L130 Will Not Start

[guygovols]

In October, I picked up an L130 from a buddy of mine. Kohler, 24V, 48" deck. It had been his father's who passed back in April and it needed a home when his estate was sold. I have yet to been able to get it started.

Not sure what was causing the issue, I have systematically:
Changed both spark plugs and tested the wires
Drained all the gas and replaced with fresh gas
Replaced in line fuel filter
Replaced fuel pump
Checked and cleared all fuel lines
Cleaned the carburetor

It wants to start.....it just won't. When I give it a little shot of starter fluid it starts up only to die when the starter fluid runs out. The same thing happens when I pour a little gasoline in the carb.

I feel strongly that it is something simple that is being overlooked, but I am out of ideas. I do not want to take it to the shop if I can help it in the interest of saving money. I am by no means and expert mechanic and would welcome any and all ideas/feedback. Thanks!

 

[SeniorCitizen]

In October, I picked up an L130 from a buddy of mine. Kohler, 24V, 48" deck. It had been his father's who passed back in April and it needed a home when his estate was sold. I have yet to been able to get it started.

Not sure what was causing the issue, I have systematically:
Changed both spark plugs and tested the wires
Drained all the gas and replaced with fresh gas
Replaced in line fuel filter
Replaced fuel pump
Checked and cleared all fuel lines
Cleaned the carburetor

It wants to start.....it just won't. When I give it a little shot of starter fluid it starts up only to die when the starter fluid runs out. The same thing happens when I pour a little gasoline in the carb.

I feel strongly that it is something simple that is being overlooked, but I am out of ideas. I do not want to take it to the shop if I can help it in the interest of saving money. I am by no means and expert mechanic and would welcome any and all ideas/feedback. Thanks!

So you've determined the problem is a lack of gas so here is an idea.

To rule out possibilities forward and backward is the next logical step. So if you can obtain a small gas tank or other small suitable container with a nipple your fuel line hose will attach directly to the carb, we can gravity fuel to the carb and determine if the culprit is forward or backward of that gravity container and hose. If it runs the problem will be before as in fuel pump, fuel line, original gas tank, filter etc. If it doesn't run the odds are great the problem is forward as in the carb , lack of or low compression etc.

 

[Carl T]

Since you replaced and checked all those parts you need to check the solenoid in the carb bowl. You can check for power to the solenoid with a test light but will have to remove the bowl to see if it works.

 

[pile81]

K simplified....it starts on starting fluid so to me it sounds like it isnt getting fuel to the engine......remove the fuel line to tha carb....crank the engine see if fuel is coming out of the pump if not its probably the pump or vaccum line to the pump or the pickup.....I personally would never use a test light.....

 

[Rivets]

In my opinion, I would follow SandBur's recommendation after I checked the fuel shutoff solenoid on the bottom of the carb. To test it, touch the solenoid with one hand and then turn the key to the on position. You should feel the plunger move. If you don't, remove the electrical plug and use a test light to see if you have power there. If you have power, remove the solenoid and try cleaning the plunger, reinstall, and repeat test. Still no movement, replace solenoid. If the solenoid works properly, proceed to SandBur's tests.