Fix/rebuild your loose carb' throttle

[81warren]

I'm overhauling my Kohler 14hp as we speak, noticed the throttle shaft in the carburetor was getting pretty worn and loose. It ran fine before but a leaking throttle shaft can mean a bad idle or other quirks. I took the two tiny screws out of the throttle plate & shaft, pulled the shaft out. It was worm and so was the bore in the carb' so a new shaft wouldn't have helped much. I clamped the shaft in my vise, used the torch and laid a little brass on the worn bearing spots. From then on it's a matter of a good eye and some smaller sharp files. I worked the brass down and kept fitting the shaft into the carb', it finally went in and fit really well, put the plate & screws back in and ... we now have a nice snug throttle, no air leaks, great idle and steady governor control. Also no money spent, no time lost waiting for parts that wouldn't have worked well anyway.
Warren

[J-Mech]

I'm glad you got it tightened up!

The next time you have loose throttle shaft, you can get a bushing at a local hardware store. Much cheaper than the Kohler parts, and it moves the pivot to a different spot on the shaft, so the worn spot doesn't matter. I've rebuilt countless carbs this way. I bought a whole package of 10 at the hardware store for just over $1 a piece. Not discounting your procedure as it does work, but not all have access to a torch, and the bushing takes less time to install.

Here's the info:
http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=10329

[CubCadet129]

Originally Posted by 81warren

I'm overhauling my Kohler 14hp as we speak, noticed the throttle shaft in the carburetor was getting pretty worn and loose. It ran fine before but a leaking throttle shaft can mean a bad idle or other quirks. I took the two tiny screws out of the throttle plate & shaft, pulled the shaft out. It was worm and so was the bore in the carb' so a new shaft wouldn't have helped much. I clamped the shaft in my vise, used the torch and laid a little brass on the worn bearing spots. From then on it's a matter of a good eye and some smaller sharp files. I worked the brass down and kept fitting the shaft into the carb', it finally went in and fit really well, put the plate & screws back in and ... we now have a nice snug throttle, no air leaks, great idle and steady governor control. Also no money spent, no time lost waiting for parts that wouldn't have worked well anyway.
Warren

Also an air leak in the carb can cause a lean mixture and can overheat and ruin the engine

[Sam Mac]

Originally Posted by CubCadet129

Also an air leak in the carb can cause a lean mixture and can overheat and ruin the engine

Yep, it sure can.