Amazing video. Your voice is clear, your step by step troubleshooting is clear and concise and the video clearly shows all the parts you are talking about. It's great taht you show how to get all the brackets out of the way so I can see the carb and linkages. This is the only video that I could find that describes the the Kohler SmartChoke. (Which clearly isn't as smart as Kohler claims.) Thank you so much. Ernest J Thebo Keizer, Oregon
I wish you would have done this video a year ago when I was having trouble, ha! I had the same issue with the air vane and replaced it to good effect. I also installed the green choke link later but I didn't notice any difference but the new air vane definitely fixed my issue. FYI- Kohler recently made a kit to delete the oil sensor from the "Smart choke" system as apparently that was an ongoing issue too. Great video. Cheers.
Would be good information to have! Probably just takes the sensor out of the loop by jumping the positive side to the side that goes to the thermostat. Only problem at that point would be soon as the key was turned on the "thermostat" would be receiving power...shouldn't be an issue in most cases but could cause problems in certain situations
Thank you for the lesson!! Life saver my connection rod came off of the wind van that. Objects to the choke I could not figure out where it connected to but I just seen in your video. Thank you so much man you save me a lot of aggravation. I’ve been very frustrated. Trying to figure this out but all is well now thanks again man I’ll be looking forward to your next video.
I have a 2015 Gravely ZT42 with this engine. It has been trouble free until the end of last summer. It always cold starts and runs fine until you shut it off. Sometimes it will run when you start it again, but it usually does this. My valves are adjusted and within spec.
@@IndRepair thank you for the reply. It's worse now. It won't even idle unless I grabb the smart choke flap thing and open it all the way up. I'm bypassing the oil pressure switch tomorrow and if thats not it I guess its the thermostat.
@@IndRepair I did not. I just replaced the thermostat, bracket and wind vein and it runs exactly the same. It will fire up and idle, but once you give it gas, you have to manually move the vein away from the flywheel or the motor starts missing real bad with black smoke. Move the vein and it will run wide open throttle. Release the vein and down throttle and it will idle.
Aggravated with my craftsman replaced the fuel pump. It will only stay on when full choke. Now even on full choke it’s dying. I’m a lady I pretty mechanical if I learn how to do something I hope it’s not the carb. Idk how to do anything with a carburetor. Any suggestions YT 4000 , craftsman. 24 HP
It sounds like you maybe have some bad fuel of a plugged up carburetor. I would see if you can start it by spraying a little carburetor cleaner or starting fluid in the intake and if it stays running long as you are spraying it then at least you know it is a fuel related issue. If it doesn't stay running with this test we next would check spark and compression
Same thing happened to mine the idle was so high I could not figure out what the heck was going on. I took everything apart. I’m putting it back together now. Everything is connected correctly. Fingers crossed when I start it up. It runs normal.
Throw the electric choke assembly in the trash. Bend the rod on the wind vane choke just a bit so the choke is almost completely closed when the wind vane is relaxed and fully open when the vane is moved away from the flywheel. It works great without the smart choke crap. I’ve done this to 15 or so of these Kohler engines.
Would bending the rod bypass the function of the thermostat? I have narrowed my problem down to either that rod or thermostat. I noticed when it’s running and hot the choke isn’t open completely.
@wcjcnc. I'm having the same problem. I can totally agree with you on this! But keep the bracket for spacing. You may also notice that there are 2 mounting positions on the choke thermostat unit housing bracket. So technically, there is adjustment available, but it might be dramatic. Please let me know. Thx! KT735-3078 engine.
Got 3 of them setting around shop with carb and top of engine burned off, 2 owners said it was smelling before the engine when up in flames and had been running bad before fire Need a lot of parts to fix them 😢
I had trouble after changing my carb. It was running rough and rich blowing black smoke at hight throttle. By watching this I noticed my choke linkage was in the wrong place on the choke end. I had it in a round hole when it was supposed to be in the arched slot right behind the hole I had it in. Been trying to figure it out for 2 weeks and was gonna bring it to a shop this afternoon, just happened to notice the placement in the background while he was looking at the service bulletin. Moral of the story, Take pictures before you disassemble!!!
I am working on my nieces mower now and it has the same problem. I have ordered a new air vane. Could you please tell me what fixed the issue with this mower.
What is the part number for the autochoke? I guess the thermostat part. I'm fairly certain that's what is wrong with mine. Runs about 10-15 minutes and starts bogging down until it dies.
I would look at the carburetor first, it is sounding like your mower runs ok until the choke opens all the way and then starts having issues. A gummed up carburetor or inferior quality fuel would be the most likely culprits. Thanks for watching!
The air vane is what you might call a choke pull-off or choke break. Something has to open the choke a certain amount as soon as the engine catches and starts running while the electrical heating element does it's thing.
I understand what it does and that this has to happen in a system like this but the better question is why? You can't tell me that leaving a choke on for two minutes even one third of the way emits less than using a manual choke and removing it immediately after starting. The system was made for mass profits by a global company in pursuit of money and not for any other practical reason. Thanks for watching!
