moe1965 763 #1 Posted November 12, 2021 I hava a Kohler 301 that is hard to start. When I put the choke on it floods out amediatly. There seams to be no half choke at all it's all or none . It acts the same on half choke. Once started it runs fine. Any suggestions . Thanks in advance Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjg854 12,175 #2 Posted November 12, 2021 Have you visually checked it's operation, to make sure it functions as it should? 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moe1965 763 #3 Posted November 12, 2021 Yes choke plate is operating as it should fully open when off and fully closed when on 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 29,389 #4 Posted November 12, 2021 Do you have points? If so, check your points gap. You may be slightly out of time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moe1965 763 #5 Posted November 12, 2021 Ok will do. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 59,896 #6 Posted November 12, 2021 12 minutes ago, moe1965 said: is hard to start. When I put the choke on it floods out amediatly. There seams to be no half choke at all it's all or none . It acts the same on half choke. Once started it runs fine. Any suggestions I'm thinking the carburetor may be at fault. A few years back I bought one of the Chinese junk replacement carbs and had this problem, when I inspected it I found that the main jet was about twice the size of the old Carter that had been on it. Rebuilt the Carter, threw the Chinese carb. in the trash and all was well. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 18,085 #7 Posted November 12, 2021 (edited) Does it start without any choke at all? Original carb? Chinese replacement? The float controls the amount of fuel in the bowl so that's where I would start looking. Internet diagnosis would be the fuel in the bowl is too full causing flooding. Remove the carb. Remove the bowl Turn the carb upside down and the float should be parallel with with the carb body Adjust if necessary The Kohler manual may be of help with the float Also not a bad idea to remove the float and give it a shake to find out if fuel got inside of it if it's a brass float. A pin hole leak will allow fuel in and that will affect the float level. Might as well do a carb cleaning while it's off the engine Edited November 12, 2021 by wallfish 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moe1965 763 #8 Posted November 12, 2021 Will not fire with no shok at all when I'm cranking it I can see fuel dancing around in the carb though. Looks like quite a bit. If float was the issue would the carb constantly drip when not in use???? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moe1965 763 #9 Posted November 12, 2021 I'll look at a few of your suggestions when I get home from work. Thanks all I'll keep you all informed Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 16,293 #10 Posted November 12, 2021 3 minutes ago, moe1965 said: If float was the issue would the carb constantly drip when not in use???? Possibly. You never said what tractor this K301 is on. If the fuel tank is higher than the carburetor, it is possible that gravity flow of fuel could occur and drip from the carb. Several things would have to occur.The float would have to be stuck open, and the fuel pump not totally closing the check valves inside. This would provide a path for fuel to run straight from the tank to the carb. I would remove the carb, thoroughly clean it, replace the float valve and bowl gasket and splash shield, and make sure that the float does not have a hole in it. With a carburetor that is flooded constantly, it doesn't matter where the choke is set. By chance when the engine starts, it could run well as long as the amount of fuel in the bowl doesn't reach overflow level. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moe1965 763 #11 Posted November 12, 2021 (edited) Its actually on a gravely walk behind all parts are original I'm gona rip the carb apart tonight Edited November 12, 2021 by moe1965 More info Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,472 #12 Posted November 12, 2021 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8ntruck 7,826 #13 Posted November 12, 2021 I found on one of my Kohler car be that there was a very fine wire 'handle' on the end of the float value needle. If that 'handle' is not looped around the tang on the float that moves the needle, weird things will happen to the mixture. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 14,054 #14 Posted November 13, 2021 4 hours ago, 8ntruck said: I found on one of my Kohler car be that there was a very fine wire 'handle' on the end of the float value needle. If that 'handle' is not looped around the tang on the float that moves the needle, weird things will happen to the mixture. Yep, you'll find the "needle keeper" on most small engine float carbs. It lets the weight of the float pull open the valve as fuel goes out of the bowl. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moe1965 763 #15 Posted November 19, 2021 Bought a rebuild kit for the carb and adjusted the float problem solved. Thanks all for 6our help 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
