20 hp Kohler command?

[Geo-TH,In]

My terramite has a 20 HP Kohler command with hydraulic lifters, over 2000+ hours. For some reason after it sits for weeks it only starts on the right cylinder for about 10 seconds before the left cylinder kicks in . Both sparks are clean so i discount a spark issue, There is only one carb, so I discount a fuel issue because it runs fine after a few seconds. I'm guessing a valve issue. possibly a rusty valve stem or a hydraulic lifter problem. Do you have a 21 year old kohler command with a similar problem?
When I have time and it warms up. i will remove the valve cover and observe the valves to see if one valve Is stuck open. MY Jubilee exhaust valve stuck open. I sprayed wd40 on the valve stem and inside the cylinder and put the pushrod back in place. After running on 3 cylinders for about 10 seconds the valve broke loose and ran fine.

 

[560Dennis]

What do the spark plugs tips look like ? Same or different?

 

[Hobo,NC]

Now that those modules have some years on them they sometimes do crazy things.

Yes they do I have been beat up by them. As for noisy lifters after a long set I went back to what oil OEM called for the lifter noise went away. I do add some BG friction modifier (MOA) are a little STP.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

Update. I changed oil to 15w40 T4 diesel oil. Compression test 170 psi on both cylinders. I give it a shot of starter fluid and it fires on the first crack the last 2 days. I plan not to start it for a few days and see what happens. The engine is 21 years old and has 2167 hours .

 

[Mark-Mi]

I am coming for you George. No just kidding, I do not think I will ever catch you on hours. I have two Kohler Commands in zero turn mowers,
18 hp and 25 hp. The 18 has about 1700 hours and running good but is semi retired. Not getting many hours anymore.
The 25 I feel will never make that many hours, has about 1000. The 25 is working hard for a living pushing a 72 inch deck.
Both have only had 15w40 diesel oil since new. Rottela or Delo.

 

[Powered By IH]

My terramite has a 20 HP Kohler command with hydraulic lifters, over 2000+ hours. For some reason after it sits for weeks it only starts on the right cylinder for about 10 seconds before the left cylinder kicks in . Both sparks are clean so i discount a spark issue, There is only one carb, so I discount a fuel issue because it runs fine after a few seconds. I'm guessing a valve issue. possibly a rusty valve stem or a hydraulic lifter problem. Do you have a 21 year old kohler command with a similar problem?
When I have time and it warms up. i will remove the valve cover and observe the valves to see if one valve Is stuck open. MY Jubilee exhaust valve stuck open. I sprayed wd40 on the valve stem and inside the cylinder and put the pushrod back in place. After running on 3 cylinders for about 10 seconds the valve broke loose and ran fine.

@Geo-TH,In Any update?

 

[Mule Meat]

@Geo-TH,In Any update?

George suffered a stroke a while back. He took some time off from the boards to work on improving his health..

I know I ride him pretty hard. But I like the ole guy and wish him and his family the best. He's a tough old cob and I hope he is doing well. I miss him posting.

 

[Powered By IH]

George suffered a stroke a while back. He took some time off from the boards to work on improving his health..

I know I ride him pretty hard. But I like the ole guy and wish him and his family the best. He's a tough old cob and I hope he is doing well. I miss him posting.

Sorry I didn't realize that, thanks for letting me know.

Best wishes to him and hope he gets better.