[sybesma07]

I had a problem Sunday when it reached 100 degrees outside. I ran it about 30-40 minutes and just shut down and would crank over and try firing at times but wouldn't fire. Went inside and came back out and fired right up. I was thinking it was fuel but my friend is having the same problem for the past 3-4 years. I have a 1968 140 with a Kohler 301 12hp motor and he has the same motor but in a grasshopper mower. Anyone else have these problems or answers? As to do with electrical. All vents, grills and air cleaners are clean so not like it's getting air. These motors only do it when it's really really hot out side. Any suggestions would be great.

 

[ron_white]

I would think the coil or the condenser would be at fault.

I have to ask, was it really 100 degrees there this past Sunday or you talkin' on a Sunday last July !!

 

[mikeduwe]

If it does it again, put a spark tester on it, if it has spark then its something like fuel delivery, a stuck exhaust valve, or lost compression.

If it doesnt have spark, its the ignition or tractor electrical system.

 

[johndeerenuts]

I have had the same problem with a k 301 in a cub cadet. Found that it was a fuel issue. Pour cold water over the carb and it would start right up and go a while longer. Have yet to find a fix. George

 

[sybesma07]

Okay thanks guys. Those are all good ideas to test. I thought it was fuel problem and my buddy said it only happens on hot days and he thinks electrical. I guess both of is can do these test next time. Won't be long before it's hot again. Yes Ron it reach 100 here in Wichita Sunday. Record high.

 

[mikeduwe]

Its like 45F here in WI...

You could get some clear line to run from the tank to the carburetor too. If its empty when it dies, first thing to try would be to crack your fuel cap loose and see if it fills up.

 

[knottyrope]

I would bet on vapor lock if pouring cold water on carb lets it run again. fuel in bowl starts to boil and then you cant run an engine on fumes.

 

[drew]

If it's 100 out I stay inside and would never know that problem existed!

 

[dr_evil]

Clear fuel line will either be vinyl or expensive, here's a better idea, clear fuel FILTER, http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mrg-9706

I've been running one of these on a K241 Kohler for thirty years, works great, even filters out WATER! I used the filter on a Ossa dirt bike for 4-5 yrs before putting it on my garden tractor. The Ossa was Spanish, was built with an Amal carb from the factory, but my bike already had the Mukuni from a 250 Motorcross Suzuki installed. European bikes had the fuel filter in the carb, Japanese bikes had fuel filters in the fuel tank, so NO fuel filter on my European bike with the Japanese carb.

 

[mikeduwe]

For troubleshooting purposes some clear flexible hose from menards/lowes/fleet etc would work just fine.

Long term you might run into fuel or ethanol compatability problems, but for a few weeks of running you should be fine.

 

[trav1s]

I fought my 120 with a similar issue. After a tune-up and Rebuilt the carb 2x it would die when the air temps were high. After a cool down it would start right up. The coil ended up being bad. Try swapping in another.

Travis

 

[dr_evil]

There is ONE Manufacturer's clear vinyl tube that is rated for use with petroleum, but most are not. http://www.kentak.com/petroleum-grade-vinyl-tubing.html

Here's a chemical resistance chart, http://www.atlanticsafetyproducts.com/_resources/common/user/File/CHEMCHART.pdf

Clear vinyl would work for trouble-shooting, but I wouldn't park MY tractor in the shop with a vinyl gas line over night.

 

[wmgeorge]

NAPA sells a fuel line called Tygon clear with a yellow or green cast. It can be used 100% in gas tanks and would make a good permanent low pressure fuel line. Its about $3 foot.