any small engine repair guys out there? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

lutzTD · #1 09-01-2009, 07:20 PM

I have a 98 dixon 6022 with a Kohler Command Pro 22HP engine. I ran it out of gas accidentally last thursday. I filled it back up and got half way around the yard and suddenly not enough power to cut grass. I disengage the blades and drive and I can feel a slight difference in power. it is not as good as I am used to. assume the engine is tired and start my checks. I pull the plugs, one is sandy color the other is chalky white. I know that means lean. I then checked the crankcase vacuum and it reads 4 inches HG. I did a leakdown on both cylinders and get 20% at 50 psi. I changed in new spark plugs, disassembled and cleaned the carb and replaced the fuel pump. It seems worse now. what ese can I test before I pay the $100 diagnostic fee to find its something simple?

The Clk Man · #2 09-01-2009, 07:30 PM

I'm no mechanic, but I have had the same problem. I found out that it wasn't the engine, it was the mowing deck. Worn out shafts bearings and dull blades. Maybe you could start there.

lutzTD · #3 09-01-2009, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Clk Man

I'm no mechanic, but I have had the same problem. I found out that it wasn't the engine, it was the mowing deck. Worn out shafts bearings and dull blades. Maybe you could start there.

I was thinking either that or the hydrostatic drive since it happens with just the drives engaged. I still would like to cover all bases on the engine too. My deck is shaft drive and I can turn it pretty easy by hand...

kknudson · #4 09-01-2009, 07:52 PM

Fuel filter, or crap in the tank. Stirred up and settled into the tank drain the when you refilled.

or water in the gas.

The Clk Man · #5 09-01-2009, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lutzTD

I was thinking either that or the hydrostatic drive since it happens with just the drives engaged. I still would like to cover all bases on the engine too. My deck is shaft drive and I can turn it pretty easy by hand...

My mower is also a hydrostatic drive, you may be on to something.

lutzTD · #6 09-01-2009, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kknudson

Fuel filter, or crap in the tank. Stirred up and settled into the tank drain the when you refilled.

or water in the gas.

I changed the fuel filter, did not drain the tank but I blew backward through the line and it flowed ok. gas was brand new from shell, but the new gas is the major change besides the running out. maybe there is something wrong with the gas

MS Fowler · #7 09-01-2009, 08:47 PM

How about a dirty carb?

Matt L · #8 09-01-2009, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MS Fowler

How about a dirty carb?

+1. Running out of fuel is a good way to suck dirt from the tank.

lutzTD · #9 09-01-2009, 09:57 PM

I pulled the carb apart and let it soak in gas all night. the jets are not servicable so not sure how to clean those out.

TOPGUN · #10 09-01-2009, 10:46 PM

I am not familiar with your engine. There should be a method to blow air through the main air/fuel jet. Many of them are non adjustable as you implied. (EPA crap). There might some air/fuel passages that are hiding behind soft plugs on the body of the carburetor. Check for leaks where the manifold bolts up to block.(one white plug and one brown plug) Check the float level. The problem started after running out of fuel. There may be fuel delivery problem before anything else. You didn't mention a fuel filter change. This is all generic guess work but it might help. Good Luck.

pawoSD · #11 09-01-2009, 11:05 PM

When our mower was running horrible and wouldn't start eventually, I took the carb apart and cleaned it all out....put it together, voila....runs great.

E150GT · #12 09-01-2009, 11:55 PM

I never had a riding mower, but I had a mower that cost $400 bucks and couldn't get halfway through a decent sized backyard without me having to pull the carb and clean it out with needles to clear the tiniest of passageways. Something is clogged somewhere. Course if this mower had k-jet, it would never get clogged

kmaysob · #13 09-02-2009, 12:52 AM

When you remove the float bowl from the carb, the main jet should be in the center of where the bolt came out. Im not sure on the kohler but there may be passages on the bolt too. Basically, you need to disassemble the carb and spray carb cleaner through any openings. Gas will not dissolve varnish. Carb cleaner will.

kickstart111 · #14 09-02-2009, 03:50 PM

are you sure that your gas can is clean? i have seen more people cause there problems with a dirty gas can.fill up the mower get lazy with where you put the can along comes a rain or dust storm or even condensation.drain and clean fuel system and use fresh gas

lutzTD · #15 09-02-2009, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kickstart111

are you sure that your gas can is clean? i have seen more people cause there problems with a dirty gas can.fill up the mower get lazy with where you put the can along comes a rain or dust storm or even condensation.drain and clean fuel system and use fresh gas

I did put the gas can in a different spot, thats a pretty good guess. Mkaes more sense to me than getting bad gas from Shell. I am going to drain the mower tank and take the carb apart again, this time I will spray carb cleaner though it. It was raining today so I wasnt able to work on it.