@@IndRepair I already put in a brand new OEM carb, new fuel filter, new air filter , new spark plugs and put in brand new gas. The surging stopped for a few mows but now it’s back when the PTO is engaged.
My Husqvarna has a Koehler 7000 series engine. It’s been very reliable for me with 495 hrs and no engine issues. I have fuel under my air filter. When I crank it up the fuel leaves . It acts like it is out of gas when it is not. Any ideas? Thanks.
I have a Kohler 7000/ KT735 -3092/ 24hp… it doesn’t have any wind vain or thermostat. I adjusted the choke by pulling on the cable. I haven’t tried it yet but it does not seem to change the butterfly for low power when I operate the lever. Am I missing something?
Is the choke rod on the carburetor itself froze or is the linkage holding it closed? If the cable or linkage is holding it simply removing the cable or linkage will remedy the problem. They are many times the plastic of the choke shaft is seized to the aluminum and may need cleaned up to freely move in the slots. Check both areas to free it up
Got it, as MICROSOFT messages often say. I've looked half the day to find where to order a repair manual for my KOHLER 26hp model# SV735, Type# 0016. Can you help me find where I can order one? Any help would be appreciated.
Many thanks for your reply. First, I ask for help finding the repair manual. Now, I'm back again for some more help. You mentioned a PDF file that might help me. Could you please let me know where I can find that file. Thanks again for your help.@@IndRepair
I'm having trouble. It will start and run. When you turn it off and go to restart it will not start. You have to wait until it cools down. If you try to start it again it just smells like raw gas. Any suggestions on what it is?
@@IndRepair I have checked compression. Check spark plugs in spark tester where is my finger did a tune-up on it about a month ago. Went back with OEM parts
This is true! No good way to do it on this set up that I can see off top of my head but anything is possibly with some thought and a problem. Thanks for watching!
I have a 42 inch cut Craftsman rider same Kohler engine 22 HP 7000 series came with a manual choke, glad I have it. Good motor for me , so far just change the oil and filter once a year. grease it up . Been a good motor to me.
Amazing video. Your voice is clear, your step by step troubleshooting is clear and concise and the video clearly shows all the parts you are talking about. It's great taht you show how to get all the brackets out of the way so I can see the carb and linkages. This is the only video that I could find that describes the the Kohler SmartChoke. (Which clearly isn't as smart as Kohler claims.)
Thank you so much.
Ernest J Thebo
Keizer, Oregon
I also appreciate your kind words of support!
I wish you would have done this video a year ago when I was having trouble, ha! I had the same issue with the air vane and replaced it to good effect. I also installed the green choke link later but I didn't notice any difference but the new air vane definitely fixed my issue. FYI- Kohler recently made a kit to delete the oil sensor from the "Smart choke" system as apparently that was an ongoing issue too. Great video. Cheers.
As I have one of these mowers, I would be interested in more information about the oil sensor delete.
Who would have thought routing the power through an oil pressure switch to control a "thermostat" would cause problems? Ha! Thanks for watching!
Would be good information to have! Probably just takes the sensor out of the loop by jumping the positive side to the side that goes to the thermostat. Only problem at that point would be soon as the key was turned on the "thermostat" would be receiving power...shouldn't be an issue in most cases but could cause problems in certain situations
THANK YOU!!! For showing how that all works!!
Glad to help. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for the lesson!! Life saver my connection rod came off of the wind van that. Objects to the choke I could not figure out where it connected to but I just seen in your video. Thank you so much man you save me a lot of aggravation. I’ve been very frustrated. Trying to figure this out but all is well now thanks again man I’ll be looking forward to your next video.
Glad to help! Thanks for watching!
Thanks!
I appreciate that!
Good video. I like the detailed instruction. Thankyou Sir.
Thanks for watching!
I have a 2015 Gravely ZT42 with this engine. It has been trouble free until the end of last summer. It always cold starts and runs fine until you shut it off. Sometimes it will run when you start it again, but it usually does this. My valves are adjusted and within spec.
Sounds like the smart choke issue for sure!
@@IndRepair thank you for the reply. It's worse now. It won't even idle unless I grabb the smart choke flap thing and open it all the way up. I'm bypassing the oil pressure switch tomorrow and if thats not it I guess its the thermostat.
Did you get it fixed up?
@@IndRepair I did not. I just replaced the thermostat, bracket and wind vein and it runs exactly the same. It will fire up and idle, but once you give it gas, you have to manually move the vein away from the flywheel or the motor starts missing real bad with black smoke. Move the vein and it will run wide open throttle. Release the vein and down throttle and it will idle.
Did you go with the original or the conversion kit shown?
Aggravated with my craftsman replaced the fuel pump. It will only stay on when full choke. Now even on full choke it’s dying. I’m a lady I pretty mechanical if I learn how to do something I hope it’s not the carb. Idk how to do anything with a carburetor. Any suggestions YT 4000 , craftsman. 24 HP
It sounds like you maybe have some bad fuel of a plugged up carburetor. I would see if you can start it by spraying a little carburetor cleaner or starting fluid in the intake and if it stays running long as you are spraying it then at least you know it is a fuel related issue. If it doesn't stay running with this test we next would check spark and compression
Any parts numbers on an updated linkage rod that feeds from the vane to carb ?
