Kohler CH 20 Running Super Rich ?

[GTSRider]

Here's a quick background of what I 've done to this Keihin carb on a
CH20 engine with 550 hrs.
New fuel filter
New Fuel pump
New carb rebuild kit with new O-rings and gaskets
New Air Filter assembly
New Spark plugs
Engine running Super Rich....only thing I can think of is float level is off
Anyone know proper Float level adjustment ?
Seems like way too much fuel in bowl...about 1/2' from top.
Tempted to put on new carb.... but I must do a compression check first...
Are vales in these engines hydraulic ?
If not I think the valves may be tight....
Just can't believe the problems with this thing.....last season ran 100+ hrs.
incident free....this year daily problems.
I also need to install a new crank seal...tractor is one greasy mess.
Thanks for reading,
Pete

 

[OldMachinist]

Here's the Keihin float level adjustment info from the Kohler service manual.

I uploaded the complete manual here.
Command_18-26hp_horz_oper.pdf

 

[GTSRider]

Thanks...interesting what they say about replacing float, if spec is off...
I've never heard of such a thing.... what say you ?
Pete

 

[OldMachinist]

I've never seen that before ether. It can't hurt to try.

 

[GTSRider]

Compression in right cylinder is around 160.... 180 lbs. left, according to
Snap On compression gauge...so I think engine internals are ok.....
maybe a little weak on right...but good enough.
So now I am shopping for a new Keihin carb.
I've done everything to this one and engine barely runs other than full
throttle..... and runs like a soot machine with black smoke out
exhaust pipe.

 

[GTSRider]

Now that I have decided on a new carb..... my engine is a 2003 model...
but my question is... is there a better more updated carb to go with....
rather than put on the same carb that was on there ?
Pete

 

[OldMachinist]

You are sure that the choke is opening fully after you put it back together the last time.

 

[GTSRider]

Positive..... I 'm so careful at this point... I clean air filter once a week....
and it only has about 15 hrs. on it from new.
Funny thing is ... engine ran lean from around June to end of July....
and would not run without 1/3rd choke.
then it started running rich....super rich !
I've cleaned carb so many times I lost count.... and installed a rebuild kit....
I'm finally at the end with this carb and will order a new one.... but it better
not have the same results with the new carb.... I mean could it be ignition ?
I don't think so , because it runs fairly strong at full throttle although not clean.
I was mowing a very thick lawn this morning, so thick it was caking out
" bricks " ,and engine never lost rpm.... and compression check says cylinders are ok.... so by process of elimination.... it must be carb.... sunk $120
in new solenoid... and $50 in rebuild kit...**** ...that's most of a new carb right there !

 

[OldMachinist]

There are several carbs on Ebay for the CH20. This one is a good deal.
Kohler Carburetor Part 24 853 34 s | eBay

 

[GTSRider]

Hey thanks Man !
That is a great price... I think I am going to go with it.