Kohler Elite 7000 Riding Mower Engine Won't Start, Dies After Starting - No Power

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How to diagnose and repair a carburetor issue on this Craftsman T8200 Pro series riding mower.
Customer brought in saying motor has not ran in a while. We show full diagnosis and repair.
We end up cleaning the carburetor and flushing the fuel tank/lines after doing a full detailed inspection.
If your Kohler engine looses power under a load check this out!
This unit has the Kohler Elite 700 series engine KT735-3068
If you need a new air filter order part number 32 083 09-S ( amzn.to/3RxU55h )
If you carburetor is beyond repair order part number 16 853 19-S ( amzn.to/486yck1 )
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#kohler #craftsman #smallenginerepair #individualizedrepair #smallbusiness #diymaintenance
About Us:
My name is Martin. I have been repairing tools and small engines for almost 20 years. We operate a small engine repair shop in Illinois. We service / repair Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki, John Deere, Cub Cadet, Toro Tecumseh, Loncin, Honda, Craftsman, Husqvarna, MTD, Troy Bilt, Simplicity, John Deere, Exmark, LCT, Generac and many more brands. We work on riding mowers, walk behind mowers, snow blowers, zero turns, generators, pressure washers and much more. We normally repair about 3,000 pieces of equipment every year and look at many more that are beyond an affordable repair. Hopefully our videos will save you some money and give you the information you need to work on your own equipment or figure out the issue at hand.
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Please be careful when repairing any piece of equipment and follow all possible safety measures. This video is for entertainment purposes only.

[@californiaballer]

Great video on how to service a carburetor on Kohler 7000 series. I especially appreciated that your cameraman didn’t miss any details and your explanation was very clear and thorough. I wish all repair videos were like yours. Often it’s either out of frame or out of focus.

[@IndRepair]

I appreciate that!

[@dougw7648]

Thanks this is the best video on the Kohler 7000 Walbro Carb I've seen.

[@IndRepair]

Appreciate that! Thanks for watching!

[@hollygolightly8048]

Terrific video that includes all the steps succinctly and without stupid music or extraneous commentary. Loved it. Thanks.

[@IndRepair]

I appreciate you watching!

[@tkfudge6350]

What a great video for us non-engine tech guys!!! Too simple as long as someone shows you how. Very grateful for your video!!!

[@IndRepair]

Thanks for watching!!

[@traviscayse5992]

Thank you so much for this video. Been fighting over warranty claims and was told I needed a whole new carburetor. Followed your work and my mower is running like new. Saved me a lot of time and money.

[@IndRepair]

Awesome! So glad to help! Thanks for watching!!

[@SP-inFL]

My husband travels for work and I'm frequently left to deal with home repairs and other mishaps around the house. My mower with a Kohler 7000 was acting funny and I was told to "clean out the carb" (like I knew how to, lol), but your video helped me out and my mower seems to be running better now, thanks!

[@IndRepair]

Awesome news! Glad to help but apparently you did a great job!

[@williamlightner3253]

Great video. Especially the linkages part. Much appreciated!

[@IndRepair]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching!

[@DwightRoberts-rr5dd]

Thanks for the video. I followed your instructions with my Husqvarna with the Kohler. It only had 26 hrs of time and the carburetor was fouled up. Your video and my phone camera helped me to get the carb cleaned and back up and running. Thank you!. Great video and again, you did not miss any details, your explanation was very clear and thorough, as previously stated.

[@IndRepair]

Awesome job! Thanks for watching!

[@rickdff62]

Wow, I never knew Kohler made the 7000 series without the "Smart Choke". Wish mine didn't have it. Great job.

[@IndRepair]

Thanks for watching! I don't think they made a bunch of them but see them occasionally

[@geneholte6763]

Great video from a very knowledgeable person. Thorough explanation. I like that

[@IndRepair]

Thanks for watching and for your words of encouragement!

[@tgmidnightrider2831]

Great video thank you for putting it out here for us as I live in rural North Dakota 😎👍👍

[@IndRepair]

Thanks for watching!

