can get a good parts breakdown illustration of your carb, you may be able to see if it does have this.

[phil_1066]

The Gas... or petrol as we call on this side of the pond is fresh. I will try the vent. Bit of a result... I had to buy a decent mower for one of the houses in my work. Turned out the Mower centre we have an account with is the only Kohler agent in Ireland. They will look at it it under warrantee. The guy said they have had trouble with a specific type of fuel pump on some of the newer engines so if I still have problems they will give it the once over.
I will try all your suggestions first.... thanks guys.