129 K301a Randomly Dies Under Load
 

Hey guys,

Decided to do a bit of work to the 129 today...I had parked it for a few weeks because of an issue that I had with the engine randomly dying when put under a good load (mowing heavy grass, etc). My first thought was that the oil consumption problem (blowby, the old K is in need of a rebuild) was fouling the plugs....but if I pay attention and see it starting to misfire, I have a split second reaction in which I apply the brake, release the PTO, and back off the throttle. This will allow the engine to idle...but when I get back into it, it will do it again.

I came across a thread in which a member stated that a failing ignition coil could cause this. I just replaced the coil and it helped greatly. The problem was getting so bad that I could barely drive it around without it taking a crap on me. With the new coil it runs much stronger, but it still died on me once, while driving full speed at WOT testing it, of course!

I'm still leaning towards ignition, as when it dies it IMMEDIATELY loses power and shuts down. Have the points set and cleaned, new Autolite plug, cleaned carb, new filters all around....

Whaddya think?

Timing maybe?Your 129 is like my 128 it does not run under a load but mine runs good with no load and starts on a 1/2 turn.Time for a engine rebuild me and you.

That's funny, cause our tractors look almost identical too!

I've had to have my timing gap retarded for the engine to run optimally (about .010)...but it has consumed oil equally and run at this gap just fine until this problem occured.

What are the symptoms usually attributed to a bad condenser?

(A) Is the new Ignition Coil a proper Kohler Coil...??

(B) Next, check to make sure that the Condenser is securely mounted and grounded. With a VOM of DVM, there should be zero ohms resistance between the Condenser Case and the negative battery terminal.

(C) Next, if item(s) in B are good, replace the Condenser.

No, it is correct for the application, but i couldn't afford a genuine Kohler. It is a standard 12v internal resistor style coil.

I'll check resistance to ground for the condenser....thanks

try this
 

I would recomend using a simple spark /high volt testor as I the pic napa should have it or snap on -also you can check the ohms across the points with a multi meter should be close to just touching the leads together.
-If you say it starts right back up I think I would check the fuel bowl remove and carb spray clean and spray the jet , not overheating?
the govenor system is functioning ok? not lugging it around I tend to do it


128

Well, my points were severely pitted, even after I filed and cleaned them I could see little craters on both contacts. I'm gonna get new points and condenser today. In the process of taking old points off the engine, the plastic arm on the points broke. I wonder if it was already stress cracked and finally gave up? I did noticed that occasionally when I'd adjust points that they wouldn't be quite perfectly lined up...

And no, I'm not lugging it or anything, changing the load on the engine will help it not die though....

Just my .02 cents I think I would get the 301 rebuilt soon. My thought is if you keep pushing the old girl something is going to let go and you might end up with an unusable block. :bigthink:

You speak the harsh truth, my friend.....I'm just trying to get by until the season is over. I'm still going to tune it up, but I do need to keep in mind that it's tired and shouldn't be worked hard under these conditions :(

If I had the cash, there'd be a decent running used 12hp in there RIGHT NOW...