[@countryacademy9053]

fellow nd here lol shops here suck

[@stevenking9357]

Thank you for this, really came in handy when working on the Kohler 7000 in my Cub Cadet.

[@IndRepair]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching!!

[@outlet6989]

I've watched many mower repair videos. The way you show how to diagnose a problem was very informative. When I have a no-start situation, I check the safety switches after I check the obvious reasons, like fuel, battery, etc. My CRAFTSMAN 5000 GTS has three safety switches, brake, seat, and gear position. If any have failed, you have probably found why your mower doesn't start.

[@IndRepair]

Good info for sure! Thanks for watching!

[@klong2023]

Thanks for the video, man. Turned out there was a tiny piece of rubber in the carb. Running like champ now.

[@IndRepair]

Great job! Glad to help! Thanks for watching!

[@philliphall5198]

Check fuel cap for damage and replace fuel lines if it happens again

[@user-ld6lo4wm2o]

Excellent tutorial. You are a talented educator.

[@IndRepair]

Thanks for watching and for your kind words!

[@ronbaker8774]

I don't know if there is another video that Is so complete on carburetor diagnosis, disassembly and reassembly. If there is I'd like to see it. My Kohler KT735-3076 blew out a head gasket (combination of mouse infestation and me not getting it 'completely' cleaned out) and reportedly a Kohler engine head gasket weakness. Prior to my replacing head gaskets, I would have to run the choke partially closed in order to maintain engine speed. After completing replacement of both head gaskets, new oil, new filter, new gas, new fuel filter, I was surprised that after warming up the renewed engine for about thirty minutes, I started having to close the choke again to maintain speed. Now then, there was no question about one of the head gaskets being blown and the engine sounds great now until it warms up. This condition lead me to you and 'carburetor maintenance'. I wanted to get the necessary replacement gaskets on hand before I started the tear down because I've got limited time and the grass keeps growing. And if I have one criticism of your video, it is a lack of a 'link' to find individual gaskets. There are a number sites that offer kits, new carbs, and some gaskets but I would rather put my trust in who you recommend for individualized parts. Again, your video here is outstanding on 'the how to'. So many thanks for putting it out here.

[@IndRepair]

Appreciate your watching and kind words! Will get better about some part numbers

[@ronbaker8774]

@@IndRepair Just wanted to follow up to say that cleaning the carburetor was a necessary part of my engine's 'rehab' to like new performance. Yes there was some dirt in the emulsion tube and some gummy coating that needed removing. After putting back together and running mower over moderate working conditions, I again after thirty minutes, needed to run the choke a little closed to keep engine up to speed. I recalled a number of my car mechanic friends touting a fuel system cleaner called HAPCO, and gave that a try. It solved the remainder of the engine performance issue and it now purrs like a kitten. You'll recall from comment above that I replaced the head gaskets prior to cleaning the carb. I had neglected to give the valves a thorough inspection and believe that some carbon deposits were the problem. The fuel system cleaner worked thankfully and engine runs like new now. The close up view and detailed description of your video were invaluable to me. I was critical of your not including part numbers so I will do so here because it can be tedious sorting though various vendors trying to sell 'new carburetors' instead of repair parts. For cleaning, you must have the gasket replacement kit; Kohler 25 757 28-S called the 'Kit Bowl O-Ring (Walbro). Much cheaper than a new carb. To look up parts on partnersportal.kohlerpower.it/customer/servicepartscatalogue, you need your serial number, specification and model numbers. Then navigate to fuel system schematic.

[@HF20CANON]

Excellent Video. My Fuel Solenoid was my issue. Thanks.

[@IndRepair]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@jamesmatheson8939]

Great video. Great detailed information and you know your stuff !!!

[@IndRepair]

Thanks for watching!!

[@richardstone5241]

You need to add a Fuel Shut-Off valve. I have seen the Fuel Solenoids stick open and flow fuel non stop into the engine case. Great teaching video!

[@IndRepair]

They do definitely help in some cases, the needle/seat fails and allows fuel to keep flowing past the carburetor when they get debris, gum or varnish in them. Thanks for watching!

