Kohler 7000 Extremely Dark Oil

[BackyardBrian]

The super black oil is a classic sign. The engine is running rich.

The detail that really jumps out at me is the abrupt, violent shutdown. I'd bet your issue is the fuel shut-off solenoid on the bottom of the carburetor. When they start to fail, they can cause all the problems you're seeing. Hard starting, dirties the oil fast, and hard stop when you turn the key off.

I would specifically mention the abrupt shutdown and ask them to test that solenoid when you take it to the warranty.

 

[Auto Doc's]

The clunking noise when the engine shuts down might be loose engine mount bolts. When I was a service manager for a JD dealer, we had new mowers come in with improperly torqued mount bolts and even the PTO clutch center bolt on a couple.

The factory does not use hand torque wrenched, they use calibrate air drivers that do wear over time and lose their accuracy.

As for the oil, I would try a different brand such as Castrol or Quaker State and run 10W-30 synthetic.

I do not remember who makes Kawasaki branded oil, but it is not Kawasaki.

As for expecting a good "trained" tech doing a proper warranty inspection and testing, don't hold your breath.

Troubled units like this will often sit for weeks without being touched. The dealers often don't hire well-seasoned techs; they hire breathing bodies with a tote bag full of worn-out tools and very little small engine experience.

I'm not bashing on the guys who actually try to learn their job, I just know what I see in area shops when I get called in for diagnostic work.

If this is a fuel injected model. there may be an engine controller update required, so inquire about that if you go to the dealer.

 

[slomo]

I always put a thin layer of grease on bottom and top of filter media to improve seal.

Better than nothing. I silicone on a new filter in the spring. Good ol' 100% GE silicone. Stops everything from getting to the rings. Clean off the intake manifold area and slather a small bead around the manifold gasket area. Get drastic stopping grit from getting inside.

Premature Black oil is a sure sign of blowby caused by possible bad piston rings, or they have not seated yet with so few hours on the engine.

Could be. I'm guessing low revs putting around the yard and not breaking in as you said. This and every other engine needs max revs all the time. 3500/3600RPM is your friend.

 

[Craftsman Garage]

You gotta run it at full speed every time because at idle, the engine takes a while to warm up the rings and close the gap. That gap is what is letting fuel past the rings and contaminating your oil. If you run at full speed, it does not take long for the gap to close.