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-   -   Need Guidence - Kohler CH23S (https://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/showthread.php?t=45369)

ironman 08-08-2016 10:08 AM

Need Guidence - Kohler CH23S
 
Did some swapping with a friend and I now own his 2007 Cub GT2554. It is powered by the Kohler Command CH23 which has an issue. He was cutting grass and said there was a loud bag and the engine quit. It would restart but not running right, so he parked it and went out and got something new.

I just got it home yesterday and I only had a short time to play with it but this is what I know so if someone can point me to the next step, thank you:

1. The engine, although dirty, shows no outward signs of damage.
2. The engine turns freely, no binding or clanking.
3. Took the plugs out, cruddy with carbon but not oily.
4. Cranked the engine and finger test in plug holes seemed like good and equal compression.
5. Checked for spark, both sides seemed ok.
6. Put some good plugs in and started it. Got hellacious cracking exhaust sound.
7. Took the air cleaner off, found oil residue on inside of filter.
8. Tried another restart and sounded like machine gun coming out of carb.
9. Quickley shut 'er down and this is where I sit.

I don't think this engine has any internal damage and I feel that this is an ignition or timing issue. I've not worked on any Commands before that had problems, does my description sound like something common to them? Do they have a key on the flywheel that could have sheared? What do I look for next?

ol'George 08-08-2016 11:47 AM

Sounds like a valve issue, but know nothing about commands.:bigthink:

Sam Mac 08-08-2016 01:27 PM

1 Attachment(s)
Do a compression test with a gauge first. Next pull the valve covers and take a look. I would not be surprised if the cooling fins are packed with crud and it got hot. BTDT. Grass screen for the blower also likes to plug on these. Pic is from a 2550

Terry C 08-08-2016 02:44 PM

Maybe a magnet let go on the flywheel. That would explain the bang with no visible damage. I've got a 25 that has a severe gouge behind the flywheel. IDK
I'm just throwing out an idea

Mike McKown 08-08-2016 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironman (Post 386452)

Tried another restart and sounded like machine gun coming out of carb.

Check both exhaust valves to make sure they open. Just WAG in addition to the other suggestions.

ironman 08-08-2016 08:20 PM

1 Attachment(s)
All you guys, thanks so much! Here's what I found....
Did compression test both sides, right (passenger side) 165 p.s.i., left (driver) 155 p.s.i.

Pulled valve cover off right side and rockers and everything looked fine, cranked it and everything looked to operate as it should.

Pulled the valve cover off the left side and saw this....

The rocker bolt had loosened, nothing was bent or ruined. Put it all right and tightened things down, fired it up and it purred like a kitten. Took it 9 years to loosen, now as the new owner I have to wonder whats next.

Thanks again for all who gave input, I was ready to go wild goose chasing ignition problems. You guys are the greatest!

Sam Mac 08-09-2016 07:11 AM

Glad that worked out. I'd still pull the engine out, remove the tins and give it a good cleaning. I can see some crud at the top of your pic.

ironman 08-09-2016 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Mac (Post 386555)
Glad that worked out. I'd still pull the engine out, remove the tins and give it a good cleaning. I can see some crud at the top of your pic.

Oh absolutely. It will get a good spic 'n spanning in the next few days. I just wanted to know what I was dealing with first.

Don't know if I'll be pulling the engine though, looks a little heavier than a K301. :biggrin2:

Sam Mac 08-09-2016 07:54 AM

Looked up one for sale, shipping weight said 115LBS. I use an engine hoist.

Mike McKown 08-10-2016 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironman (Post 386501)
All you guys, thanks so much! Here's what I found....
Did compression test both sides, right (passenger side) 165 p.s.i., left (driver) 155 p.s.i.

Pulled valve cover off right side and rockers and everything looked fine, cranked it and everything looked to operate as it should.

Pulled the valve cover off the left side and saw this....

The rocker bolt had loosened, nothing was bent or ruined. Put it all right and tightened things down, fired it up and it purred like a kitten. Took it 9 years to loosen, now as the new owner I have to wonder whats next.

Thanks again for all who gave input, I was ready to go wild goose chasing ignition problems. You guys are the greatest!

That top end looks like it is dry of oil. Or is that just the picture?


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