[@philliphall5198]

The 3 I have at shop had no manual cut off valve and burned the complete top off

[@mattchaffin1133]

I think you answered my question. I have the kt735 24hp. Finally got electric gremlin out, now my carb is flooded with fuel after sitting. Will check the solenoid first. Was thinking fuel pump or bad float.

[@mack7882]

Nice job on your video, very helpful with the manual.

[@IndRepair]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching!

[@breannaoliver6316]

Indiviluazed repair . Me gustan SUS videos por que los explica muy Bien. Gracias salud2!!

[@IndRepair]

Appreciate that! Thanks for watching!

[@breannaoliver6316]

@@IndRepair you are more than very welcome!!

[@brichardson7884]

I have this exact engine kt725, and I'm struggling getting it to stay on longer than 5min, despite replacing so many things. I see now I forgot to clean the emulsion tube, so I'll try that next, and the connection for the anti backup is intermittent too, so that's probably the culprit. Also, I couldn't figure out why it was so hard to get the carb off, didn't realize throttle linkage is meant to come off first. Oops, great tip! I never thought a single machine would teach me so much about small engine repair

[@IndRepair]

Definitely an important place to clean. Thanks for watching!

[@brichardson7884]

It turned out to be the faulty wiring for the anti backfire solenoid. I temporarily bypassed it by cutting off the plunger, works great. I will fix it all up eventually, but at least I'm mowing now

[@ClementFamilyFarms]

Thank you. This was exactly what I needed to see.

[@IndRepair]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching!

[@tgmidnightrider2831]

Excellent video thank you!!!

[@IndRepair]

Glad to help!!

[@josephsullivan9090]

I had to come check the video because I couldn’t remember how to get the linkage off. But just to help what I do for the nut between the solenoid and the bowl is use one of the thin wrenches that comes with an assembly item like a grill or something like that. I think mine was initially a 10mm wrench and I opened it up just a bit with a grinder. But they are not much thicker than two paperclips. It works great to get in there without scuffing

[@IndRepair]

That is a great idea! I am sure I have some of those laying around here somewhere. Thanks for the good tip!!

[@user-up2kh9up7k]

Outstanding video for real. Where does the short ground wire hook up please. Thank you.

[@IndRepair]

To the left side on the head of the mower. It is the black wire shown in the video when taking the carburetor off, almost hidden behind the crankcase vent tube

[@kevincruz7259]

Excellent video thank you

[@IndRepair]

Thanks for watching!

[@CHarris73]

I followed your instructions to the last letter, and it started up and ran smooth at low throttle, but as soon as I gave it full throttle it started sputtering, coughing, popping , but as soon as I low throttle it runs smooth.

[@IndRepair]

Does it smooth out when you partially choke it?

[@ericpadilla334]

Thank YOU!!!

[@IndRepair]

Thanks for watching!

[@watercop5115]

All in all Very good. Did pic up a idea Thanks

[@IndRepair]

Thanks for watching!

[@Crypt0Crossf1re]

Thanks this helps!

[@IndRepair]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching!

[@tgmidnightrider2831]

Thanks!

[@IndRepair]

Appreciate that!

[@scottnelson7389]

When you put that last gasket on before putting the cover on, it looked like it should have been flipped horizontally so the holes line up. Was that my imagination or did it go on backwards? Love the video and is extremely helpful. I just wanted to be sure about that last gasket before putting everything back on. Thanks a lot. Keep the videos coming.

[@IndRepair]

We are just wanting to make sure the face is sealed from particles getting in, the notches would not line up either way in this case. When removing the cover you can see the original covers them like this also. Thanks for watching!

[@toddcass1062]

Great tutorial. Worth 10,000 printed words. My 7000 series would only briefly run with a few drops of gas put in the intake. The Walbro was clogged with whitish-yellow crust. Just Say No to E10.

[@IndRepair]

Definitely! Thanks for watching!

[@philliphall5198]

Very easy to kit these carbs

[@IndRepair]

One of the easier carbs for sure

[@aflores2693]

Thanks

[@IndRepair]

Glad to help. Thanks for watching!

