Al C. 1,405 #1 Posted May 24, 2018 I have a Wheel Horse SK486 with a Koehler 341 16hp engine. Both are in “mint” condition. I have noticed that the engine seems to labor if I put it to any heavy work immediately after starting. There is no smoke or coughing, it just sounds like it is working hard. After five minutes (warm up) the condition goes away and the engine can handle any load without breaking a sweat. Should I be concerned? Is this an indication of a problem? 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjg854 10,707 #2 Posted May 24, 2018 It sure is a nice looking tractor. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 38,842 #3 Posted May 24, 2018 Give it a little choke and see if it runs better. My C 160 does that at first also. After a few minutes take the choke off. A cold engine wants a richer mixture. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 6,762 #4 Posted May 24, 2018 You could clean or change the carb jetting to get a little richer mixture. Of course you shouldn’t work any engine hard till it is warmed up. Gasoline that is not watered down with ethanol will also give a richer mixture. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Al C. 1,405 #5 Posted May 25, 2018 Thank you for your responses. I’m glad to hear this is not likely a problem. The suggestion of simply letting the engine warm up is my preference. I can usually spare 3 to 5 minutes after starting it. Again, thanks for taking the time to share your opinions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
