02 Walker 26 EFI

[Tomt]

Was running fine and just started loading up/running rich (black smoke). Removed air filter to make sure not plugged, no change, checked plugs, sooty but otherwise in spec and look fine. My next step was to clean O2 sensor.
Professional thoughts appreciated, others accepted too, lol.
Thanks in advance.

[Tomt]

No ideas? the mower only has 450 hrs, and is well maintained. I only use in fall and winter, as in I need to be using it now. Any suggestions as to next step, much appreciated.

[MOW ED]

There is a little return spring on the linkage on the top of the motor. It is a very fine diameter spring and I broke one last year with similar results. Check that out. Do you know how to get the codes off the yellow light? You may also see if there is an engine code that you can trace.

Go to this thread and read up on the codes.

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.p...t=engine+codes


Good Luck

[Tomt]

Mow Ed, no and thanks for the helpful info

[Curtis]

I had a problem with my 26efi last month,fouling out the plugs running rich never seem to break out of that warm up stage. Never got any bad codes always a 61. Called Kohler and they said it was a oil temp sensor near the oil filter and another ground wire with two new bolts on the starter in a kit. Had it replaced and runs good so far. Leaves are definitly here.

[Tomt]

Ran the test and code 34 came up.

[chuacro]

My 2006 started blowing smoke and I found gas in the oil. I replaced the fuel pump and solved the problem.

[Lawdog302]

Did you get this fixed? those years had problems with the ground wire running to the starter bolt. it was stainless steel instead of tinned copper. It will send mixed readings to the computer if it has never been changed. something to look at possibly.

[Tomt]

Lawdog, were u reading my mind?
I thought I had the problem solved, installed new O2 yesterday and ran mower for 10 mins, no code, , used it today after a few mins of use check engine light onfelt sick. Still running pretty good but not right, finished day with no problems but not using again till problem solved, dont want to ruin the new O2 sensor.
The wire/connection u refer to, is low and attached from lowest part of frame and to started body? I dropped a nut and while looking I saw that connection and was going to check it.
Do u recommend removing the connector and replacing with a tinned copper one?
Thanks to all for your input, I am going to correct this problem if it is the last thing I do, LOL.

[Tomt]

Ok guys, wasted a few more hours and no farther ahead. Removed a lower engine mounting bolt, cleaned all the power coat, cleaned everything off the bolt and washer with wire brush and re-installed with dielectric grease. Same process with battery ground. Could not find any other ground to frame connections near the started.
After the ground work engine seems to run worse than before, could just be plugs (just replaced) getting dirty. I now question if there was ever an issue with the original O2 sensor. (have saed and may re-install) Cleared codes and 34 has set again.
Recap of what has been done; new airfilter IN/OUT, new ngk plugs properly gaped, fuel was at about 1/4, refilled full with new fuel, new OEM O2,
My next step is to check connections per the manual procedure as best I can.
Any other thoughts would be greatly appreciated.