[@danielpadgett2831]

I was just wondering did you close the choke before you blew around where the air filter goes? And that mower looks like it has hardly been used. Great video 👍

[@IndRepair]

It was closed here yes. Long as you are careful and keep pressure in the right spot it won't move anything into the carburetor or beyond...

[@danielpadgett2831]

@@IndRepair I got you just went back to the beginning of the video where you said the hours on it sorry about saying it didn't look like it had much use lol

[@IndRepair]

Yeah for sure! Looks can be deceiving! Thanks for watching!! Appreciate it!

[@bayouitalian]

I have a kohler kt745 engine. The carb on it is the pre waldro one. Later serial numbera used the waldro one. Can the waldro carb that fits later serial number fit mine?

[@IndRepair]

Normally this is going to be possible but spec and serial numbers can verify this

[@kugellehr]

this is a great video man and will help me a lot. I'm having an issue where when i try to turn it over, it sounds like its trying hard to do so then suddenly dies, and air of some sort escapes out the right side near the spark plug. its like a hissing decompression sound that lasts a second or so. i replaced the spark plugs that were very black. Air filter is clean. Gas was in there all winter, but i ran it for 5 minutes 2 weeks ago and it seemed fine. Oil needs to be replaced badly as thats something ive neglected. I'm thinking and trying all the stuff you're doing here. but i fear its a head gasket. do you have any ideas?

[@IndRepair]

Thank you! Sure sounds like a head gasket...

[@kugellehr]

@Individualized Repair thanks man. Again well done videos, best videos ive found on working on this damn thing

[@IndRepair]

@@kugellehr Thanks for watching! Appreciate that!

[@michaeldurbin3464]

Dude, I have a Kohler 24 hp 7000 on a Craftsman. It's surging and stalling. I've replaced plugs, filters, fuel pump and carb and it's still doing the same thing. Any suggestions?

[@IndRepair]

Was the fuel replaced with fresh fuel when the carb was done? I would check it first along with checking gaskets between carb and block for an air leak

[@marcokahny709]

To everyone who has this 24 hp engine there is a secret idle mixture screw on the walbro carb it's under a cap on top of the carburetor closest to the engine it sticks up high I tried to drill the cap but it's made of hardened steel so I used a pair of sharp side cutters and scored around the aluminum tower about 1/4 inch down and when it broke off there was the little slotted mixture screw 🪛 my craftsman 8200 runs perfect and I'm hard to please 🤔

[@IndRepair]

Thanks for sharing and for watching!

[@marcokahny709]

@@IndRepair They have it leaned out so much from the factory it causes a lean misfire at idle After I broke the cap off I drilled a small hole thru the air filter housing right over top of the adjusting screw so now you just take the filter cover off to make an adjustment

[@IndRepair]

@@marcokahny709 Yeah, every single one runs just like this!

[@marcokahny709]

@@IndRepair It only took me 4 years to figure it out now maybe the valves won't burn out 🤔

[@IndRepair]

I hope they don't!

[@Detoxtothebone]

Nice vid

[@IndRepair]

Thanks for watching!

[@DavidAshbrook-p3h]

I have the same mower, it ran fine last fall, and has sat over the winter. Just went to fire it up, removed air cleaner and shot some starting fluid in. When it fired off it threw oil up out of the air intake WHY?

[@IndRepair]

Check the oil level and see if it smells like fuel. It likely has fuel mixed with the oil because of a failed carburetor

[@rc4728]

Outstanding video! I’m one of the lucky ones with a KT735 w/Smart Choke. After replacing the carb (surging) with an OEM, the mower is running rich (dark smoke). After it comes up to temp, it will idle fine (after a few minutes of me holding the choke open manually) . At higher rpms, it will bog and begin to belch dark smoke. With the cover off, the wind vane doesn’t seem to be moving to its full range when the mower is at high rpms. My guesses are either the: oil pressure sensor (Kohler now offers a bypass kit), wind vane, or thermostat. Your thoughts? Will NEVER purchase a mower with an auto choke again!

