27 hp kohler engine fuel issue

[WillisHomestead]

2
Hey folks, I have a 27 hp Kawasaki engine on a Cub Cadet PRO 160 Z mower. It's 6 years old and been doing great until about a week ago. When I try to start it, it will run about 5 seconds and shut off. After several tries I can finally get it to stay running. Well this past Saturday it was still doing the same thing and now I can not get it to stay running. I have changed the fuel filter out. Anybody got any idea how to get this thing fixed and running correctly?

Tim

[TroyC]

If it has the vacuum operated fuel pump I'd replace that next. Check fuel lines for any possible air leaks. Also, check oil level, most of them nowadays have a low oil level shut off.

[WillisHomestead]

Thanks Troy I will check those this evening.

[Gere Flewelling]

Have had a similar issue with our church's Cub Cadet zero turn. Though ours has a Kohler engine the symptoms are identical. First time the problem turned out to be the vacuum operated fuel pump. Replaced it along with filter and problem seemed to go away. Bothered again a couple of years later (this spring) it started to bother again. Found operators were turning the fuel valve on and off. When it finally wouldn't start, I found one fuel tank was empty and the other was full. I put fuel in the dry tank and it started up and has been running fine ever since. I think the fuel valve doesn't seal off properly. I was going to replace it but it appears Cub Cadet held this valve up and said "let's build a mower around it".  Too much trouble to replace.  Just keep fuel in both tanks has kept us operating all summer.  Hopefully it help you as well.

[WillisHomestead]

Gere,
I have no clue why I said Kawasaki, its a Kohler. I thought the same thing  about the fuel tanks but both have fuel in them. I have ordered a fuel pump to see if that solves the problem and i agree with you on the value being difficult. Hopefully the fuel pump will resolve the problem. I had read somewhere that this engine has two fuel pumps is that correct?

[Gere Flewelling]

I went pretty deep into our machine a couple of years ago looking into fuel system issues. I replaced fuel lines all the way back to the fuel control valve and only found the one fuel pump. It was all plastic.  Make sure the crankcase breather hose is connected and in good condition and connected.  The actual pump is similar to one I had on a Brigg's engine on an old wood splitter. I suspect they are used by many manufacturers.  The carb on that engine is relatively simple to take apart. If you carefully take the fuel bowl off you can blow out any crap in the bowl and main jet and put it back together.  Of course any torn gaskets will need to be replaced. I always remove the carburetor from the engine so I can take it apart on a clean white absorbent pad.  That way there are fewer surprises if something should fall out during the process.  Good Luck!

[WillisHomestead]

I will let you know what I come up with.

[beenthere]

Gere,
I have no clue why I said Kawasaki, its a Kohler. I thought the same thing  about the fuel tanks but both have fuel in them. I have ordered a fuel pump to see if that solves the problem and i agree with you on the value being difficult. Hopefully the fuel pump will resolve the problem. I had read somewhere that this engine has two fuel pumps is that correct?

You saying the subject title should read Kohler and not Kawasaki ?? 
If so, think you can edit that and make it right. 

[WillisHomestead]

Gere,
I have no clue why I said Kawasaki, its a Kohler. I thought the same thing  about the fuel tanks but both have fuel in them. I have ordered a fuel pump to see if that solves the problem and i agree with you on the value being difficult. Hopefully the fuel pump will resolve the problem. I had read somewhere that this engine has two fuel pumps is that correct?

You saying the subject title should read Kohler and not Kawasaki ??
If so, think you can edit that and make it right.

Title corrected