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20hp kohler engine just cut off, won't start.

17 years ago

I have a yard pro estate series garden tractor with a 20hp kohler magmum engine. It had been sitting in a shed for a few years and was given to me. It ran rough when I first started it and would only run with the choke pulled all the way out. I rebuilt the carburetor and it looked like someone had taken it apart previously. I drained out the gas tank and washed it with soap and water, installed a new gas filter. Anyways the engine started up fine and ran perfectly for about 1/2 hour while I was cutting grass then just suddenly shut off and wouldn't start. After it cooled off it wouldn't start. The starter turns over. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks dave

Kohler Magnum 20hp

model m20qs

spec#49634

serial#23118 08516

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Comments (7)

canguy
17 years ago
Washed the tank with soap and water? Did you thoroughly rinse and dry it? Shoot a spritz of gas down the carb throat and see if it burps. If so, the fuel system has issues.
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jerry_nj
17 years ago
You said you rebuilt the carburetor, did that include the fuel pump? If the fuel pump is separate (outside the carburetor) that needs to be checked out to be sure it is pumping fuel...assuming your fuel tank is below the carburetor. As "caguy" notes, sounds like a fuel problem.
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Dipstick reads right at full. Oil seems a little dark given that I had changed it last Fall. Having just sniffed several dipsticks (boy that sounds damning) for comparison, I do not think it has any noticeable gas smell. Turning the key to the first position (which is engine running w/lights on) I did hear a 'click'. It seemed to come from the hour meter. Second position (engine on, lights off) produced no sounds. Starting position any noises would have been covered by the engine cranking. I did also try the key with a couple of fingers on the fuel bowl solenoid (not an easy reach at my age) but I did not feel anything there when I heard the click. One other thing I forgot to mention: When I did crank it with plug out (to check for spark), it seemed to have good compression. I can borrow a gauge and will need someone to crank the engine while I hold it in place. Any idea what the compression should be?
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Ignition timing is determined by the flywheel location. If the key sheared, the flywheel can rotate on the crankshaft. Did you hit anything that might have sheared the key. You'd have to remove the flywheel to check the key. I'd agree that the symptoms sound like timing.
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quick guess - choke control slipping and not staying open ? Beyond that, may have a carb float either sticking or messed up with some trash in the seat letting too much fuel in... ?
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Update....the engine is running!!! My son and I had faced a setback earlier in the week when one of the head bolts sheared after the second round of torquing to 36 ft-lbs. That was a bummer, but a couple days later we got the bolt out with an easyout. We put all the parts of the rider back together (with a new needle/beam torque wrench) and fired it up with some carb cleaner, and it started up fairly quickly!!! As expected, we did have the smoking of burning off of oil, but after 20 minutes or so, that seem to diminish to nothing. Seem to have a little bit of burning oil smell still, but I am hoping that is just some residual oil burning off the frame or muffler shields - those parts around the muffler seem to get very hot. Only remaining issue was a backfire after turning it off. It happened half the time after shutting it down, even when I would let it idle for 15 seconds before turning it off. But I can probably live with the backfiring. I would welcome any input on this problem, but I can do some research on the internet about this seemingly separate issue. Thanks so much for walking my son and I through our first fix of this magnitude....usually we only fix fuel problems. It was a really satisfying experience, and I am really grateful for your advice along the way....I was truly amazed. Again, thanks so much.
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davefrommd
Original Author
17 years ago
The carburetor had some crud at the bottom of the fuel bowl. I just figured flushing out the gas tank would do some good. I had it air dry a couple days at about 80 degrees. I have thought about the posablity of some drops of water making it's way into the carburetor. dave
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davefrommd
Original Author
17 years ago
You know I think the fuel pump could be the problem. It is a walbro carburetor and there must be an external fuel pump. I haven't looked into that yet. Pouring a tad bit of fuel into the carburetor and starting it would be a good test as suggested. dave
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davefrommd
Original Author
17 years ago
I tried to start the engine and it just turns over. I then poured a tad bit of gas into the carburetor and the engine started briefly. I poured gas in a second time and it started up again. It looks like it's the fuel pump. Is the fuel pump rebuildable. I see four screws on top. It is an M20 engine and calls for a 52-559-01s fuel pump. Any suggestions where I should buy this fuel pump. Thanks for the great help. dave
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bill_kapaun
17 years ago
That's also a classic sign of a clogged Main Jet-

If you don't have a service manual, click the link

Here is a link that might be useful: Link
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walt2002
17 years ago
"That's also a classic sign of a clogged Main Jet-"

Or water in the bottom of the carb bowl, I know, I know, you air dried for a couple of days, still - - -

Before you spring for a fuel pump, hook up a temporary gravity flow tank to the carb and see if it runs, if it still doesn't run after dumping the carb bowl that is.
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