1973Auto 80 #1 Posted June 29, 2009 Hello all: Got some trouble w/ my 12 hp K301 carb. went to use it today and it ran fine for about 10 minutes then it idled down like it ran out of gas. started it back up and it did the same thing. It would idle only when the choke was in the up (cold position), as soon as I pushed it down to the hot(running) position it was stall. I took the bowl off and sprayed the hell out of it w/ carb cleaner and still did the same thing. I pulled the fuel line off the pump and it was pumping gas while I turned the key, so I figure the pump is ok, and the filter is not plugged. I did not drain the tank and add fresh gas, i have used the same tank of gas before and it ran fine. Before I bring the tractor to a dealer to have it worked on (I don't do carbs) any suggestions? I do have a rebuilt K301 pump from another tactor I could put on if that may be the problem. :thumbs2: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
acsousa82 5 #2 Posted June 30, 2009 I am no expert, but from my experience when the engine only stays on in the choke position and stalls out when the choke is off usually indicates a dirty carb. Although cleaning the bowl will remove any sediment in there that can make its way into the carb chambers, it is the sediment / grit that is already in the chambers that would be causing a blockage of fuel / air mix. I would clean the carb completely first to rule that out. It can't hurt and may be a simple and cheap fix. I know you said you don't do carbs, but honestly after the first break down and cleaning of the entire carb you really get a sense of how it operates and what to look out for in the future. Just a suggestion. Hope this helps. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1973Auto 80 #3 Posted June 30, 2009 thanks 82 for the reply..I should of expaneded my cleaning description...besides the bowl i did clean the whole carb,,removed all screws and blasted carb cleaner down all the openings...still the same. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bitten 134 #4 Posted June 30, 2009 Try taking it all apart, get some carb cleaner and let it set all night long in it. The last one I did I didnt think it needed to soak because it looked so clean, after it soaked I was surprised at how much stuff was on the bottum of my cleaning pail. For the price of a rebuild kit ( about $10)it is something to try. Good luck P.J. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hounddoghundzsa 7 #5 Posted June 30, 2009 Autozone sells a carb cleaning kit. It comes in a paint can with the cleaning solution and basket. Providing you get all the heavy gunk off before dipping it, you can use it over and over. I just bought one a few months ago and I think it was less than $20. Also, those sediment bowls are good looking, but I wouldn't use them as the only means of filtering your fuel. I would invest in an inline filter, or you'll have the same problem again and again . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1973Auto 80 #6 Posted June 30, 2009 Thanks all. I just finished up and got her running again. I took out all the needle valves again and sprayed more carb cleaner down all the openings. Still did the same thing, so for kicks I put another fuel pump on that I rebuilt a few years ago from another tractor. That was the problem. Started up and worked as before. Now an adjustment question. There are 3 adjustment screws. The long 2" screw on the top, the smaller 1" long on the side and the very small screw the runs parrallel to the axle (if you will) on the top. I just need to know what each one does. I really need to know which one is used for the start up. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sorekiwi 761 #7 Posted July 1, 2009 The horizontal one on the top is the idle speed screw, if you look at it you will see the end touches the throttle arm. The vertical one on top is the High Speed Mixture. The one on the side at about a 30 degree angle is the idle mixture. Here is the link to the Kohler manual... http://www.kohlerengines.com/onlinecatalog/pdf/tp_2379.pdf Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1973Auto 80 #8 Posted July 1, 2009 Thanks Sorekiwi :thumbs2: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 18,055 #9 Posted July 1, 2009 Here's the carb adjust pages from a manual. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
b-80boz 0 #10 Posted July 1, 2009 I HAD ONE DO THE SAME THING AND i changed the pump and it work good for awhile then did the same thing.ended up having a hole in the float. you might want to slap a float kit on it they are not expensive their like under 15.00 I think. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1973Auto 80 #11 Posted July 1, 2009 B-80Boz, ... Thanks I will keep that in mind. I have a blown K301 that I have been taking parts from, so that float might be the next part I swap out. :thumbs2: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
