John Deere Kohler fuel leak from carburetor bowl solenoid

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks for looking out for me. The needle and seat in the carburetor bowl are working fine. The carburetor float is also good. Doing this repair corrected the problem and the machine has been fuel leak free for two years now. You're right- it's not a fuel metering device, but rather a safety device. It has however failed and leaks fuel.

[@davidg813]

Is a backup and a safety feature I added an on-off valve to the gas line going to the carburetor it only cost $5 on Amazon once I turn the engine off I turn my clothes at the valve and keep the gas from going from the tank to the Bowl as a backup measure

[@pineyLt]

Thank you! You helped me track down a headache! My L130 wasn’t getting gas thru the carb. Trickle gas thru the throat it’d run and die when you stop. New fuel filter, pump and a carb cleaning did nothing. When cleaning that solenoid the spring under its plunger went into orbit 🙄 after a trip to the parts store I installed a replacement. Same problem. Then I saw your video. 🤔 I removed the spring under my plunger in the solenoid (mine has a needle) so it just dropped to the bottom and did nothing. I reinstalled it and now it runs like new! Why do they put these BS parts on these things???

[@briansmobile1]

@bigh4th gas was leaking directly from the solenoid. The needle and seat were fine. As far as destroying a perfectly good solenoid.... it was leaking and had to be replaced. The seal inside the solenoid failed. Thanks for the attempted help. I'm sure your criticism was well intended. = )

[@nels4121]

My 20hp Briggs on Scots/JD quit runnin' and started smoking, but not oil...instead gas dripping all over hot exhaust. Lucky no explosion. The shut-off solenoid on carb was leaking from where ignition wires were attached. Just before Examining because engine refused to turn over, it blew a 15amp fuse(only one on mower) because it was dead short through gas saturated solenoid casing...lucky that fuse blew folks! After watching videos either I will thread a fine thread bolt in the place of the solenoid or break casing and plug stem sleeve with rubber stopper from hardware store. It is necessary to insert shutoff valve in case float valve looses seal.

[@rockandrollbuddha9902]

Hi! Great Video! I just have a question. Why bother cutting that plunger if you're just going to pull it out and throw it away anyway? And then plug the hole with a vacuum cap. I think I would like to put a o-ring around that fitting where it screws into the float bowl and then maybe a little Permatex black sealant, or equivalent, on the bottom after inserting the vacuum cap being that the vacuum cap could shrink, maybe, due to heat or temperature changes, or oil and gas contamination, etc, and fall out sometime down the road. Just a little extra security against leakage. Basically you're replacing your automatic fuel shut off solenoid with a DIY float bowl fastener/plug. I think the purpose of the automatic fuel shut off valve was to try to eliminate backfire and also relieve the operator of having to manually shut off the fuel flow to the carburetor when shutting down the mower. I believe you should always have a manual fuel shut off valve anyway. It's handy to have if you ever want to replace your fuel filter, or remove your carburetor to clean, rebuild or replace it. Install the manual shut-off valve between the tank and the fuel filter. My problem is that my engine is flooding when I turn the key on. I'm going to bypass the automatic fuel shut off solenoid just to eliminate a potential headache. But I believe the float bowl valve is stuck open or not closing all the way for whatever reason. So when the automatic valve opens as the key is turned to start the engine, the fuel just flows past the dysfunctional float valve mechanism and floods the engine. I think it would be a good idea to install a manual fuel shut off valve after eliminating the automatic one. That way after you're done mowing you can shut off the fuel going to the carb, then let the excess fuel burn off till the mower shuts down. I too am a graduate of the self taught no degree University. I admire the way you think...

[@shanel9295]

thank you for the video, I found the Kohler 96-340-7 Screw (amazon about $6) fits fine.

[@iknowaguy]

Amazing, I'm ordering one through Ace Hardware. Thanks for the info!

[@briansmobile1]

@25rsboy You're welcome. I'm glad some one likes my videos!

[@The1025RChannel]

I know this video is old now, but for anyone curious the proper name for that solenoid is anti after fire solenoid. It does nothing but prevent the popping through the exhaust when the engine is shut down at high RPM. It does this by plugging off the main jet and preventing more fuel from entering the cylinder after the key is turned off.

[@cat101pig]

I got a whole carburetor on Amazon for around $20

[@hitsman50]

if you take the model numbers off the motor and look up parts online you will find a screw that goes in to replace this afterrun solenoid, 2 bucks, if your using ethanol fuel, the bowl gaskets also rot out, they should be replaced also, another buck or two

[@garrykrause2375]

BRIAN--MINE IS DOING THE SAME DAM THING-I GOT A KOHLER COMMAND CV16--MOWER RUNS GREAT, IT JUST THE DAM SOLENOID LEAKS GAS, IT'S BACK FIRED ON ME A COUPLE TIMES ALREADY, BUT I DROP ENGINE SPEED DOWN BEFORE SHUTTING IT OFF-IT HELPS TO STOP THE BACK FIRE-0-BUT THIS DAM SOLENOID LEAKS GAS....

