Cub Cadet 2206, Kohler Command 20, Won't start

[Tdraym]

I have a 2206 that doesn't want to start, the choke flap closes all the way, so after a couple of tries to start, I hit it w/ a shot of starter fluid, and it starts right up and runs fine for about 2 hrs of lawn cutting, the fuel filter was changed, the air filter, made no difference. Could it be the fuel pump on the Kohler command 20, Is it bad not giving enough fuel on startup choke, but fine on regular full throttle, Tried carb cleaner no difference, Any suggestions please, has been this way for at least 3 months. Please help me solve this. Thank you, Tdraym

 

[J_J]

Does your carb have the solenoid on the fuel bowl?

If so, remove the solenoid and clean out the grit and deposits in the jet.

You might also check out the needle and seat to see if the float is letting fuel into the bowl.

 

[rcbe]

OP - LOSE the starter fluid (ether). Such will easily trash a small air cooled engine. If necessary, use rattlecan carb cleaner instead.

If choke plate is being fully closed by the throttle control, then look for another air leak between there and the cylinder chamber, such as a loose intake manifold/gasket or such. Spraying rattlecan carb cleaner about in those areas while cranking the engine may reveal a leaking area . The carb solenoid previously mentioned only controls fuel flow to the carb load jet and has no effect on initial fuel bowl levels. It's main function is to minimize afterfire "pops'/"bangs" on shutdown.

 

[RandyT]

I have seen the key switch fail, and not supply power to the fuel solenoid on the start position. Would act just like your is doing. Put a little fuel in the intake, and it will start right up, and run. Would even restart easily when warm. But couldn't cold start.

 

[Tdraym]

The choke plate and the throttle control are 2 separate control wire(rods) if there is an air leak would this let the gas evaporate from the bowl, not having any to start with after sitting for 5 or 6 days between cuttings, What would the carb cleaner show , the carb sits on top of the engine and no sign of bad spot on gasket, If I don't let the tractor sit on low idle for a minute or so before shutting off I get a backfire pop/bang is this related to a leak or a bad carb solenoid, should it be replaced? Thanks for all your info. will try to look farther.

 

[jdkalb]

The kohler's tend to backfire. I don't believe that has anything to do with your starting problem. Shut your throttle down to idle, than shove your throttle to full open and at the same time turn off your ignition switch. That solved my backfire problem.

 

[rcbe]

OP - Give jdkalb's shutdown technique a try. Also run some Seafoam cleaner thru the fuel system to get rid of carbon deposits in the cylinder chamber and exhaust passages - these deposits get really hot when an engine has been working hard and act like glow plugs to light off any unburnt atomized fuel vapors being drawn thru the engine during shutdown spindown .
By cracking the throttle back open and de-energizing the carb afterfire solenoid at the same time by turning off the ignition switch, the presence of fuel vapors in the combustion chamber(s) is minimized - thus reducing possibility of the loud "bang".

the engine no start is a different problem. to answer your question, using the carb cleaner while cranking is jist a reversed way of using soapy water to check for air leaks. the cleaner liquid will temporarily seal unseen air leaks, allowing normal operation. But there are other possible causes: yes, an inoperative carb afterfire solenoid can hurt; simple thing is to turn the ignition switch on and listen for the sharp click coming from inside the carb body. no click, no working. Another is a small crack in your gas tank fuel line allowing it to lose prime with the fuel pump. Another is the fuel pump itself. Just have to start at the fuel supply at the carb itself, run flow tests to see that pump and lines at performing OK.
Lastly, would pull the carb, tear it completely down , clean it thoroughly, rebuild with new kit/gaskets, reset the float.... and re-verify that after hookup the throttle control and choke control are operating correctly. And I would do all that in conjunction with the free downloadable service manual from kohler on that particular engine. Good luck.

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

I agree that the backfire has nothing to do with your problem. I've seen recommendations to shut off at full throttle but somehow that doesn't feel right. I follow jdkalb's method with my 3235 and slow it to idle or slightly above and ram the throttle wide open at the same time I turn off the key. Works every time.

Bob B.

 

[94BULLITT]

I would check for a bad fuel pump. You need to pull the left side valve cover. It runs off a rocker arm.

 

[RandyT]

Kohler recommend that the engine be shut off at full throttle. If shut off at idle can still afterfire. On kohler carbs, the fuel solenoid shuts off the fuel supply to the main fuel jet, but not the idle jet. So when shut off at idle can still pull fuel into the intake through the jet.