KT-17 Series II Dies while mowing

[BDSchmidt]

I have a 7117 with the Kohler KT17 SeriesII engine in it. I was cutting grass the other day and throttle was probably at about 2/3 to 3/4 full. Out of no where the engine died as though I ran out of gas. I can start it right up again, and it will go for a variable amount of time and then die again. It doesn't seem to matter if I am moving , cutting or just standing still. THere is no fuel filter in the fuel line at present but I plan to put one in. THe air filter is new. Any thoughts? Brian

[dirtsaver]

Brian my guess is dirt in the carb to start. Any small piece of dirt will get sucked up and block the jet, then fall back down when the engine dies, only to be pulled up again later. You might get lucky and just have some crud in the fuel tank blocking the outlet. Start by taking the tank off and cleaning it. Add a filter AND a shutoff in the fuel line. If the tractor still acts up it may be time to clean and kit the carb. It's been my finding that most problems of this type originate with dirt in the fuel. Larry One other thing to check Brian. Make sure your fuel cap vent is open. As the cap ages sometimes the vent hole becomes clogged. this causes a vacuum and prevents fuel from being pulled to the carb.

[UCD]

There is all so a screen filter in the bottom of the tank this can get plugged and cause the same problem.

[hufhouse]

I had a similar problem and found that the ignition switch was badly corroded. As the tractor got hot and bounced along in the yard, something would loosen and the tractor would stop. I could start it back up again. At the time, some of the helpful folks here on the site said that it could have been a safety switch, too. Check that out...like the one in the seat. Good luck. I have the same tractor and I love it.

[BDSchmidt]

THanks for everyone's input. I had checked the safety switches and ignition switch and feel they are ok. Tomorrow I'll move on to the carb with a cleaning along with the fuel tank. I'll also get the filter and shut off valve placed. THank You ! Brian

[BDSchmidt]

Well today I started to mess with the tractor and after a couple failed attempts at starting, I got nothing with further turns of the key. No crank, no solenoid click, no nothing. I took the steering wheel and dash off and started manipulating wires while turning the key. When I wiggled the one of the press on connectors to the ammeter, the engine immediately came to life. I replaced this connector with one that fits better and now everything seems to be working just fine...mowed three acres this morning with not one episode of quitting. I did add the shut off and filter while I was at it. Hopefully I've been spared having to do the carb thing AND provided another differential for quitting engines. Brian