gr-made Posted December 29, 1999 Share Posted December 29, 1999 The last few times I have tried to start my 718H for snow removal I have had a heck of a time getting her going. My first problem happened a few weeks ago when we had a temp of around 6 below zero, so I did not think much of it. Not many things like to get going in that type of weather. What has me worried is last night I went out to snowblow the drive and had to jump start due to not starting again. I keep my tractor in a unheated garage and have 10w 30 in the crankcase. Should I be looking at using a thinner oil or is this a common problem with the 18hp single Kohler engine on my rig. I am very happy with how she removes snow in my 200 foot driveway. We had 6" of snow yesterday here in Rockford Michigan and it went through it without hardly noticing. I do have a 36" blower hooked up to the larger tractor so I am sure this will never bog down. Thanks for the reply and hope for more snow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StanS Posted December 29, 1999 Share Posted December 29, 1999 gr, I'll wager 2 cents that the Kohler uses an air choke instead of fuel priming. Stan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StanS Posted December 30, 1999 Share Posted December 30, 1999 There are some things that if we new more about its possible you might just get a better answer but I'll try. First off your statement about the oil-I am not sure but check your manual as I beleive you should be using 5w30 just a thought at those temps, how old is the spark spug and also hows the spark? What about a clean air filter? How old is your battery and is it reallly putting the juice to the starter the way it should? You might keep a small battery charger hooked up to it while not being used-the type that just maintains the charge. I beleive at one time we disscussed using a engine block heater of the type that was used to keep the oil warm-of course you may not have electric where your tractor is stored. I hope this helps somewhat and hopefully others can and will add more to this or correcto me if I am wrong. Best to all->happyjack<- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlcentral Posted December 31, 1999 Share Posted December 31, 1999 I'm thinking more towards your starting system as did Jack.Such as to all batt./solenoid connections for tightness and being clean.Condition of starter,is it worn?check starter shaft play for worn bushings. Load test the batt. or have it done at any auto parts store? Also on Kohlers they use a compression release on the cam's exhaust lobe,is it adjusted properly?And lastly what is the cond. of the piston/rings,are they worn? Just my 1 1/2cents worth! dlc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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