Troy Bilt Kohler Horse quits after 10-15 minutes operation

[dandywit]

I hope some one can help me. My Troy Bilt Kohler Horse quits after 10-15 minutes operation. I have had it in the shop but they can't track down the problem. They changed points and seem to have addressed all other possible causes but come up blank.

Any body else got this problem, or can suggest solutions.

Thanks, Dan

 

[Gator6x4]

Did it backfire prior to quitting. If so the flywheel key may has been damaged.

If external points, did they check to confirm the push rod is actually opening and closing the points?

Did the shop do a compression test to confirm a valve is not hung open?

Was the spark plug changed? Take the spark plug out and stick your thumb in the hole. Spin the engine, it should blow your thumb away.

Was a spark at the plug gap confirmed?

If yes, was gasoline squirted into the cylinder thru the throat of the carb? Then the pull or crank rope pulled to see if the engine will fire?

 

[JimRB]

I have had heat related magneto issues on small engines that a fresh magneto fixed. Also I have had condenser cause issues that a fresh condenser fixed.

 

[Cherokee140]

With the limited info I would guess a heat related electrical problem, but we need more info.

Will it restart...if you give it a shot of starting fluid after it dies, what does it do.

 

[Kernopelli]

I go with heat or a fuel issue. I just changed a fuel filter on a CH18 that was letting just enough through to run at full RPM for awhile, then the engine would slowly die ( start fuel starving) after a while...usually about 5 mins. Could also be a clogged gas cap vent.

 

[bobmisi]

I had that problem before and it was caused by the vent on the gas cap was plugged. No one could figure it out at the various shops, but I finally found it. If it's getting gas when it dies, then it has to be electrical. Either a bad coil or magneto or condenser. Good luck.

 

[dandywit]

Thanks, Gator6x4
I took your suggestions to the shop today. He said he'd go through the list and double check the items.
I also got the model number - K161T; Spec # - 281271J: AND SERIAL NUMBER - 9112783.
I'll mention the clogged fuel cap, magneto and condenser issues, and thoughts about heat related electrical, fuel issues.
Thanks to all, hope we get the solution.
Dan DeWitt

 

[dandywit]

Tuesday -- talking to the mechanic today, he tells me that it does not backfire before quitting. Tiller was running steadily, if weakly, when I took it in for service. After some work on the belts, drive mechanisms, motor began its current quitting behavior. It's still at the shop. But I print out your thoughts and take them to him daily. Maybe some day....
Dan

 

[samhudson3]

Wonder if you're getting a vapor lock where the fuel line wraps around the block? I have an old horse and had the same problem, just stuck a piece of cardboard between the fuel line and block. Couldn't hurt for you to try. Good luck, life can be so dang annoying sometimes.

 

[arrow]

More than likely a new carburetor would straighten this out. Could be the diaphragm in the carb getting soft with the wonderful stuff called ethanol we are subject to use in our fuel supply.