Chosen Solution
So can anyone diagnose what may be the problem with this mower? I inherited it and the previous owner reported it was very hard to start and took 10-15 minutes of cranking before it would catch. I took apart the carburetor and cleaned that real well, replaced the spark plug. It drives around ok but when at the top of a small hill started losing power and nearly stalled out. When I finally got it to start it was very loud and just my opinion sounded like what I think is a timing problem, but I apologize for the vague question I’m not sure where to start. Can someone tell me if that’s a good guess, how to fix it, and what other things I might look for if that’s not the problem? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcJW9KzR… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVGS0ike… Update (01/24/2020) This is my motor information
Adam Schaeffer that sounds more like an issue with either the valvetrain or the piston (rings etc.)Craftsman used 3 different Kohler engines on this model. Kohler Command Single CV490S-27508 and CV492S-27506 as well as Kohler Courage SV490-0004 We’d need to know the exact engine used on yours. Do a compression test on your engine as well as a leakdown to see if it has valve or piston issues. I would suggest you pop the valve cover off and take a look at things on there. Check something like this manual for a better understanding Kohler CV engine servic emanual
I have a 97 wheelhorse with koler 12.5 commander I just bought it sounded like a timing or valve train problem pecking a little and not running smoothly and would not idle I still not sure what’s wrong but it has something to do with the governor I just happened to be checking carb and I grabbed the governor and reved the motor heard a metal clank and it smooth out completely and idles fine and Everytime I start it now I just reach down rev motor and it runs fine till I shut it off
Possibly has water in the fuel. Especially if it’s been sitting for extended periods…
