Running 3000 series without side panels

[GTSRider]

I am thinking of doing this to help overheat situation... has anyone done it ?
Or do they need to be on for an air flow reason.
Also I think I may have found reason for overheated engine.
The fuel filter is too small and I think it was starving engine for proper fuel flow,thus creating a lean condition.

 

[rcbe]

if that's a kohler engine in there, MAKE SURE you put in the correct KOHLER OEM fuel filter for that model of engine, no cheapie convenient aftermarket specials. Kohler engines are very picky about their fuel filters. And don't let some lazy parts mgr just grab one up outta his quick-box.. make him show you that what he's got is the right p/n for your engine.

 

[highboy1975]

i ran mine without side panels for awhile because i didnt feel like putting them back on and it didnt seem to effect the cooling one way or the other. it was just as hot either way.

 

[Mickey_Fx]

If you're having heating problems, I'd take a close look for grass clipping plugging the air flow passages in the engine. Will likely have to remove some cooling shrouds to examine for blockage. I've yet to have a mower that didn't have this problem from time to time.

 

[JTKub]

I dunno if the 3K series has the same side panel attachments as the (pre 2006) 2500's, but be careful not to loose one of the attachment wing-nut, cone and springs! I ran mine once w/out the sides and lost one whole setup due to it vibrating off and landing in the grass somewhere. Never found it and my local Cub dealer was only able to get me the cone part and a slightly different plastic wing-nut. I never was able to locate a suitable spring, so it went w/out it on that one.

Joel

 

[JTKub]

I have a hard time accepting this idea. Once the fuel bowl is filled, jetting will determine richness and leanness. Most any type of fuel filter should be able to pass a half pint per minute, and that should feed any small tractor sufficiently.

In theory you're 100% on. Thing is, we've seen many times over the years where Kohlers exhibited no start or stalling issues when cheap aftermarket fuel filters were used, then the problem went away when it was swapped out with an OEM fuel filter. The thinking is, the pulse diaphragm fuel pumps cant pump through some aftermarket filters.

Joel

 

[rcbe]

I have a hard time accepting this idea. Once the fuel bowl is filled, jetting will determine richness and leanness. Most any type of fuel filter should be able to pass a half pint per minute, and that should feed any small tractor sufficiently.

As I understand, it has to do with a combo of a given filter's micron rating (mesh fineness) and it's inherent "ease of liquid fuel passage" (resistance) combined with the characteristics of the Kohler equipped fuel pump and carb.
But, I do agree that all that should not affect an engine to run lean or rich.. rather it will cause stumbling/shutdown due to fuel starvation under heavy demand. As JT notes, it's just a "kohler thing". I have also also any number of cases where going back to the correct OEM filter solved many kohler fuel problems.

 

[GTSRider]

Ok... busted my *** today.... pulled old cracked fuel line from pump to filter,
and installed new GoodYear fuel line , and new Kohler OEM filter.
Engine still has problems with an up down rpm at full throttle.
I am new to these engines... is this normal with no load ?
When mower is on ... does not seem to do it.
Also new filter only fills 25 % ... and I counted the pulses... at every 3 seconds.
Is all this normal or do I need a new fuel pump ? ... or have a carb issue ?
Build date is 1998 on frame... or it conforms to 1998 safety standards... is
that same as build date ?
Engine has 405 hrs. on it , and that is so low, I am thinking it may be a replacement engine ?
Pete

 

[highboy1975]

i wouldnt think that is normal for it to change rpms at full throttle. the governor is supposed to stop that.

 

[GTSRider]

Ok..I was thinking the same thing... so maybe I have no problems.
It could just need running.... I don't think it was run much lately.
I bought it from a dealer " as is" and have no history on it.

 

[recon701]

My 3186 runs kind of hot too. I think it's kind of inherent with the design with the muffler up front. I try to keep the entire engine area clean, but it still seems pretty hot after a half hour.

 

[GTSRider]

Ok... it sounds like it is the nature of the beast.
I hose off complete tractor when done mowing, so every thing is squeaky clean.
That and good oil is I guess all you can do.
I may install an oil cooler.

 

[rcbe]

Do away with that hosing off tractor!! Those units are not like a car rhat can sit outside in the weather or go thru a car wash with impunity. You will soon have various electrical probs from rust/corrosion, possibly also various bearing failures. A good blow-off with cmpressed air is much better. If needed, a judicious wipe down with a rag and bucket followed by a quick drying in the sun can work.
Worst of the washing options are the power washers - they will blast water into any number of no-no areas...

 

[highboy1975]

thats the truth, i found out the hard way on that one. i use the leaf blower to clean it off after cutting and wash it about once a month. i would also invest in a waterproof cover if yours isnt inside when your not using it.

 

[savageactor7]

With our last 2 CC's 582, 1440 we took the side panels off when it got hot. But that was then and this is now...the geniuses at MTD want to control the horizontal and the vertical.

Sure I'd remove the side panels if I were you.