Fuel Problems 1862

[West Valley G]

Have been reading some of this site for a while but have never posted on it. Mainly because you guys are pretty amazing with all the knowledge and its a little overwhelming. Funny how desperation causes us to move forward at times.

Last summer started having problems with the fuel on my 1862. It ran like a dream as it always does for about 15 minutes and then start starving for fuel and eventually die. Would let it sit for half hour and fire it up and start cycle all over again, 15 good minutes then die. Did the basic things I could come up with. Changed fuel filter, replaced fuel pump, replaced fuel gauge sensor gasket because it was leaking.

Since today is over 30 degrees for the first time in a long while, pulled carb off, figured I would rebuild. Cant find a kit for it anywhere. Checked locally with no luck and they called Kohler for me and were told that it is not available anywhere. So figured there is not better place to ask then you guys. Thanks for all the great reading I get here.

Number off the Engine. Model M185
Spec. No. 24646
Ser# 2126911356
Kohler Part # 5285324-S
Any advice is much appreciated Thanks Ken

[J-Mech]

Well.... I highly doubt that the carb is the issue, but since you already have it off, just as well go ahead and rebuild it. I don't know why you "local" guy can't figure this out, as it's pretty simple and very, very, very available. Look here at the parts breakdown. Part number is right there. I might add, that CCC wants a pretty penny for that kit. Plug that number into Google and I'm sure you can get it cheaper. I'd get one from Primeline, or Stens which most all auto part stores carry.

Anytime you need parts, just go to cubcadet.com and choose "parts and service". Plug in your model number to get the parts book for it. Pretty simple and easy to look up your own parts. Obviously, the kids at the parts store are too ignorant to do it for anyone.


Moving on: Likely the fuel pump is bad, or the tank is plugged up.... or you may even have a failing coil... the coil is what I would put my money on as 15 min of run time is a pretty long time for it to starve for fuel. If it will run that long, it's likely getting fuel. After you rebuild the carb, flush the tank, replace the fuel line, check the fuel pump... make sure you take the pet-cock out of the bottom of the tank and clean or replace it, as there is a screen, (replace the o-ring on the tank also) then fire it up. If it dies again, check for spark. You will likely find that your fuel issue is actually electrical.

Good luck.

[Mike McKown]

To help you id the problem without jumping through hoops, have a spray can of dechlorinated brake cleaner handy next time it dies.

As soon as it quits, shoot some brake cleaner in the intake(remove air cleaner) and crank the engine. If it fires right up and then dies when the brake cleaner is gone, you can figure you have a fuel problem. If it won't start, very, very likely you have an ignition problem.

[R Bedell]

First, welcome to OCC....

Next, the model of your Kohler Engine is M-18S not 5. Easy to mistake.

The Carb 53-853-24 (Walbro Carb) is No longer Available from Kohler.

The Carb Rebuild kit is. It is kit number 25-757-11S (or Stens 520-350).

The kit can be had from your local Cub Cadet, Kohler, or Case-IH dealers. The sponsors listed at the top of the page can also get it for you. And as always, numerous places "on line".

[West Valley G]

Thank you for the responses, more info in a few minutes then hours worth of head scratching. Just learning this machine so all info worth a lot. I really have been impressed with it. Now I have a direction thanks to your help

[West Valley G]

Hey all Been wondering how I could be a part of this forum other then just being a guy who post a question now and then. Figure I am one of the least knowledgeable guys on here. The answer I arrived at was maybe I will just share where I am at on this 1862 once in a while. In relation to my fuel issues. Took the fuel tank off today, tank had all kinds of crap in it including
old rubber grommet material from the low fuel sensor I replaced last summer.
Regarding my thinking I would rebuild carb, maybe not now. I had to put the carb back on anyway so I could get it running to raise the lift assembly for the mower deck that was still on from when it died last summer. Should have thought of that before I pulled it I reckon oops. Figure this project will be kinda like tearing into a house remodel, never know what you'll find. Where the 2 tank outlets are, someone has replaced the 2 bushings that go between the tank and the fuel shutoff valves with Valve Stems, figure they must have had some leaking problems at some point. Guess I will leave that one alone as it didn't leak. Will replace all fuel lines and put er back together and take off
I hope. Thanks again for the forum here. Its awesome Ken

[J-Mech]

Ken, you need to replace whatever the OP put in the tank in place of the grommets. Valve stems are not fuel rated, and will be leaking soon. I can't believe they don't leak now....

You can crank the engine and hold the lift lever... it will raise using just the starter. Just FYI for next time.

[West Valley G]

J-Mech Figured I better get the bushings and put it back the way it once was. I cant see just from looking at the diagram what keeps those bushings from leaking. Do they just fit that tight that they wont jiggle around and eventually fail. Thanks again

Ken

[Sam Mac]

Ken the tank bushings just press into the holes in the bottom of the tank. I put a little grease on them, push them in then a little grease around the shut off valves and push them into the bushing. The stem on the shut off valve expands the bushing for a seal. While you have the valves out disassemble them and clean them out. I've probably done at least 10 of these things and every one had plugged valves. I also replace all of the fuel lines with 5/16" hose and decent clamps. Keep in mind that these tractors are all 20+ years old and the rubber they used back then was not made for the fuel we burn today and it rots from the inside.

[West Valley G]

Sam and others, thanks again for the help and especially the pics. Got parts coming and hope to get er back on the road soon. I guess at 15 degrees and snow on the ground I have a little time.

Ken