QuestionWhat causes a Kohler fuel solenoid to stop working?
I have replaced the solenoid 2 times in the past 2 months, the solenoid will work great for about 30 days then stop working while I'm mowing. i would test the solenoid and sure enough it's not working. i replace the solenoid and the mower starts right up. if i can't fix it can i by-pass it?
Thanks for any help you can give me, James
AnswerHow long did the original solenoid last? I'd suspect a poor ground causing too much current draw leading to overheating and causing the solenoid to fail. Poor grounds are very difficult to troubleshoot. It is often faster to dis-connect and clean all the ground connections with a wirebrush and re-connect. You should do the same for the positive battery terminal. Dis-connect the battery cables and clean the battery posts and cable ends with a wirebrush.
Additionally, the wiring may be getting old and the resistance has increased. There have been numerous manufactures with this problem. The simple solution is often to install a new ground wire from the carb to the engine block making sure there is a good ground.
You asked if you can remove the solenoid. The answer is yes but you have to find a bowl nut to replace the solenoid. The parts list do not provide any part number so you have to do a lot of research or have someone make a bowl nut. I have seen a few customers just cut-off the end of the solenoid plunger, crude, but works. I'd verify the ground connections before removing or modifying the solenoid.
Let me know if this helps.
Eric
