Power loss and Engine Surging

[mcgearing]

Been having an issue with my 1872 with the Kohler M18S Engine. Seems after mowing for about 20 minutes at full throttle, My engine and PTO get a substantial drop in power. If I disconnect the PTO, the engine does not recover immediately. Sometimes it will slowly recover after a while and other times the engine will start surging and eventually quit. it will start up immediately afterward. Sometimes I notice if I go slow while mowing it doesn't do it. It is an intermittent problem which is frustrating Don't know if it could be a carb issue, fuel pump issue, govenor issue. Any help or input is appreciated.

Mike Gearing

 

[mgonitzke]

What happens if you pull the choke when the power drop occurs? If that helps, it is definitely a fuel problem.

The screen on the shutoff valve in the tank could be clogged, or the fuel filter could be clogged. A bad fuel pump probably won't show itself unless the fuel level in the tank drops below that of the carb inlet.

 

[gchunnett]

......... building on ....
"The screen on the shutoff valve in the tank could be clogged, or the fuel filter could be clogged. A bad fuel pump probably won't show itself unless the fuel level in the tank drops below that of the carb inlet."

I have in the past loosened the fuel cap completely, disconnected the fuel line at the carp, with the shutoff tap open put a short blast of compressed air back up the line, instant flow increase. Then....

Parked the yella-n-white tjorrie on a significant slope and syphoned ALL the remaining fuel and gung out, a splash of fresh fuel to rinse and re-syphon, collect all the gunky fuel for parts washing brush cleaning etc, fresh fuel .

 

[tkhoffman]

Been having an issue with my 1872 with the Kohler M18S Engine. Seems after mowing for about 20 minutes at full throttle, My engine and PTO get a substantial drop in power. If I disconnect the PTO, the engine does not recover immediately. Sometimes it will slowly recover after a while and other times the engine will start surging and eventually quit. it will start up immediately afterward. Sometimes I notice if I go slow while mowing it doesn't do it. It is an intermittent problem which is frustrating Don't know if it could be a carb issue, fuel pump issue, govenor issue. Any help or input is appreciated.

Mike Gearing

Fuel tank vent might be clogged. Troubleshoot by leaving fuel cap a little loose.