navigator336
Petty Officer 1st Class
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2003
- Messages
- 270
I'm not sure this is the best forum for this issue, but it is an engine problem. I have a Kohler 6.5 CZ23 generator. It recently has been hard or impossible to start. I've had the local authorized guys down to work on it. They have replaced a couple of things that probably needed to be replaced, but didn't fix the problem. The gen-set will sometimes run, but only as long as the start switch is engaged. On other occasions, it will run, but is running too rich. The mechanic replaced the air filter, changed the plugs (fouled due to over rich condition) and ordered a new governor spring. He said he had it running fairly well after replacing items one and two and tightening up the current gov. spring. It wouldn't start for me. However, I tried manually forcing the choke open (it's solenoid engaged) during the start cycle. It fired right off. O.K. given the over-rich condition (as determined by the famous smell technique and gas slick on the water by the exhaust), I pulled the carb (10 hp Honda 4 stroke with side draft carb). All passages were clean and open, the float needle was in good condition, etc. However, there is a galvanized steel 1/8" diameter tube running from the carb intake adaptor elbow to the intake manifold just downstream of the carb. There was a little rust in the end of the tube. I found a 99.5% block in the tube (rust). I got it open by soaking it in penetrating oil and then heating it with a torch. I haven't put it back on yet so I don't know if this was the issue with the over rich condition. I don't have a manual, but it appears to me that this tube is in effect the float bowl vent overflow return. However, unlike a down draft carb, it is returning the excess fuel directly into the manifold rather than into the carb. Now, I'm thinking (or maybe grasping at straws) that when the fuel bowl is not over full, that this tube would lean out the mixture. For sure it must increase the air ratio when the choke is closed. I've found Kohler to be a difficult company when it comes to tech support, so I would appreciate your thoughts on this.