[@FullCircleTravis]

Got to love a free fix.

[@waabbott938]

Mine just runs gas straight thru and runs out ? Motor will run for just a minute and then cuts off and gas runs out?

[@brandonhorning1462]

I had a bad connection on my solenoid....i did what you showed here and now tractor wont start smells like flooding but no fire up....please help!!!

[@iknowaguy]

and the cheap plastic fuel line valve I bought leaks bad when its fully open. Didn't realize til I aerated my lawn and dead spots showed up yet again. Just can't win

[@briansmobile1]

Way to go man!

[@Airman..]

bolt+teflon tape done

[@NXT45lego]

Wow i didn't think it was that expensive

[@joelperez-bq6vy]

Badass I just got my tractor running again

[@vsterpu]

Great idea !!! Thanks!

[@lorrainetaylor5726]

Hey briansmobile1, I did this to my fuel solenoid, however there is still fuel leaking around the bowl and my mower won't stay running, like it's not getting enough fuel. Any suggestions?? Thanks.

[@briansmobile1]

If its' leaking out the carburetor it's getting enough fuel and likely then some. The float may likely be punctured and not be floating resulting in over flow and engine flooding.

[@lorrainetaylor5726]

Hey again, the trouble was in the float, got it fixed up today and purring like a kitten. Thanks so much for the reply! :)

[@briansmobile1]

Great work! You're welcome!

[@jsnthurst1]

Does it backfire when you shut it off now?

[@briansmobile1]

+jsnthurst1 Nope. Backfiring can mean it's running lean. If it diesels on after you turn it off you might have a vacuum leak.

[@pineyLt]

Mine does now but I don’t care. It can backfire all it wants. I’ve had my L130 for over 14 years and while it ran ok for the first half it’s been trouble since. Hardly a use comes where something doesn’t break. The only things that haven’t broke are the trans and the core of the engine. I just want mine to make it to the end of this season. Next spring the plan is to replace it with an Exmark zero turn. 😉 John Deere tractors are good for 5 years tops. After that your a mower repair man.

[@Old600Rusty]

Why breakoff the bottom and have to fill the hole you created? JUst snip the plunger, tape off the wire and screw it back in

[@briansmobile1]

+Mick Pendy I had to remove it because it was the source of the leak.

[@Old600Rusty]

+briansmobile1 OK, normally the source of the leak is where the gasket on the solenoid meets the bowl.

[@briansmobile1]

+Mick Pendy Yep. Mine was broken. The gasket was okay.

[@briansmobile1]

@dwesterfield86 Cool cool

[@stevealley3481]

someone else said that without it gas will go in the engine and cause it to blow up when you start it - who's right?

[@pineyLt]

Steve Alley Mine hasn’t blown up. Starts like a new tractor. It will backfire / pop when shut down. So what.

[@stevealley3481]

yeah, mine is running great. Backfire doesn't bother me! lol

[@tabcan]

$6.85 on ebay with free shipping.

[@dwesterfield86]

had the exact same problem with a craftsman riding mower, has the 15.5 kohler command engine. Same exact looking solenoid i just took the tip of it off with bench grinder and put it back on. You could have just cut the tit off like you did and put it back on instead of all that, but whatever works

[@jordoniampen4746]

was just about to kill your commentary as i didnt look up how to retofit a snow blower LOL. but you got right on track with my question went right to the poin t. THANK YOU

[@kerrywhite3456]

I love how you say tinker time is tuition. Genius. Honestly.

[@steveschminke1233]

Great video! This worked perfectly for me! I used a fuel tank repair epoxy and just jammed it in the fitting. Works great!

[@CynicalKnight]

Is that vacuum plug impervious to gasoline though? :) I had the same problem on a Husqvarna LT 140 with a Kohler 14hp. What a bizarre design decision to thread a 12v solenoid (potential spark hazard) right into the bottom of the float bowl where gas will eventually, inevitably, leak out. I replaced mine with a 3/8" (25 N.F thread) bolt and nut, washer and lock washer, and a bit of gasoline resistant gasket seal to make sure it never leaks again.

[@k2000b]

instead of braking the solenoid apart .. use a small screw or find one off of a pre-Solenoid mower carb that has the same size bowl and carb minus the solenoid :).. did that with my brigs and strat 14.5HP ovh engine

[@Transistor78]

You don't need to cut the pintle off with side cutters, just pull the rubber cap of the top and reinstall the solenoid

[@gohunting13]

Excellent video Thanks as I have the exact same problem. Great engine, but the fuel leak was getting dangerous. Safety first.

[@commando7144]

I did the same thing but put a gas fuel shut off valve and put a seperate choke cable instead of starting an engine at full throttle.

[@spiffydude16]

I usually just put a bolt off an old one in it.

[@stevealley3481]

Now I'm sitting here afraid to start the engine!

[@iknowaguy]

Thanks! I have the same problem with my 17hp Kohler. It leaked gas so I added a fuel line shut off valve. I used it on my lawn for the first time and it made dead spots. Great to have confirmation that dripping fuel made those big dead spots. They are like 5" diameter, so I wasn't sure if dripping fuel would make spots so big.

