L110 Surging at Idle

1562 Views 7 Replies 4 Participants Last post by 240vtx, Mar 11, 2019

sawnuts

Discussion Starter · Mar 9, 2019

Hi all,

Lately when I start I really need to mess with the throttle to keep the thing running. RPM's go up and down. I hadn't noticed this until just the last few weeks.

Heres' what I know.

I am the original owner since early 2000's.

I have cleaned or replaced the air filter a few times and maybe the plug once.

I haven't needed to run it much lately since the snow is finally over (hopefully).

I have around 420 hours on it.
I have used it to mow a smallish yard and blow out the snow in the winter.
It has been quite cold here lately below freezing for a week or so.
I have replaced the gas filter within the last year.
I do notice that the filter is never full of gas. 50% full at best.
I have never cleaned the carb or used any additives.
The engine hasn't given me any issues up until now.

Does this sound like a dirty carb? Bad pump?
Water ice in the lines?

Should I be looking into getting some Seafood or other additive in there. What is the best way to get water out of the lines.

Any advice would be appreciated?

Thanks
Mark

See less See more

Save

1 - 8 of 8 Posts

sawnuts

Discussion Starter · #2 · Mar 9, 2019

I did check the vent on the gas cap and it seems fine.

Any help?

Save

mowergene

· #3 · Mar 9, 2019

I've NEVER had a gas filter look full. I wouldn't be concerned about that one. I'd try some carb cleaner before tearing it apart....though, you may need to. See that the carb hasn't loosened up and be sucking air at the gasket. And could be the spring is out of adjustment or gotten weak.

Save

rayjay

· #4 · Mar 9, 2019

Pull the float bowl and see what the inside of the float chamber looks like. You can pull the bowl with the carb still on the motor but you will most likely need a new float bowl oring so have a kit on hand. JD has gone full on stupid on the price of the carb kit so I have started sourcing mine off evilbay. They more than doubled the price.

See less See more

Save

mowergene

· #5 · Mar 9, 2019

When I took the bowl off my 208 a few weeks ago, there was plenty of crud in there. Ended up taking the whole carb apart, reaming and blowing. And yes, I had to replace both seals, the one on the bolt, too.

Save

240vtx

· #6 · Mar 10, 2019

The Kohler 17.5 hp is a very good motor. I have had one on my GT235 for years with no issues. That said you likely have a dirty carb. Take apart and clean carb with new needle valve and bowl o-ring. That motor has a metal fuel feed cross over to carb. Add a 2 stroke trimmer style screen, the red thin style, after metal tube and before the carb. Make sure there is the usual filter before pump. You should be good to go...

See less See more

Save

sawnuts

Discussion Starter · #7 · Mar 10, 2019

Thanks everyone.

Where do you like to purchase carb kits?

Any thoughts on using some Seafoam in the machine?

My first post said Seafood and not Seafoam. I tried getting some shrimp in the gas tank but they just sat there and complained.

Mark

See less See more

Save

240vtx

· #8 · Mar 11, 2019

Doesn't matter where you buy as long as it's Kohler. Once issues are worked out, fuel needs some sort of stabilizer/additive
if gas is not used up regularly. I use Star-tron fuel additive with no issues. But it's not a cleaner.

Save

1 - 8 of 8 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month