Solenoid O - Rings

[GTSRider]

Long , long carb problem story....
but to the point now.... engine must have 1/3 choke to run....
I notice wet fuel around solenoid.... must be bad O-rings.
Question.... if they are bad...will they create this problem due to sucking air,
in , and creating lean condition ?
Engine is Kohler Command 20 with Keihin carb.
Thanks Pete

 

[OldMachinist]

On Keihin carbs I've worked on that where on other engines the solenoid also cut off the pilot air that mixes with the fuel. When they went bad and didn't open all the way you got the condition you have. I would try getting some new o-rings for it before just replacing it. The cheapest I've seen a Kohler solenoid kit is $100. Make sure the new o-rings are viton if the fuel you use has alcohol in it.

 

[GTSRider]

This lean situation has been driving me crazy for months now.
I suspected solenoid from the get go.
I think I will grind down tip... rather than replace solenoid.
Thanks for your feedback !
Pete

 

[GTSRider]

Just cut solenoid pin about 1/2" back.... blew out carb ports with compressed air.
Running good now... but not celebrating yet.
This thing has fooled me before.
If I can get 8 straight hrs. of perfect running ... I think I am home free.

 

[OldMachinist]

You may have to change the way you shut it down if it starts to have a run on problem after you turn off the key. But if you let it idle for a min. or so before shutting down it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[GTSRider]

Yes .... you are correct.... let it idle down and it shuts right down !
Only other negative , which may or may not be related is I have noticed it running rich from a start up.... I don't think I'll need much choke at all
any more but I need time to live with it.

 

[GTSRider]

After living solenoidless for a few days... I have decided to
shell out the $ for a new one....
the run on , AFTER it is shut down , sounds like it is destroying the engine.
For those who have said you do not need solenoid.... it has NOT been
my experience.
Pete

 

[Donsyl]

where is this solenoid located? i have a cub 1811 does it have one? thanks

 

[OldMachinist]

No the 1811 had a Kohler carb and it didn't have a fuel shut off solenoid.

 

[Donsyl]

so my trouble is the carb then. I will have to rebuild maybe