[@IndRepair]

It could be any of the above three. I would see if you are getting voltage to the choke when the engine is running. If not, the oil sensor is bad

[@andybecker2693]

Looks like the air filter has never been cleaned . It’s more than likely ingested a ton of dirt. Time to call the lawnmower detectives and report blatant lawn mower abuse.

[@IndRepair]

Yes sir!!

[@louisiananimal7871]

Mine is flowing gas straight through and out the exhaust with it just sitting there turned off. Any idea what it could be?

[@IndRepair]

Your carburetor needle valve or float is bad or has debris/gum/varnish in it. You can try to drop the carburetor bowl and flush it or just pull the carburetor off and clean it fully.

[@craigadams8751]

I have the 23hp version. Purchased this year from TS. Have the same issue as this one but only after 4 months is it possible the carb is dirty? Also I get a low battery message on the hours gauge immediately when I let go of the key. I've tested the battery and only get 12v. Have saw videos of others testing their battery and fetting 12.4 or 12.6. I have tried a jumper pack, doesn't help and i still get the low battery while the booster is connected and on. I have not tried jumping it with my car yet. I'm going to try that today and I'm going to change the fuel pump before i call TS to come and take it for repairs

[@craigadams8751]

I tried a new solenoid, changed the air filter, new spark plugs, all the safety switches are good, sprayed starter fluid and still nothing. I wasn't home when it happened but my tenant decided to mow. He told me he had hit something but the mower didn't turn off or anything. I mention that because before watching your video I saw another CC same issue and it was the key in the flywheel damaged. I think my tenant may be telling a fib lol

[@IndRepair]

What is it currently doing? Turns over just won't start?

[@keymanpacker9721]

At the 3:28 time of the video, you pull off the hose going to the carburetor from the fuel pump. I have fuel going into the other side from the gas tank, but not coming out of the carburetor side. Does that indicate a bad fuel pump?

[@IndRepair]

That or no pulse for the pump

[@IndRepair]

So bent push rod stuck valve, etc.

[@sirzombiegaming]

Mine is saying low oil pressure after i mowed for half an hour. Got it started, but parked it. Oil level is fine, but can't figure it out

[@IndRepair]

Hmm, on hour meter?

[@hunter-bh5qc]

i need help finding blower/flywheel housing bolts for a cubcadet XL1 Lt 52 inch in need the bolts that hold it on

[@IndRepair]

Need engine info off the side and I can definitely find them for you

[@hunter-bh5qc]

@@IndRepair i need the bolts that hold the case on i got 1 of if i remember 8. might be less i dont remember. ill get u the info tm

[@elainagornto8267]

Any reason why I have gas leaking out the top of my carb I just replaced it and little bit of Gas leaking out the top of it

[@IndRepair]

No, sure should not! Is it aftermarket or OEM?

[@uniquestylz139]

Could a stuck float allow gas to fill the oil tube on this engine

[@IndRepair]

Definitely

[@PappyNet01]

What? Did I hear you correctly that you have a 2016 year model? We have a 2017 Cub Cadet XT1 LT46 Kohler Elite 7000 KT275 22HP and I always forget to check the hour clock. I am currently dealing with the starter (#32-098-08) problem - the pinion gear sheared off the shaft. I need to purchase a replacement starter, but I am struggling with OEM or aftermarket: I cannot believe that some are advertising prices as low as $45.00 on internet market platforms and then up to $310.00 from local big box stores!

[@IndRepair]

Definitely! In my experience go with a medium priced aftermarket from a brand that has been around. The DB electric starters I see bought seem to do pretty well

[@chucks4748]

So are you saying that if it starts up with the carb cleaner or starting fluid sprayed in the carb and then quits once it's burned off then it's definitely a carb issue and nothing else ?

[@IndRepair]

It could be a fuel blockage, bad fuel, bad fuel pump or bad solenoid but if these are checked first then it is a carburetor issue no doubt

[@thomascarron3983]

Outer gasket was put on backwards.

[@IndRepair]

Different gasket than original so notches did not match perfectly but it was put on correctly. Good catch!!

[@geneholte6763]

I don't think so. Doesn't matter what side the writing is on

[@timothygrant2831]

What could cause a bind on the one you highlighted if something is binding it , check something?

