LT1042 Will Not Start

[Fordlords]

From what I have heard, it is very hard to tell there is a problem with the key from looking at it above. You mentioned you have a spark and are getting fuel, so if you then have compression (we will assume you do) the engine should do something, especially when spraying starting fluid in the intake.

If the key is sheared and causing the timing to be off however, it will do nothing, and this has been the case on the Courage engines where this problem has occurred. Unfortunately, unless you have a flywheel puller tool, you probably won't get the flywheel off by any other means short of ruining it which I don't recommend.

If that isn't it, you truly have me stumped

-Fordlords-

 

[Dave01]

Sorry about the bad info with my mention of points.

If the engine was already flooded, plugs wet, its possible the starting fluid wouldn't do the job. Since you saw water in the float bowls I'd drain the gas and add new, plus put some isopropyl gas dryer in with it.

 

[paperpusher]

Hey Guys,

Changed the gas, fuel filter, spark plug. Today, I pulled the flywheel found the woodruff key sheared all to h***, It wasn't even in the crankshaft key way. Went to the hardware store, got the key, put in, it started right up. So just want to say thanks to all for your help. It cost me a new coil $40.00, about 3 days in trouble shooting. Fordlord, you heard right, you can't just look at it from the top and think that the woodruff key is ok. PULL THE FLYWHEEL ON THE COURAGE ENGINES. OH, it cost me $20.00 for a harmonic ballance puller also. (LOL)

Thanks Guys

 

[Fordlords]

Glad you got it fixed. I think Kohler has issued a bulletin for this problem as it's happening a lot, the flywheel nut isn't torqued tight enough.
-Fordlords-

 

[orion]

I Have the same problem. I pulled the flywheel and the key is sheared off. I have a question though. Is this a special key does anyone know the size? Or how can I tell. Also is there a special way to get the flywheel on or do I just put it on and torque down the flywheel. Thanks

 

[flywfo]

Ladies/Gents: I had the same issue with my '05(ish) LT1042 cub cadet w/ 19hp kohler courage engine. Spark, fuel, still no start after shutting down a day previous. Woodruff key looked good from inspection before removing the flywheel. Took the advice of the above, and used a puller to remove it, and yup, the key had sheared off. Half was in the flywheel slot, the other half in the crankshaft... which was a quarter turn away.

To all with this issue: pull the flywheel, remove the broken key, and head to local hardware store for a new one. They'll have them in a drawer. Make sure you bring the old one to compare thickness -- I think it was 3/16". I don't recall the diameter... I got one of each. When reassembling, clean everything real well (no need to remove the magneto, the flywheel can be removed with it in place). You'll need a good hammer to knock the wheel back in place, and torque the bolt nice and tight.

 

[OldMachinist]

To answer the question about if the flywheel key is special. Yes the original key is made from a softer metal that the steel hardware store ones. This is so it will shear without doing any damage to the flywheel or crankshaft.