Kohler 20 HP V-twin dies after starting

[Talmidge101]

I need some help with a Sears Garden Tractor. It has a Kohler 20HP V-Twin
engine. It started fine this spring after storage. I drained the gas last fall and ran it dry as I usually do. After adding gas, I mowed for about an hour and then began to have trouble. It died as I was shutting down. When I restarted, it would run at low idle but when I increased the RPM it began to surge and then died.
I have replaced the fuel filter(it wasn't the problem) and checked the air filter. It is dirty but not bad. It acts like what i have experienced with push mowers when the governor is messed up. It starts easily but won't run very long unless I increase the RPM to max and then it surges and shakes. It may continue to run or die if I reduce the RPM. I have had no trouble with it before now.

Any ideas on what may be wrong ?

 

[RavensRoost]

Does it have a solenoid on bottom of carb? If it does, that is likely the source of your problem. If no solenoid, I would suspect crud in carb.

If solenoid:
Put a screwdriver to your ear and touch screw end to the carb while you turn key on and listen for a click. (Poor man's stethoscope)

If no click, check to make sure voltage to bullet connector when key is in run position.

If voltage but no click, solenoid is probably rusted in closed position almost totally blocking fuel flow to main jet. (Rant here about 10% alcohol gas and what happens when water gets in it!)

If solenoid is rusted, you can try freeing up, may get lucky. I did not and used a Dremel to cut off about 0.25" so I could get it running right, new one on order.

Good luck!

 

[AchingBack]

Check the carb. float. It could be leaking, broken, or stuck.

 

[Airic]

I'm betting the soleniod. I had the exact issue last year with my Kohler 27hp v-twin as you describe. It was the soleniod. I removed mine and ran it across the battery leads to test. If I remember correctly it was $60.

 

[Talmidge101]

Thanks to those who have replied to this question. The solenoid ideas sound
plausible. Certainly carb is a likely culprit. I will look into that area this weekend
and post when I find out the cause.

 

[jjcc246]

as simple as it seems, when mine does that i change the plugs and it runs perfect

 

[RavensRoost]

Talmidge 101, did you get it fixed?

 

[ren1pa]

Try running it in place with only a small amount of fuel in the tank, and with the fuel cap very loosely on. (Outdoors only, while being careful, because some fuel may bubble out of the fill area). If that works, it's probably just a blocked vent hole in the fuel cap.

ren

 

[RavensRoost]

Talmidge, been a couple of weeks, did youget it fixed?