Question on Kohler engine problem on lawn tractor

[NH_Wood]

Hi everyone,

Starting last year, I started having a problem with my Craftsman lawn tractor - engine is a Kohler OHV - model CV22S.

I assumed I had a compression release problem caused by the valves being out of adjustment (real tricky to turn-over - need to keep playing with the key until it finally turns over) - just ordered new valve gaskets (I assumed they'd need to be replaced since the tractor came with my house and I'm sure it's never been done) - but, after a little searching - turns out I have hydraulic lifters which apparently don't need or can't be adjusted.

So....I plan to work on the tractor this week. I'm going to replace the plugs - wondering if I might have one cylinder misfiring, etc., and see if that works + when the plugs are out, I'll be able to see if compression release is the possible issue if the engine turns well without any compression. If anyone has had a similar issue and can offer any advice on other things to look for, I'd sure appreciate it.

P.S. This video link shows my exact symptoms on the starting issue - right at about 22 second into the video.

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Cheers!

 

[Captain Hornet]

Sounds to me like you have a starter or battery problem, especally if you are using the battery that was in it over the winter. First thing I would make sure that it had a new HOT battery. They are usually very small and don't have a lot of reserve cranking amps. If that doesn't fix your problem, I would check the starter and ground cables and pay extra care with the pressed on cable ends. Look for white corrosion, a no-no. Next, try to start it with a DC volt motor across the starter to ground. If the voltage is 10 or more volts than the problem is in the engine or starter, not the electrical system. I have seen it many times and I'll bet you a doller to a donut that you have a battery problem. David

 

[NH_Wood]

Okay - I'll give it a shot Captain! Yes, using the battery from over the winter - trickle charged it for about two days, but the battery is at least 4.5 years old and likely much older than that - probably not putting out the amps it once did. Thanks again for your help! Cheers!

 

[Captain Hornet]

A old battery well sulfate if it has been allowed to set for a long time in a run down state. You are trying to charge a bad battery. Go to one of the auto stores and get a new one, should be not more than $25.00. Take the old one with you when you go to the parts store and they well give you 5.00 core value for it on your new battery. After installation you can tell us how good and quick it starts. David.

 

[NH_Wood]

David - that's my plan for today - I think I'll throw some new plugs in at the same time - haven't done that in at least 3 years. I'll give an update later today - thanks again! Cheers!