Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

i have aToro LX 420 riding mower and i have a Courage 18 hp Kohler engine and when i go to start it  i turn it over and it doesn't start the starter just whines i stop then try later then sometimes it startes but most of the time it doesn't start. but if i get it started it runs werid like iit's misfireing or skipping i don't no i really need help. this mower was just bought in this year in june . i need some help on what too do .

Jake wrote:

This 18 Kohler Courage is a single cylinder engine with a float type carb PER KOHLER'S WEBSITE.

TAKE IT BACK TO HD!! LET THEM DEAL WITH IT!

Marty FORMERLY MAJORXLR8N

AKAmajorxlr8n wrote:
I wish it was that easy.

I am not angry at home depot in any way. I know that they do not design/build/test the lawn equipment, but the reason I purchased a brand new tractor is so I wouldn't have to deal with these type of issues. I understand maintanence and random troubles down the road, but after a couple months? As for taking it back... they do not service the tractors, they send them out. It takes at least 3 to 4 weeks to get the tractor back because they send it away. After owning it for 4 to 5 months I don't even see a reason to demand a new one. I think the solenoid is the first issue. I will just purchase a new one and try that first so at least I can get the battery connected. Once I have the battery on (without the tractor going starting itself) I will check plug and carb flap. I always start in choke and after having trouble before I drained gas and put fresh gas it.

Thank you for all the responses and advice as I am not the most "motor" savvy! :P

I've had the same problem it sounds like in two Kohler Command engines 15.5 and 25HP and after compleatly taking the 25HP's carburator apart I traced the problem down to a corrosion problem in the fuel solenoid on the bottom of the float bowl. A more correct discription of it I think is a anti dieseling solenoid that stops fuel from entering the carburator from the float bowl so the engine won't run on after it's turned off. Evidently what happens is the water that accumilates at the bottom of the bowl slowly corrodes the steel actuator and brass solenoid sliding surfaces. If it's used alot you don't experience a problem, it's when it sits for along time the corrosion builds up to much for the the actuator to break through it so it stays in the off position, thereafter the engine can be started but it runs eradically and only when using alot of choke.

For a possible solution checkout;

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Small-Engines-Lawn-1746/KOHLER-carburetor-problems.htm

I had the same exact problem with my toro lx420. I rented a truck and took it to the authorized dealer. He said the battery was low and there is a fuse he showed me (inline fuse) on the firewall.  It is a 20amp fuse. I had the same situation where the starter kept going and I had to scramble to find the tools to undo battery cables.

I bought my lx420 from HD two years ago and it has been running fine until couple days ago.  It cranks and won't start like it is not getting a spark of fuel. I have replaced the spark plug and fuel filter and it still doesn't start.  It also has a new battery.  I removed the air filter and sprayed ether in the carbuerator--it fires up right away but dies when after the ether burns out.  I suspect the carburator but would like any solutions before rebuilding or buying a new carb...
thanks, joe

For any genius out there.

• Kohler Courage 18
• Just started it, moved it from the garage, turned it off.  When back to restart and...
• Will not start or even turn over.  
  
• Starter/ Solenoid clicks (with a small whistle)
  
• Starter will not turn.
• Disconnected cable connects at battery, at selanoid, at starter.  Cleaned with steel wool.  The machine is three yrs old so most connections were not "dirty".
• Reconnected  - same result.  Clicks and a light whistle.
• Cross over the two poles on the switch/solenoid,  small amount of sparks arrupted (as expected) but the starter did not turn over.
• I sat on the seat to depress the safety switch.  I set the brake.  I engaged and released the blade pto.  
  
• Still, only clicks.

• Does anyone know what is happening?  
  
• Is it a starter problem?  A solenoid problem?  Is the dang engine locked up?