[@briansmobile1]

You're welcome!

[@kevinlattrell5683]

Yeah.. it's junk, I have the same tractor probably same year by the looks of it and the same problem. The solenoid was leaking gas and with gas prices the way they are right now unsurprisingly I lost a whole full tank of gas...I was pissed! Lol and so I did the same thing with the fuel solenoid that you have shown on this video and definitely it's going to last a lot longer and be more reliable and also I priced the solenoid just for shits and giggles... And John Deere in Pooler Georgia wanted 95 bucks as of 7/1/21... I was like: yeah sure...you can keep it! 😆

[@dwightlowery8924]

Mine was leaking through the solenoid and out the bottom. I bought a 3/16 x 24 stainless steel bolt (the same thread size as the solenoid), sawed the the bolt off to the same length as that on the solenoid, put the little gasket on it and screwed it in tight. Looks and works like factory.

[@RiffMusic1970]

My Briggs and Stratton solenoid valve is 15 years old now and still works perfectly. 👍🏼

[@robertduncan2742]

I have a lt160 16hp Kohler and removed mine it runs for about half a yard mowing the I have to go to full choke but still doesn't run until cooler. Removed the bowl and cleaned prior and all parts from electrics to electric fuel pump with regulator at 1lb. I'm considering getting the China knock off carburetor then see but I dont like not having the air flow adjustment screw

[@CynicalKnight]

Absolutely agree... but, car engineering has a lot more riding on it (pun intended) so the safety checks are much more strict. In my case, the solenoid housing was loose, warped and burned inside, so fumes and a bad solder connection caused a tiny explosion. The tractor has been running fine since I removed mine.

[@irinapivtchev7036]

hi my 240 mower is getting gas thru the line but wont start up, i watched your vid and am thinking its the same issue i have had that solenoid on since 96 i believe when we got the mower any suggestions, unfortunate for my i would ask my brother but he is passed away so any insight would be helpful thanks

[@briansmobile1]

Welcome Dan!

[@motormouth1970]

I have the same problem on a Husqavarna. It's a ridiculous safety hazard. Leaking around the gasket, fuel soaking in to the storage shed's concrete floor and insane fumes. 1/2 a tank of fuel leaked...

[@lukemartin7029]

You're awesome man. Very cool fix. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject too. Having the same problem with my rider too.

[@captnhowdy01able]

it's a common problem but it's not the solenoid it's self it's the rubber plug not seating correctly into the main jet.

[@brandonhorning1462]

the solenoid got hot possibly grounded out prior to bypass....now i have no spark at plug....

[@TheWolverine-rm2kr]

A new carburetor on ebay all put together is $16 and it will take a week to get to your house

[@windpowergood]

When the solenoid stays open in shut off position, can I just clamp the gas feed line with little vise grips when shut off.

[@LadyWritr2]

Much better to install a shut off on the gas line, like Honda Lawn Mowers tend to have.

[@mchaywood83]

Would this also lead to gas in the oil pan? We have one that has the plug screw on the carb and I think it just needs new carb gaskets, but it did what you said with the white smoke only it has gas in the oil pan also.

[@sonnymason3620]

Matt Haywood carb keeps flooding don't know why

[@sallyjodierker4407]

Awesome...fighting mine right now...first one I have seen...

[@roberthodge2771]

Thread a bit of Brass Rod to fit that hole; less trouble.

[@lennox1033]

Why did I lose all power/spark when I did this?

[@curtiskrauss6057]

Good video bud thanks a lot for the info

[@chuk2795]

So this helps the gas leak? Ima do it

[@TheCreedBratton]

thanks for posting. i always enjoy your vids

[@davidg813]

My Scott (JD) S1642 with a 16hp Kohler has dripped puddles in the garage.. NOT GOOD. White smoke on start up and now I found out my oil has gasoline in it!!! REALLY NOT GOOD! So,,, I'm going to check the carb for a stuck float but this idea will sure be in the back of my mind! RECALL? YES you bet, this issue could cause a huge fire with a hot muffler right below and fumes in a garage is not a good thing and could burn down my house!!! WHY NO RECALL on this? This is no joke!

[@donschlonski2936]

Did you fix this? How if you did?

[@davidg813]

@@donschlonski2936 it was the electronic Needle on the whole to the carburetor that failed and was not closing when the ignition is turned off it's a part that screws into the bottom of the bowl on the carburetor and it wasn't Foyle it was gasoline that was coming out

[@davidg813]

@@donschlonski2936 actually I ended up buying a new carburetor online not that expensive

[@2001eskimo]

The reason it was leaking is because the o-ring is missing from it, the o-ring is supposed to go right under the threaded part.

[@digitalfuk]

Not a safety device. It's an anti dieseling device. Positively stops fuel flow to motor after key off.

[@2001eskimo]

no, its actually there to prevent backfiring when turning off the engine.