SLT 1554 smokes on startup?????

Fordlords · May 6, 2006

We were referrring to very LIGHT oil smoke on startup with some small engines lasting for a second or so, which is normal, not puffing oil smoke for several seconds which would indicate wear or other problems. Original poster had valve stem seals replaced, which eliminated the perticular problem, it could be the situation in your case too ak3383.

-Fordlords-

JPPWNY · Jun 28, 2006

In case any of you guys are still having "normal" smoke on startup....
I went back to my dealer about the smoking on startup and he said there was a warranty issue with Kohler vertical engines. They came and got my SLT1554, fixed it, brought it back to me at no charge.
Since they fixed it, I have put 18 hours on it. It doesn't smoke at all....ever.
If I were you guys, I would go back to your dealer and get the "normal" smoke taken care of, it shouldn't be smoking.

depdir802 · Jun 30, 2006

Mine does smoke a little but like was said earlier if you park nose down on a grade but has never done it on level ground

JPPWNY · Jun 30, 2006

Since the warranty issue was resolved, my SLT1554 doesn't smoke even if I start it on a slope which happens at least once every time I use it.
Get it checked now, before the warranty expires.
My dealer said it should never smoke.

Fordlords · Jun 30, 2006

I'm curious as to what the warranty repair consisted of in the event those with out of warranty engines want to correct the startup smoke issue? I see a lot of the Kohler vertical shaft engines smoke a bit on startup, but low and behold the 16 HP single cylinder one on our Craftsman I have never seen any smoke from. Just curious if its this reed valve thing I hear of here or valve stem seals?

-Fordlords-

JPPWNY · Jun 30, 2006

Fordlords said:
Just curious if its this reed valve thing I hear of here or valve stem seals?

-Fordlords-

I can't find my receipt describing the work they performed.
But what I remember is he told me the valves weren't seating properly, but I am not the most mechanically knowledgeable person around. I wish I could tell you exactly.
I would see smoke every time I started the tractor. I wasn't comfortable with it and glad I asked the dealer about it. He told me that it is NOT normal to see smoke.
My tractor never smokes anymore after the fix, even if I start up while the tractor is on ramps or on a steep hill.
Check it out with your dealers.