I have a Craftsman lawn tractor that has a problem mowing when heated up, it starts stalling after about 15 min. and will revive (somewhat) by pulling the choke. It seems to survive for longer distance not under a load. I have been working with it the past week trying to figure out the issue by starting with the simplest, easiest, most relevant parts - fuel pump, fuel solenoid, carburetor, fuel lines, filter, gas cap vent, and fresh non-ethanol gas. I pulled the solenoid off to remove the carb and very little gas came out of the bowl. I installed a low pressure electric fuel pump and had the same problem with it stalling. It mows great until it get hot (15 min.) and chugs to a halt. I can turn off PTO and pull the choke and drive back to the work shed. Good compression (165 psi), new spark plugs with good spark when it stalls. Any clues would be greatly appreciated.
Kohler CV730 fuel delivery issues
- Thread starter Hayward
- Start date
ILENGINE
Lawn Royalty
Have come across a few Husqvarna made craftsmans over the years where heat off the exhaust would boil the fuel in the carb, causing a vapor lock issue. The fuel bowl will get hot enough to burn your hand if touched.
Actual model numbers from the tag under the seat would help to see what you have.
Actual model numbers from the tag under the seat would help to see what you have.
Tiger Small Engine
Lawn Addict
Check the fuel cap, blow it out with air compressor. Check the tank vent and tank vent line if it has them. Make sure fuel filter is the correct one for application. Blow through fuel line to gas tank with fuel cap off. Make sure fuel line from carburetor is not touching the engine case. Use zip ties and larger fuel line split in half to encase fuel line if needed to protect it from heat coming off of engine. Pull fuel line from fuel pump to carburetor and crank engine and look for steady strong pulse of gas.
StarTech
Lawn Royalty
Some Kohler engines had such a problem with they came out with a heat shield for some carburetors,but I thinking that was for the single cylinder engines. I even still have one of those kit here.
This also aggravated by ethanol fuels as the alcohol boils at a much lower temperature as does Winter vs Summer fuels. I have literally seen fuel boiling in the clear fuel filters at times. Not lately but several years ago when the gas distributors fail to switch fuel mixes for Summer use.
If heating is problem then shielding needs to be added.
This also aggravated by ethanol fuels as the alcohol boils at a much lower temperature as does Winter vs Summer fuels. I have literally seen fuel boiling in the clear fuel filters at times. Not lately but several years ago when the gas distributors fail to switch fuel mixes for Summer use.
If heating is problem then shielding needs to be added.
Auto Doc's
Lawn Addict
Grass clipping and dirt have likely collected in the fuel tank over the years and is now getting sucked into the pickup tube and fuel line from the tank.
Very few people ever clean around the fuel tank fill area or inspect their fuel can for trash and debris.
Most of these problems begin at the fuel tank and the fuel tank is the last thing people want to deal with.
Very few people ever clean around the fuel tank fill area or inspect their fuel can for trash and debris.
Most of these problems begin at the fuel tank and the fuel tank is the last thing people want to deal with.
I had taken a week off and now back on this project. I cut a piece of tin to make a heat shield. I cranked the engine to find I have other issues - now it won't start and keep running without the choke on. ?? I am jinxed !! I haven't had a problem with it starting up and running until now. I pulled the carb and cleaned thoroughly. Still surging and dies without choke. New problem ! This a new 'aftermarket' carburetor.
Aftermarket carburetors are hit or miss.
Auto Doc's
Lawn Addict
Try blowing compressed air back through the fuel tank supply line to clear the blockage. After that it should run until the blockage happens again and you have to begin using the choke more.
Thanks, Auto Doc's, I will try that and hope it cures this mystery.
Auto Doc's, you nailed it ! I blew out the tank line and placed a heat shield. I mowed for an hour, no fuel issues. Thanks for the heads-up. As my luck would have it, I noticed every bump in the yard (lots in my yard), the engine would cut out, then catch back up. It did this previously and I thought it was part of the fuel delivery problem. I bypassed the seat switch, not it. I'm now looking for a loose connection somewhere. Thanks, again !