Kohler quits after 1/2 lawn...no restart

[timbow]

I'm back again this week after Restorob expertly solved my charging issue...this week my '96 Exmark/25 Kohler CH25S/family SKH72U1G2RA/1200 hours was going along for about a 1/2 hour and I turned off the PTO to go pick up a water hose, returned to the idling mower, throttled it up and turned on the PTO, she crapped out. This sort of happened when I was having the charging problem and I thought all was good after the fix. Maybe I had two or more problems and am on to the second one. I can't get it to fire up again. It will crank (sometimes the starter backs out), but not start. The outside of the carb was filthy (just bought this mower from a local landscaper guy), so I used some carb cleaner on all the linkage & surfaces. Tried starting fluid and it wouldn't start 'ether' ;). Is it time to have a real mechanic go through it and quit bothering you guys? Thanks for being out there and at least letting me ramble. The other half of the lawn awaits.

[davidl79]

It could be a numer of things. I would start off by checking the fuses. Then look at the fuel filter and see if it is getting fuel through it. Then check the spark plugs, check the gaps and clean them. Before you put them back in, check for spark. If all that is ok, you might have dirt in the carb. You will have to pull the bowl off and see if it is clogged. Hopefully it is an easy fix.

[timbow]

Now that you mention it, the filter looks starved for fuel. I did pull it off and crank the motor. I had fuel coming out of the pump to the carb. I shot some fluid into the carb where the fuel come in and got back flush, if that means anything.

[Restrorob]

Think about it....It crapped out after getting off the seat then returning to the seat. I would take a look at/test the seat safety switch and or parking brake switch ? (no unit numbers posted), Both these switches control the ignition system.


Good Luck

[timbow]

I owe you a little more info...sorry.
The guy I bought the mower from bypassed the seat switch. The blades turn while off the machine (I discovered this after the purchase...not my preferred setting for this). It may have shaved seconds off his job, but could shave toes off my feet. I had turned off the PTO prior to getting off the machine. The brake lever was set, PTO off, machine running, got off for 30 seconds, machine still running when I saddled up, released the brake, made a turn, engaged the PTO, machine stopped. I will check out the brake switch. If it stays closed or is sticking, this could be the culprit. Wish you lived next door - you'd be a rich man and I'd have a all-mowed yard! Thanks again!!!!

[mowerknower]

So it still doesnt start? If it cranks over but still wont start I would be guessing that the safety system is ok. Have you checked for spark? You could unhook the kill wire at the engine (the one that goes to the coils) to isolate the engine from the machine. Also check to make sure you are getting 12 volts to your fuel solonoid.

[mdscarpa]

had a similar problem the other day.. i shut my pto off to move something.. set the brake, got off the mower and it shut off on me... figured i forgot to set the brake so went back.. tried to start it and nothing but a click from the solenoid. i jumped the starter with a screwdriver and tested all my switches.. all checked out good.. went to engage the PTO and would not start.. ripped the switch out and tested it with a multimeter.. it was no good... seems like poor engineering but a broken PTO switch will prevent the mower from starting.