Kohler Command engine problem

Savinsam

Member
I've got a problem that has me stumped. I have a Kohler Command 14 HP engine on my old riding mower. Got new battery, good starter, starts up and runs great and will mow for about 20 minutes, bog down and quit. It also has fairly new PTO clutch. After leaving mower sit for 10 minutes, it will start again, but PTO might or might not start again. Leave it sit for an hour, everything will run fine again. It repeats this cycle. I installed a new ignition coil figuring it was going bad. Same results. Made sure gas cap is vented. What can it be? Any good help appreciated!
 
sounds like a thermal problem,,{ heat related} you took number one off the list by replacing the coil..so now look elseware such as the ingition switch or a power wire or
connection, or a safety switch, that is heating up and not carrying the power to where it should be.. get it running to when it stops and check the tempperature of these things,, <if you use your hand do not get burnt they have temp guns you you aim at target and it reads the temp safely,
 

Since you have problems with the PTO I would suspect an electrical issue rather than an engine issue. In other words look for one problem that would cause both the engine and the PTO to act up.

I have an older Ford tractor with a 16 HP Kohler. The charging system was giving me fits, it would work after replacing the rectifier, then act up again. Finally found a faulty key switch. Same thing with starting, I thought is was the starter relay. Finally found an over heated terminal at the key switch.

On many of the tractors the key switch controls some high current loads. I would give the switch a good look see.
 
Ignition is "self-powered" and it should continue to run even if you cut all the wiring off and threw it away, including the ignition switch.

On the other hand, I suppose it has an "anti-dieseling solenoid" in the bottom of the carb that will cut off the fuel if it loses power.

Could PTO clutch be drawing too much power when warm, popping a breaker that also provides power to the ignition switch and on to the fuel solenoid?
 
Bob, I'm inclined to go with your suspicions. My carb does NOT have solenoid shut off. Don't know if there are any electrical breakers in the system. There is a fuse block, but it doesn't pop. I also would think that the PTO clutch might be the culprit, but it was new a little over a year ago, and the mower hasn't seen much work. BTW, I did change out the ignition switch, which made no difference. Thanks to everyone for their input. I'll keep trying!
 
Not knowing what you have other than a "Kohler Command 14 HP engine" makes it a little hard to pin point a problem.

Fist thing I would suggest is begin with a few simple test.

Use a Volt meter and check the volts at the battery. Should read around 12 volts or a little higher.

Start the engine and check the volts again. Should read between 13.3 and 14.6 volts (depending on your charging systems amp rating) at full throttle.

Engage the PTO. The volts should drop slightly and rebound back to close to where they were before engaging the PTO.

If the volts does not read above 12 when the engine is running or the PTO is engaged you have a charging system problem.

Again start simple.. Grounding the rectifier can cure 99% of the newer Kohler engines charging problems. A lot of brands that use Kohler engines now require the rectifier to be grounded from the factory. Scag is one..
 
Stupid site will not let you edit your post...

Forgot to post this photo..
mvphoto1823.jpg
 
Mule Meat, I think that your suggestion for me to ground the rectifier has solved my problem, at least for now. I haven't had the mower working under a long time load yet, but things seem to have improved. Thanks again! Sam
 
You're Welcome Sam.

I have Kohler Command engines that are 10 to 15 years old that I have yet to have the first problems with since grounding the Rectifier. One is on a 2004 Husqvarna GTH 2754. I started having problem when it was about 5 years old and after grounding the rectifier I have yet to replace the battery or even a single head light bulb. The hour meter on it is showing over 4000 hours.

I can not explain fully how it works or why. I just know that if I buy a Kohler powered piece of equipment&lt; Grounding the rectifier is something that gets done before the first oil change is needed.
 

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