[@IndRepair]

Not sure exactly what you are speaking of

[@timothygrant2831]

@@IndRepair I figured it out but you made a statement about if something was in a bind that the viewer would need to check something. That part of the video is what I was referencing.

[@IndRepair]

@@timothygrant2831 I gotcha, didn't understand at first. Check the throttle linkage and butterfly of the carburetor to see what is hitting if the throttle does not snap back like it should when it is set to high speed. If binding something will be holding it up, either the butterfly of the throttle or linkage is causing an issue somewhere. Thanks for watching!

[@jamesmorrison8410]

hey great video my same lawnmower keep floodling bad any advice?

[@IndRepair]

I would go after the fuel system make sure carburetor is cleaned well and needle is in good shape first

[@jamesmorrison8410]

​@@IndRepairi changed the carburetor few weeks ago

[@IndRepair]

Oem or aftermarket?

[@jamesmorrison8410]

​@@IndRepairits aftermarket

[@IndRepair]

@@jamesmorrison8410 I would pull it an put an oem in. Carburetor is still the issue after the replacement

[@hunter-bh5qc]

also not starting while chocked is bc the carb ant fully closing just readjust the throttle cable

[@IndRepair]

Nice!

[@roholl517]

On mine it looks like fuel is spraying out of the carb when I try to start and it never actually starts up. Has fuel and spark

[@IndRepair]

Have you checked the crankcase for the presence of fuel and what the oil level is? Most likely have a sticky needle/seat in the carburetor causing this, timing is off or a stuck valve blowing back toward you

[@countryacademy9053]

have an mz48 with 7000. fired up ran 20' enaged blades died knew it needed a new battery replaced the battery, fresh fuel. mower had 7hrs on it but is out of warranty. cleaned the carb still acts like its flooding....about to lose my shiy

[@IndRepair]

I'd you are thinking it may be flooding use vice grips to shut off fuel supply while running and see if it starts to run good right before it dies. If it does you know it is allowing too much fuel. Have you checked both cylinders independently?

[@hsvkidusa]

I have a 23hp Kohler without the smart choke. Starts up first time of the day no problem, but let it run 30 seconds and turn it off, won't start without ether. Exhaust reeks like it's rich, but plugs and searing exhaust tell me it's lean. Pops under acceleration also.

[@IndRepair]

Blown head gasket perhaps?

[@IndRepair]

Carburetor issues?

[@IndRepair]

Running on both cylinders?

[@hsvkidusa]

It's a 2022 with 35 hours. Spark, 175/180 psi carb is cleaned, but cleaned three times, and good battery. I put a pinch of ether and it'll fire and run no problem every time. Shouldn't have to want a 1-year-old machine I'm afraid to remount the main jet just a little bit. That's usually my go-to on an older machine, but not something that's barely in one season. I also don't want to touch it because it might be under warranty

[@IndRepair]

Sounds like carburetor issue or bad fuel possibly...choke is working right?

[@joncorklin]

Great video!

[@IndRepair]

Thanks for watching!!

[@elmerfudd5925]

Mine is same model 20hp. Made in 2017

[@IndRepair]

Awesome, same issue?

[@jwtucker231]

Mine will run fine once the starting fluid is sprayed. Will not restart without respraying. Have not cleaned carb yet.

[@IndRepair]

I would check out the choke and make sure it is properly closing all the way first but bad fuel will cause this and still seem to run ok occasionally

[@jwtucker231]

@@IndRepair Will do! Thanks

[@philliphall5198]

Get the new kohler valve covers with oring style No more oil leaks from valve covers

[@IndRepair]

Definitely!

[@dannygardner3509]

What's going on if engine dies after cutting for 30 mins an the air filter compartment full of fuel?

[@IndRepair]

I would check the oil level first and make sure fuel is not getting into the crankcase before you do anything else. If it is good (no fuel smell) but filter gets wet with fuel while running you have an issue with the needle/seat not seating in the carburetor

[@user-up2kh9up7k]

I bought a 260 Gravely in 2000 with this engine. Always had more power than it needed, even in tall grass. The coils and carb is giving problems after only 23 years. Buy another brand if you want to go for 50 years of trouble free service. I had a short ground wire left over. Can not locate where it attaches, thank you.

