Carburetor cleaning on K341

[VenetianWheelHorse 19]

Lately got a C-125 with a K341 engine. Initially not sure whether I had the ability to dismantle and rebuild the carburetor.

Got in touch with Eric (ebinmaine) who gave me very detailed instructions on how to go about it (Thanks again Eric!). I attach such instructions at the bottom of this message.
For anybody else thinking about undertaking such task here is some additional info: my K341 is a service engine (spec 71179), and its carburetor assembly number is: 4505320-S. Such assembly impossible to find. Toro does however provide a Kohler carburetor repair kit, its part number is: 2575702.
Such repair kit can be found on Amazon. The details of the corresponding Amazon webpage are: Kohler # 25 757 02-S Engine Carburetor Kit K301 - K582 (ASIN: B0014CCA0Q). Can be delivered anywhere in the world thanks to Amazon Global; very cheap at £13 including delivery ($16 at 16 march 2020 exchange rate).

I also found an extremely detailed and clear webpage giving a detailed (with photographs) step by step procedure for disassembling a Kohler carburetor (see: https://outdoorpowerinfo.com/repairs/kohler_half-inch_g230500_carb.asp).

 

Here are also Eric's instructions:

"I agree that the needle and seat should be replaced, especially if the needle is rubber tipped.

Disassembly:

Fairly straightforward. I don't generally remove the main jet in the bottom. Only the needle into it from the top. That jet is most always WELL stuck in there.

Otherwise, simply take apart whatever you can. The needle seat itself can be unscrewed with a nutdriver or a socket ground down to fit in the tight spot where it goes.

Cleaning:

Gently scrape off whatever big stuff you can. Grass, dust, dirt, oil or whatever.... Small screwdriver or wire brush and be gentle.

I REALLY recommend a soaking kit if possible. Auto parts stores that sell things for older carbureted cars could help.

2 popular brands here are Berryman's and Gunk. I normally soak for a day. Clean as above and also spray through all the passages with either brake clean or carb clean.

Soak it again for a day and repeat the cleaning process.

It usually takes a whole can of spray cleaner to properly clean the passages. Maybe 2.

Reassembly is also straightforward.

I've had a few carbs that I've cleaned 2 or 3 times before they were running right. 

Don't get discouraged. Just repeat the process."

 

Posting everything here as somebody else may find the above info useful.

[biged77 113]

Be sure to check for a worn throttle shaft.  If worn, a bushing can be installed to correct.  There are several previous threads that detail what bushing to use (HiIlman #58087 is one) and how to do it. 

 

Another great site for info. on Kohler carbs is below (they also sell a throttle shaft bushing):

http://gardentractorpullingtips.com/a1carb.htm

 

I wish I had seen this site before.  It would have saved me some money, time and grief.

 

Ed

[VenetianWheelHorse 19]

Thanks Ed for the additional info. Any advice which can save "time, money and grief" is most welcome!

Peter

 

[peter lena 9,100]

venetianwheel horse, very glad that your member contact information has helped you out, if i might add , after your rebuild , or before , you might try to try to do a manual , engine running carb choke engine suck out. having run into carb issues myself , one of the things i try , with the engine running is use an aerosol carb cleaner , and my hand to suck in and clean out debris . just choking off intake , while using throttle to keep it going , initially  really gets things cleaned out of carb . i hope you find your carb issue , and regularly use a fuel additive to keep things clean , pete