Brand New Kohler - blue smoke on startup!

[Frank]

I just took delivery today (two hours ago) of a new Sabre 1948 with a Kohler twin. After starting and stopping it a number of times, I've noticed that it puts out blue-grey smoke on start-up.
But it doesn't do it every time. Seems to do it more the longer it sits.

This is my first experience with a Kohler.

Is this normal? Doesn't seem like any oil should be draining down past the rings into the cylinders. My 18 year old Murry does this, but seems wrong on a new engine.

Any help from Kohler owners would be appreciated.

Frank

 

[DarinRay]

Boy Frank you've got me but I'm sure it's some indication that something is happening. But not sure if it's bad or just break in. I have a Craftsman garden tractor with the 20hp Kohler motor and I can't remember a time it did that since new (4yrs ago). Keep us informed and I'm sure someone here will be able to help you out more.

Darin

 

[kubmech]

Frank, I have seen this before if the oil is over serviced. There was a few engine manufacturors who inadvertantly used the wrong or mismarked dipstick from time to time. Also make sure there is no fuel smell in the oil. Two things will generally cause this. While transporting the machine on a trailor with the fuel turned on the float will bounce causing excess fuel to drain into the crankcase through an open intake valve. A leaking float needle and seat will also cause this problem.

 

[Frank]

Thanks to Darin and Kubmech for their quick response. I checked the oil and didn't notice any fuel odor. The dealer is closed for two days for July 4th - I'll follow-up with them this weekend and let you know what develops.
Thanks,
Frank

 

[TresCrows]

I imagine the rings just need to seat in. This has been a problem with Kohlers--the blue smoke on start up. Okay, I will start a firestorm, put about 5 hours on it and then switch to 10W-30 Mobil 1 or even switch right now. I think the smoke will stop when you do. Ducking behind my 'bota while y'all fire away. J

 

[Leemac]

For more info on this subject see page #2 on this forum item #2 re Smoking Kohler CV20. I'm having same problem on Scotts S2348(same as Sabre) Smokes on startup ocassionally. I'm just waiting a while to see if it clears up. Since I have 2 year warranty, I figure I'll wait until fall when they aren't so busy to take it in if necessary. Maybe the grass will slow down by then too.

 

[Argee]

I took delivery June 1st on a Craftsman GT3000 with the 23 HP Kohler twin. I've noticed the same thing. I figured the rings just needed to seat. Is it possible the way they configured it(pistons laying horizontal) contributes to this problem?

 

[Frank]

Here's an update:

I went back to the dealer yesterday to complain. He explained that they routinely put 2-cycle gas/oil mix in the first tank of fuel to help lubricate and break in the top end of the engine.

Nevertheless, he did agree to swap the machine for another new one that also smokes - but much less.

Have others heard of this break-in practice?

Thanks to everyone for their replies.

Frank

 

[Leemac]

Re 2 cycle oil for break in: I haven't heard of such a thing before but then I'm certainly no expert. I have a Scotts model 2348 with Kohler engine doing the same thing. I changed oil & filter at 3.0 hours. I now have 55.0 hours on engine and still smokes on startup intermittently, just as it has done since I bought this unit. I have 2 year warranty and thought I would just wait til fall and contact JD Dealer then re problem. Hopefully they will be aware of problem and have a fix for same by then.

 

[DarinRay]

Sorry Frank I spoke out of line by saying that my Kohler doesn't smoke or didn't. I don't know what I was thinking and just the other day when I went to mow the lawn I started ole trusty Craftsman and walllaaaa smoke (blue) on the startup and quite right away after firing up. I attribute this to just the air fuel choke mixture right guys?????? Sorry to say my Kohler didn't smoke though and maybe they all do on start....Maybe??

Darin