Exmark Lazer Z with 23hp Kohler DOWN...HELP!

[Fubba]

I have a 2003 60" Lazer Z with a 23 hp Kohler Command w/ horizontal crank. Two days ago, it finally broke the worn out mule belt to the blades. I had another slightly worn belt that I put on, but the mower kept throwing it. I'll also add that it seemed like the full throttle RPM's had dropped at this point with or without the blades on. It was the last yard of the day, so we just trimmed out the rest of it. The next two days were completely full, and I didn't have a chance to look at the mower again. Just been using the 48" we have. Today, I got a new belt, and tightened up the mule pulley system. Put everything back together, and now the engine barely wants to crank. It turns over here and there, but it stops randomly. The starter is still trying, but the motor won't turn over. It has always done this a lot when the motor is cold. I attributed it to the old battery. I bought a new one, and finally got the motor to run. However, it ran HORRIBLY. Almost sounded like only one cylinder was firing. I changed the spark plugs Monday morning with Autolite 3924 gapped correctly. No problem Monday.

Anyway, I turned it back off, and it started the turn over 2 to 3 times thing and then stopping. I kept trying, but the starter started smoking a bit.

Any ideas where to start? A short block was put on about 2-3 years ago. Mower has 3200 hours.

I did try taking the spark plugs out to maybe shoot some carbon out if there was any. It turned over just fine with the spark plugs out. Shot a little cloud out on the first turn, but smooth and clean after that.

Thanks so much for the help. I don't want to waste time just trying things, so I came here to ask you all.

[CLARK LAWN]

Pull the valve covers off and see if the rockers are moving properly.
Posted via Mobile Device

[piston slapper]

Probably got a weak starter....
Throttle cable out of adjustment..
Need to install Champion RC12YC sparkplugs..
Why Exmark ever put a 23hp engine on a Lazer 60"...I'll never know...

[Fubba]

Update:

Put a new starter on and cranked right up. The starter still hangs here and there...any idea what that might be?

However, still running very rough. Took the valve covers off and watched the valves and rockers. Everything is working like it should. Took the carb apart and cleaned everything. I think there may be a spring or something broken on the linkage that could be causing this. Does anyone have a link to a picture of the linkage? I have no idea what it should look like or what pieces are supposed to be where. Thanks!
Posted via Mobile Device

[Fubba]

Can anyone provide a picture of their carb linkage on a kohler command pro 23 or have a schematic? Thanks!
Posted via Mobile Device

[Robert_B]

You should check your spindles and all idler's could have one pulling hard which caused the belt to wear and throwing the other and would pull down on the motor making it run rough and hard to start !!