Low Power K241AS..Advice?

[wolverine_cz 0]

I have a 1981 WH with a K241AS engine. The air cleaner vibrated off, stripping the threads in carb and bending the choke plate. I found the bolts in the intake port. I've replaced the carb and reground the valves because of low compression, 30 psi.

So now compression is up to 90 psi, the engine runs better but still doesn't have a lot of power. I don't think I am getting enough RPM. The high rpm bracket doesn't have any effect. Engaging gear or ptu drags it down.

I've replace breaker/plug and verified ignition timing.

Any ideas on what to try next? Have the the governor gears failed?

[gwgdog66 23]

:USA:

Have you adjusted the governor arm on the governor shaft? Chapter 6 in the K series service manual.

http://www.kohlerengines.com/onlinecatalog/pdf/tp_2379.pdf

I had a similar issue with my C-100. I had painted a rebuilt short block. (Don't paint the governor shaft ) After 10 hours of use the arm had worn through the paint just enough to make it slip. After re setting it per the service manual it runs very good now.

[wolverine_cz 0]

I'm running out of ideas on this one.....Any advice would be appreciated....

I reset the governer, no luck.

I've adjusted the governer sensitivity, no difference.

Checked timing, no difference.

Governor does not have alot of authority.

Pulled the oil pan off, but found governor intact and seems functional.

Can't figure it out.

Stuff replaced along the way

New plug, reset gap.

New carb, fresh rebuild.

New rectifier.

Points replaced and regapped 0.018"

RPM's seem low, the high speed limit is not even close. Just doesn't get up to speed.

Once blades or trans are engaged it dies.

What could have happened?

Wfie was driving tractor, she said it lost power.

I found the Air cleaner vibrated off and bent the choke plate. Don't know how long she drove it like this....

Replaced aircleaner (bolt holes were enlarged) and bought a used, rebuilt carb (Same #26, but the choke linkage works opposite of original)

Still low power.

So I had valves/seat reground and compression was improved, but no improvement.

I am running out of ideas....

Coil not putting out full energy?

There is a rattle/loose part in the exhaust muffler, is it restricting flow?

Is the carb incorrect?

Is the governer not functioning?

Have I set up the throttle linkage incorrectly?

Help me save this tractor, it's been in the family for over 30 years.....

:USA:

[Kelly 1,033]

there was apost just a few days ago about a muffler that had a broken baffle and stoped the engine from running right, pull the muffler and see if it runs better with out it? if it does get a new muffler, if not keep looking, it will not cost anything to try, but a little time.

[wolverine_cz 0]

It was the muffler! A tube between the inlet and exit chamber of the muffler came free and was plugging the exhaust.

Cut a hole, removed piece, and welded it shut. Runs great now, but louder.

Thanks for the help!!!!

[Kelly 1,033]

Glad to help, I will have to remember this on the newer tractors with the big can mufflers.

[gwgdog66 23]

Cool!! Glad ya got it figured out.

[mavfreak 11]

I may have to check my MTD mower with the 18 hp briggs twin on it. It just has no power at all. only thing is it backfires everytime you shut it down even if you slow the rpm down.

[rick 257]

Heath, you may want to check your carburetor bowl for a fuel shutoff solenoid. It is located in place of the bowl retaining bolt. It may not be working, or partially plugged with whatever. Also, I was told by my boss at one small engine shop to cut off the engine at full speed when it has a fuel cut off solenoid. I did it while working there, no backfires.

The backfire is caused by a hot muffler igniting residual fuel vapors trapped inside. It can destroy a muffler, and may be causing some damage to the baffles, knocking them loose.

[mavfreak 11]

thanks rick.

If i get a chance this weekend I'll look into this and see whats up. I have noticed from time to time that the exhaust sounds louder than others I just wonder if the internal muffler is falling apart.