LTX1050 runs fine until hot

[Johntodd]

My new LTX 1050 is approaching 20 hours.

OK, it runs great until I am well into a mowing session. I figure it's a heat related thing, but I don't know.

What happens is this: Engine revs fine on High until engaging PTO. As long as the blades are not mowing anything, engine RPM stays high. But when engaging grass, the engine RPM slows down and a "sputter" sound comes from the engine.

I realize the engine may dip when asked to do more work; that's not what I am talking about. I'm talking about the engine RPM going low enough to not be able to mow. It's different from what it was when I first got the tractor. When I first got it, the enginge didnt slow down at all when actually mowing. Now its slowing down enough to cause me to stop moving forward to allow the deck to process what it has in it.

So if I take a long break and then start up again, it goes away until I've been mowing awhile.

So, it's some kind of "output power" loss. Thoughts?

Thanks!
-Johntodd

 

[rcbe]

sounds as if the engine is running on one cylinder only (twin engines can start/run on only one cylinder firing) - you can confirm by puilling off plug wire one at a time from the two plugs with an insulated tool...replace the first pulled plug wire before trying other plug. if running only on one, running engine will not change when puling wire from "dead" cylinder - but will die when wire is pulled from "good" cylinder. Causes for this prob can vary.
Anyhow, new machine - s/b under factory warranty - have dealer fix or if purch from BBS, get their referencing service source to fix

 

[nahfwt]

Hi,
Basic question, have you been cleaning the cooling fins and air filter pre cleaner regularly?

 

[Johntodd]

Where are the cooling fins? I dont see anything that looks like fins or ribs. Its the Kohler engine.

 

[nahfwt]

There is a fan under the screen on top of the engine and cooling fins on each of the cylinders. It's a good idea to clean those with compressed air or a leaf blower after each use. (The fins are under the silver covers around the cylinders)

 

[Johntodd]

OK, I replaced the air filter. So far she runs just like new again. Just finished mowing some flat-level ground, along with mowing down a triple row of Irises. No problems at all!

So maybe that was it? I think I am supposed to be able to SEE the individual ribs in the air filter, right? :ashamed:

Well, this new filter has a foam pre-cleaner! The original did not. So now I have a new regimen on removing the foam and washing it and wrapping it in the key lanyard, then hanging it up to dry. That way the foam is always kept with the keys, so no forgetting!

Thanks a bunch! I will look into the other suggestions given. Any help is always appreciated here; I am totally new to this class of machine.

Thanks!
-Johntodd