[@IndRepair]

Definitely!

[@philliphall5198]

Not sure why they are catching a fire but I’ve been given several all ready, any ideal why ??? Owners said it just happened

[@IndRepair]

I haven't heard anything about this but I will let you know if I do! Not a good problem to have!!

[@philliphall5198]

I guess it’s a West Texas problem because of dust or dirt, but 3 in one summer is strange, none of them had manual cut off valve so they just kept burning the complete top of with est 200 hours of use

[@Mr40warhawk]

If done exactly what u did and I can't get engine to stop surging...any ideas

[@IndRepair]

Fresh fuel correct? Were intake gaskets replaced? Carb clean?

[@Mr40warhawk]

@@IndRepair all of the above, new fuel filter, new fuel lines, flushed fuel tank, disassembled carb and cleaned in ultrasound, blew out all jets and passages, drilled out pilot jet, sprayed carb cleaner around manifold to check for air leaks, made sure all bolts were secure, tried a different pulse fuel pump,still surges, especially at low idle, full throttle runs fairly well, but smoother when choked..she running lean and I can't figure out why?

[@IndRepair]

@@Mr40warhawk definitely sounds like a carburetor or fuel/air related issue but you already know that of course. I would pull the carburetor back off and give it another go, since it runs well with a little choke too much air or not enough (or poor quality) fuel are the likely causes

[@MrFlatlandcycle]

That's exactly like my Cub Cadet XT1 LT50. It's the same mower rebranded. Craftsman? Hmm

[@IndRepair]

MTD makes them both with lots of different colors/branding

[@lawerncemiller6557]

You didn't address the idle-lowspeed circuit of the carburetor there are 4 very small holes in the throat of the carb just inside of the throttle plate that get plugged up from sitting over the winter very hard to see these holes but you can clean them with spray carb cleaner by holding the throttle plate open and spraying cleaner into them there are 4 very small holes in the low speed circuit in the throat of this carburetor they must all be clean for the engine to idle and accelerate properly you can see if you have them clean by blowing carb cleaner into the air jet located above the choke plate while holding open the throttle plate watching for cleaner to come squirting out of the 4 small holes in throat of the carburetor

[@IndRepair]

Clean all passages is best practice yes

[@waynecurtis8152]

I was wondering why they would put a fuel pump on a gravity feed engine

[@IndRepair]

That is a good question! Maybe the bottom of the tank sits low enough where it would not fully drain to the carburetor if it wasn't equipped with a fuel pump?

[@HeathJ.Ledger]

I have a 2016 Cub Cadet RZT L 54inch with a 7000 Kohler engine 24HP. The dang thing is a beast. Use it for cutting down about 20 acres every season! I do the routine maintenance myself. I keep up with e v e r y t h i n g and on time! But recently, although it runs normally on any range of speed when the blades aren’t engaged, it starts bogging down ONLY when I engage the blades. I decided to just replace the carburetor with new oem instead of cleaning it, just for the sake it. But it still does the same bogging when blades are engaged. I was messing around with it and noticed that while the blades are engaged, if I put it on choke for a few seconds and return it back to the fast/run position, it runs normally with the blades running. But it only lasts for a few minutes and it goes back to the same old bogging. I did notice there wasn’t enough fuel in the fuel filter as I’m used to seeing even after installing a new oe fuel filter. Idk what else to do. Im thinking about buying a new gas tank and gas lines to see if maybe that’s the problem. Just for reference, after the problem started I changed a few things. I changed the oil and oil filter, carburetor, air filter, spark plugs, cleaned out the gas tank and gas cap, blew out the gas lines, replaced the gas pump, transmission belt and deck belt, and replaced the clutch just because I needed a new one. Any suggestions on why the bogging when blades are engaged?

[@IndRepair]

Have you checked to make sure it is running on both cylinders? The fuel you are using now is fresh after flushing everything out?

