Grasshooper with 23 hp Kohler

[jerkputter123]

Family 7KHXS.7252GC
TYPE APP e11*97/68SA*2002/88*0280*00
DISPL CC 674
Model CH23
Spec no 76591
serial number 3729614791
Build date 10/23/2007
OEM Prod no 100158

920 hours


I am helping a good friend trying to figure out why his Grasshooper zero turn mower is running lean. All of sudden yesterday it started running bad and now it will only run at 1/2 choke. He said he did notice it has been backfiring a few times when starting it but only started the last time he used it before yesterday.

We changed the fuel filter and flow looks good. Before I go into the carburetor is there anything that is common on these engines that I need to be looking for ? can a repair kit be found for this carburetor ? I haven't removed the fuel solenoid yet and from it starting the backfiring when starting it could be going bad .
Just looking for tips before I try and help him narrow this down . Thanks

[bgsengine]

Kinda sounds like a valve may be sticking, I'd be checking for cooling fins, rotating screen, etc being clogged up with debris, if that is the case, you could well be needing a head set and/or valve work. I'd also swap out the spark plug for a known good one (new doesnt mean good)

[jerkputter123]

Kinda sounds like a valve may be sticking, I'd be checking for cooling fins, rotating screen, etc being clogged up with debris, if that is the case, you could well be needing a head set and/or valve work. I'd also swap out the spark plug for a known good one (new doesnt mean good)

We put two new spark plugs in it. No change. I will check more on the cooling fins and look good for debris. This engine may be at the end of its life with that many hours. Maybe do a compression check . Thanks

[KE4AVB]

Here is a question. IS backfiring out the carb or is it out the exhaust. IF out the exhaust try disconnecting the plug with on each cylinder and test while one is still connected and then alternate and restest. Might be a failing ignition coil or mice damage.

Even backfiring out the carb throat this will point to which cylinder that might be causing the problem.

[jerkputter123]

Here is a question. IS backfiring out the carb or is it out the exhaust. IF out the exhaust try disconnecting the plug with on each cylinder and test while one is still connected and then alternate and restest. Might be a failing ignition coil or mice damage.

Even backfiring out the carb throat this will point to which cylinder that might be causing the problem.

I think he told me it was backfiring out the exhaust . Good tip. I will check that and see if it makes a difference and report back. THANKS