I got an old Murray lawn tractor with a Kohler CV15s motor that that has been sitting in a shed for 7 years. It was operational when it was parked in the shed.
Now, when I looked at it there was no gas in the tank - a good thing - but I can't be sure if it just evaporated over the years. After putting new battery and fresh gas in, engine would start and run a few seconds only when I used starter fluid.
Thinking this indicated a fuel problem it have done the following:
Replaced all fuel hoses (gravity feed) and hose from air breather to crankcase. Replaced fuel filter - oriented correctly. Installed carburetor kit while cleaning it thourghly with carb clearner. Float appeared good with no liquid leaked into it.
The manual said not to mess with the needle valve if it had a cap/limiter on it. It does have a cap that limits rotation to about 3/4 turn. Following instructions, I did not mess with it. I did not remove the choke or throttle plates, just cleaned them. I have never rebuilt such a carb before, I guess I could have done something wrong there - but I sure tried to be carefull!
With fuel solenoid removed, I used a jumper to ground the solenoid case and turned the ignition switch on. Solenoid popped into the down position with no hesitation. Pops back up when key is turned off. It appears to be working properly.
Replaced spark plug - probably not related to this problem but just being thorough.
I have checked that fuel DOES make it into fuel bowl.
After all of this, there was no improvement. Again, engine will run as long as starter fluid is applied. Multiple attempts at adjusting fuel mixture needle produces no noticible results.
After reading other contributions to this forum, it appears I have covered most of the bases. I am at the end of knowledge now. Does anyone have any other ideas?
Now, when I looked at it there was no gas in the tank - a good thing - but I can't be sure if it just evaporated over the years. After putting new battery and fresh gas in, engine would start and run a few seconds only when I used starter fluid.
Thinking this indicated a fuel problem it have done the following:
Replaced all fuel hoses (gravity feed) and hose from air breather to crankcase. Replaced fuel filter - oriented correctly. Installed carburetor kit while cleaning it thourghly with carb clearner. Float appeared good with no liquid leaked into it.
The manual said not to mess with the needle valve if it had a cap/limiter on it. It does have a cap that limits rotation to about 3/4 turn. Following instructions, I did not mess with it. I did not remove the choke or throttle plates, just cleaned them. I have never rebuilt such a carb before, I guess I could have done something wrong there - but I sure tried to be carefull!
With fuel solenoid removed, I used a jumper to ground the solenoid case and turned the ignition switch on. Solenoid popped into the down position with no hesitation. Pops back up when key is turned off. It appears to be working properly.
Replaced spark plug - probably not related to this problem but just being thorough.
I have checked that fuel DOES make it into fuel bowl.
After all of this, there was no improvement. Again, engine will run as long as starter fluid is applied. Multiple attempts at adjusting fuel mixture needle produces no noticible results.
After reading other contributions to this forum, it appears I have covered most of the bases. I am at the end of knowledge now. Does anyone have any other ideas?
