Kohler Command 26 HP

I have an older Deere garden tractor with a Kohler Command V twin 26 HP engine. A couple of years ago it needed the carburetor redone and I had the worst time finding a kit for it. I finally found parts and had to buy three different kits to rebuild it as each kit only took care a small part of the carb. They came from Kohler. Many of the parts were duplicated in each kit and I tossed allot of gaskets and seals that were doubled up on. Other than that it ran super for two years. Anyway, last fall I winterized it and put it away for the winter. Left fuel in it and added some fuel stabilizer to it that was part of a bottle of Mercusier stabilizer that I had left from putting my boat away. I started it the other day and it runs super rich. Got to checking it out and for whatever reason everything rubber in the fuel system is spongy and falling apart. I am guessing the rubber tip on the needle valve is melted as are the o-rings and gaskets letting it leak internally.
Anyway, is there somewhere I can buy one kit that will do it all without spending another $100 on three kits to get everything I need or just buy a new carb? I am frustrated with this Kohler. The rest of the machine seems fine, but the engine is a pain. Between the fuel system parts and a couple of bent push rods every summer that fold up for no apparent reason it's wearing me out. It only has just over 600 hours on it. Seems to me that it should go allot longer than that with fewer problems.
Any ideas?
thanks guys.

Greg

you have other issues going on if bending push rods. only seen couple do that and thats because they came loose.you can get complete overhaul kit but you will find out in alot cases it about as cheap just go with new carb.

Google Kohler bent pushrods. Lots of result! none good.

If it doesn't have valve noise and runs ok, then the lifters and cam are probably OK.

I'd suspect a guide loose or maybe as simple as the valve stems are sticking in the head and allowing the pushrod to jump off and get bent.

Recommend the use of Marvel mystery oil or a little good two cycle oil in the gas to attack the sticking issue.

I have Googled the push rod thing a few times. Seems to be pretty common. I quit letting it bother me when it bends one. I keep a couple of spares and just change them out when it happens. Takes about five minutes. No valve noise and runs good right up to when it bends one.
Anyway, the carb issue is what I am chasing right now. I think I will just buy a new one this time. Whatever was in the Mercruiser additive I put in it made a mess of things. I wonder how hard it would be to put fuel injection on this thing like the new ones have?

Greg

This thing has bent push rods from the day I bought it new. Did it during delivery from the dealer. He loaded it back up and brought it back the next day. After that while it was under warranty I would take them a bent one and they would give me a new one. I remember asking them one day if this was common and they said no it is not. Funny part is they always had them in stock. Hummm. I have another Kohler Command in a Lincoln portable welder and it has 2,500 hours on it and never a problem. Runs like a top and other than oil changes, a set of plugs here and there, and an air filter now and then it has never been touched.

Greg