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Kohler Command Pro CH740 intermittent one-cylinder

12K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  TripleT  
#1 ·
I read several other topics and my problem/symptoms don't quite align with the others.

I read that a coil could heat up and cause one-cylinder running after a period of time but my problem is the worst at startup.

When cold the engine almost always runs on a single cylinder until the throttle is pushed to 100% and then it normally cleans up. But slowing the engine to engage the deck causes the engine to resume running on a single-cylinder about half the time. Turning the deck off, running throttle back up to 100% to max engine rpm cleans it back up most of the time and it will mow fine then. Occasionally while mowing it will randomly start running on a single cylinder again. Turning the deck off will clean it up and then I can slow it back down and most times re-engage the deck and it will be fine for a while again. I would say while mowing for about an hour it may mow fine or it may start single-cylinder running 2-3 times.

My brother, a mechanic whom I bought the mower from said it did it to him before but not quite like that though. New fuel filter fixed it for him. I can't see how that would be causing it to happen at lower rpm but run fine at higher rpm. Am I wrong?

Any thoughts?

Edit: this is IIRC, a 2006 model Exmark Laser-Z w/ about 700 hrs on it very well maintained.
 
#2 ·
You should install an inline spark tester on that cylinder to verify if you have spark when this occurs. You could have an intake manifold leak which can cause a cylinder to drop out. Have you pulled the spark plug to see what it looks like? Here is a link to the service manual for your engine. There are troubleshooting charts as well
http://www.kohlerengines.com/engines/onlinecatalog/pdf/sm_24_690_06.pdf
 
#4 ·
Finally had some time to throw at this.

At this point I'm thinking coil.

Although the left cyclinder seemed to lose spark more often, the right would also do it. Pulling the plug wires off the offending cylinder for a few seconds then putting it back on fixes the problem. Almost like the coil is getting hot trying to drive 2 spark plugs and pulling the offending wire lets it rest a bit and replacing it on the plug it start sparking again immediately.

I inspected the wires and they look good. I think I'm going to throw new plugs in and see if that changes anything.
 
#7 ·
Only items that control spark is flywheel (magnet), coils, wiring and plugs. Would take a look at flywheel and wiring to make sure nothing is going to ground (may happen after heat or vibration) if that checks ok change out coils.