2185 stalling

[Barker]

I have one recurring problem with my CC 2185 with approx 650 hours on it. After about twenty minutes of mowing the motor slows and has stalled in the past.

I have replaced the fuel pump and filter. Electrical is o-k

I have just found that if I quickly disengage the blades the motor will pick up again and then run normally. I can then re-engage the blades and cut for another minute or two before the problem comes back. I have also found that if I throttle back the machine will continue to run at lower RPM but this is too slow for good cutting.

Seems like a fuel starvation problem at full rpm to me but I'm not quite sure what to look at next to fix it.

When I got the machine (used) I went over the mower deck and replaced a couple of worn idlers and made sure everything was greased and running freely so I do not think the deck is seizing in some way and stalling.

If I stop the motor and leave it for twenty minutes or so it will restart and mow for about twenty minutes or so before the problem returns.

As noted I do not think this is an electrical problem because if it were I'm pretty sure it would just stall and that would be it.

Any ideas out there? This thing is making my gray hair grayer.

Dave

 

[7254t]

mabey check fuel cap make sure its venting properly.

 

[rus_geek]

I had a similar problem with a Simplicity that turned out to be electrical. Running for a while cause expansion somewhere that was shorting out my kill circuit. Disconnecting the kill wire solved the problem (but prevents you from turning off the engine with the key).

-rus-

 

[Barker]

Thanks guys.

Yes, I did release the fuel cap but there is no vapor lock.

Having read a few more posts that have mentioned similar problems it looks like a possible culprit could be one ignition coil. Apparently there are two of them. If one gets faulty it can run on just one cylinder.

That wouldn't be so bad but it sure looks like a miserable job to get at those coils. Just about have to pull the motor forwards as they are tucked in at the very back.

 

[jgrinn]

I had the same problem with my 2185. It was one of the coils. I had the dealer change it for me, they said its easier to change when you pull the motor. Don't be a fool, change both of them.

 

[WNYTractorTinkerer]

Is the PTO engaged when this happens?? A point to consider is low voltage since your clutch is electric.. It could be lowering the voltage to the coil too far and the coil fails.. Check your battery's condition and electrical connections as well.. Just a thought..

 

[Barker]

Couple of good suggestions there, thanks.

Yes, the PTO is engaged when this happens and disengaging allows the engine to keep running. Replaced battery a year or so ago so doubt this is the problem but worth checking.

I would definitely replace both coils. If one is going to that much trouble you might as well, rather than have to do it all over again.

Probably do it over the coming winter season and give everything a thorough clean up at the same time.

Motor does not look too easy to pull. Why do they have to make a relatively simple job hard?

 

[JTKub]

Is this a Vanguard twin or a Kohler Command? When it starts dying, can you verify if the fuel filter stays full? Aftermarket fuel filters can cause starvation issues on Kohler Commands. An ignition system issue is plausible, but in my experience that either works or it doesn't (full on / full off). It doesn't sound like a binding spindle since it will stay running at idle. Is it possible you've got some cruddy/old gasoline? Carb needs a cleaning?

Joel