LT133 13HP Kohler surging at idle

lipancreek · Feb 27, 2016

The engine is surging a lot at idle, but as soon as I put a load on it by turning on the blades it runs great. Any ideas how to fix this? Thanks for any help.

Kish318420 · Feb 28, 2016

Check linkages and springs for wear, especially where arms fit into holes.

Richard001 · Feb 28, 2016

lipancreek said:
The engine is surging a lot at idle, but as soon as I put a load on it by turning on the blades it runs great. Any ideas how to fix this? Thanks for any help.

Have you had this tractor for a while?

Has the surging just started?

I see that you are in Michigan. Are you using this for snow removal?

It could be just the cold weather.

Found this on a JD support site for your tractor:

Adjusting Carburetor

NOTE: Carburetor is calibrated by the engine manufacturer and is not adjustable.

If engine is operated at altitudes above 1829 m (6,000 ft.), some carburetors may require a special high altitude main jet. See your John Deere dealer.

If engine is hard to start or runs rough, check the troubleshooting section of this manual.

Possible engine surging will occur at high throttle with transmission in "N" neutral and mower engagement lever disengaged. This is a normal condition due to the emission control system.

After performing the checks in the troubleshooting section and your engine is still not performing correctly, contact your John Deere dealer.

Most of the time when the engine surges at idle it means that the fuel mixture is to lean, but as there is no adjustment, you may have to just live with it.

Also as someone else suggested, there could be some slop in the linkage.

Richard

RandyT · Feb 29, 2016

What you describe is the classic partially blocked idle circuit in the carb. You will need to remove the carb, give a it a good cleaning, and install a carb repair kit. What most people don't realize is an engine runs on the idle circuit even at full throttle, until you apply a load, and then it pulls fuel off of the main/high speed jet.

fxdb96 · Feb 29, 2016

RANDYT said:
What you describe is the classic partially blocked idle circuit in the carb. You will need to remove the carb, give a it a good cleaning, and install a carb repair kit. What most people don't realize is an engine runs on the idle circuit even at full throttle, until you apply a load, and then it pulls fuel off of the main/high speed jet.

Ding ding ding. Id bet a six pack you are right.