[@HeathJ.Ledger]

@@IndRepair that I haven’t checked yet. I’ll check today. But yes, the fuel was fresh before and it is fresh now. Although when I cleaned out the fuel tank and inspected the old fuel filter, there was debris inside both places. If it comes to be a cylinder, what then?

[@IndRepair]

@@HeathJ.Ledger We figure out if it is loosing spark or compression on that side and work our way from there. We know it has good fuel supply

[@HeathJ.Ledger]

@@IndRepair I testing the spark and we have good spark on both sides. I don’t know how to test for compression though. Any help would be highly appreciated or if we don’t need to test for that hence the good spark then let me know.

[@jamespeppard9162]

Are there adjustments for air & fuel? Mine keeps flooding and won’t start.

[@IndRepair]

These are fixed jets, you are probably having an issue with one cylinder not firing or a stuck float. Will it stay started if you use starting fluid or carburetor cleaner? How is the oil level? No fuel smell to it?

[@jamespeppard9162]

@@IndRepair I cleaned the carb. New fuel. Have not checked the spark but will and yes it will start & stay running with carb cleaner. Only 9 hrs on it.

[@jamespeppard9162]

Correction Will start with a shot of carb cleaner and then run on its own.

[@IndRepair]

@@jamespeppard9162 I would double check the choke for sure

[@jamespeppard9162]

Set the choke. Start and ran several times. Took it for a test drive it only has 1 speed now. Hi & low are the same that was yesterday. This morning I went to start it to bring back in shop now won’t start. What have I missed? Everything else is good.

[@CRUNCHCOLE]

I didn't know Cub Cadet made Craftsman mowers.

[@IndRepair]

Cub cadet doesn't make Craftsman mowers but they are both made by MTD so besides the name many of the designs and parts are the same or similar. Thanks for watching!

[@willwork2fish261]

I’ve been fighting this mower for almost 3 weeks now… one plug on the left side gets fouled after cleaning it and running it and it dies after about 5 mins and or driving around. I’m about to pull my hair out… I’m hoping it’s not the rings, I’ve done just about everything on this mower as well…

[@IndRepair]

Will it stay started longer if choked? I see coil issues on these regularly

[@willwork2fish261]

@@IndRepair once I clean the plugs it will die in 5 mins especially if I touch the throttle… I haven’t checked that yet, Any way I can private message you?

[@IndRepair]

I would check to see what you are loosing spark or fuel. Oil doesn't smell like oil and at the right level?

[@willwork2fish261]

@@IndRepair oil is at the right level but is black very very dark. You can’t even see threw it to see the yellow on the dip stick

[@IndRepair]

Check to see if stays running longer if you add choke when dying out

[@danielronan996]

Push on brake to start let off brake and it stops running

[@IndRepair]

Depending on the model it could be seat switch, pto switch, brake switch, ignition switch or bad wiring

[@philliphall5198]

Empty bleach plastic bottle makes a great gas jug and I keep several fuel all the time and date it After 2 months I Putin pick up truck

[@IndRepair]

I'm not sure about this one but if it works for you it works! We get normally 20 gallons of ethanol free and treat the containers with Phaser 3000 before pumping it in. Lasts us a week or so normal times or 3-4 days during the height of the summer. Fuel takes a long time to have any quality issues at that point and won't gum up systems

[@SafetySal]

Definitely need gloves when you are spraying carb cleaner all over your hands. Nitrile.

[@IndRepair]

Yeah I have been doing it for years with no issues but I'm sure that's why so many of us small engine guys get cancer. Thanks for watching!

[@mortsolomon4603]

How about that little clamp there on the fuel line you’re yanking on? Yeah, nope. Goodbye

[@IndRepair]

Lol

[@machz800]

Any lawn tractor that comes with a Kohler engine is a piece of SH*T !!! I have more of these engines especially in Cub Cadet in my shop than any other brand, the Kohler manufacturer should stop making motors.

[@IndRepair]

Interesting take, most other shop people I talk to say the 7000 series is one of the engines least in with issues. They also didn't make nearly as many as Briggs did with their v twin so that may be the reason. Personally I think this engine is decent but hate the permatex valve covers