Use Kohler 32 079 08-s choke linkage if there is no binding or other issue found and the idle speed is set fast enough ( amzn.to/4cJ9UzR )
What would cause one to surge? Idle real high and sound like it might explode?
An air leak between the carburetor and block, throttle plate screw coming out, governor out of adjustment/flew apart or a stuck throttle/linkage
Same thing happened to mine the idle was so high I could not figure out what the heck was going on. I took everything apart. I’m putting it back together now. Everything is connected correctly. Fingers crossed when I start it up. It runs normal.
@@deanspavingexcavating2435 what was the outcome? I am having the same issue.
Throw the electric choke assembly in the trash. Bend the rod on the wind vane choke just a bit so the choke is almost completely closed when the wind vane is relaxed and fully open when the vane is moved away from the flywheel. It works great without the smart choke crap. I’ve done this to 15 or so of these Kohler engines.
Seems like it could work well! No issues with hard starting once the machine is hot?
Would bending the rod bypass the function of the thermostat? I have narrowed my problem down to either that rod or thermostat. I noticed when it’s running and hot the choke isn’t open completely.
@@JAU-pg9ct The choke linkage in the description is a little longer than the original, may be what you need
@wcjcnc. I'm having the same problem. I can totally agree with you on this! But keep the bracket for spacing. You may also notice that there are 2 mounting positions on the choke thermostat unit housing bracket. So technically, there is adjustment available, but it might be dramatic. Please let me know. Thx! KT735-3078 engine.
Got 3 of them setting around shop with carb and top of engine burned off, 2 owners said it was smelling before the engine when up in flames and had been running bad before fire
Need a lot of parts to fix them 😢
Wow
I had trouble after changing my carb. It was running rough and rich blowing black smoke at hight throttle. By watching this I noticed my choke linkage was in the wrong place on the choke end. I had it in a round hole when it was supposed to be in the arched slot right behind the hole I had it in. Been trying to figure it out for 2 weeks and was gonna bring it to a shop this afternoon, just happened to notice the placement in the background while he was looking at the service bulletin. Moral of the story, Take pictures before you disassemble!!!
Definitely a great way to make sure it goes back together right!
I am working on my nieces mower now and it has the same problem. I have ordered a new air vane. Could you please tell me what fixed the issue with this mower.
The trouble kit shown in the video fixed it
@@IndRepair The air vane kit?
@ironhead782 yes
What is the part number for the autochoke? I guess the thermostat part. I'm fairly certain that's what is wrong with mine. Runs about 10-15 minutes and starts bogging down until it dies.
I would look at the carburetor first, it is sounding like your mower runs ok until the choke opens all the way and then starts having issues. A gummed up carburetor or inferior quality fuel would be the most likely culprits. Thanks for watching!
The air vane is what you might call a choke pull-off or choke break. Something has to open the choke a certain amount as soon as the engine catches and starts running while the electrical heating element does it's thing.
I understand what it does and that this has to happen in a system like this but the better question is why? You can't tell me that leaving a choke on for two minutes even one third of the way emits less than using a manual choke and removing it immediately after starting. The system was made for mass profits by a global company in pursuit of money and not for any other practical reason. Thanks for watching!
Do you have a link to the page you used to buy a new smart choke?
There are links in the description to the air vayne and linkages. Do you need the thermostat also?
Would this issue affect surging when the PTO is engaged?
Yes but that is normally a carburetor issue being gummed up or bad/stale fuel
@@IndRepair I already put in a brand new OEM carb, new fuel filter, new air filter , new spark plugs and put in brand new gas. The surging stopped for a few mows but now it’s back when the PTO is engaged.
I would say debris or water in the carburetor since it stopped and started again. Remove the solenoid and drain the fuel
My Husqvarna has a Koehler 7000 series engine. It’s been very reliable for me with 495 hrs and no engine issues. I have fuel under my air filter. When I crank it up the fuel leaves . It acts like it is out of gas when it is not. Any ideas? Thanks.
Check oil for gas smell. Likely a carburetor or fuel solenoid issue
@@IndRepair thank you.👍
I have a Kohler 7000/ KT735 -3092/ 24hp… it doesn’t have any wind vain or thermostat. I adjusted the choke by pulling on the cable. I haven’t tried it yet but it does not seem to change the butterfly for low power when I operate the lever.
Am I missing something?
When the choke is pulled out (if manual) look at the likages at the carburetor and make sure they are moving all the way
@@IndRepair
It’s an all in one system. Lever all the way forward is choke. About halfway back is high. All the way down is slow.
I was going to send a picture of it but didn’t see a way to do that
@@jamespeppard9162 Probably just needs pulled a little tighter. You should be able to see the linkage actuate when it is fully in the choke position
I have a Kohler 7000 KT725. The choke is stuck closed and will not budge. Any suggestions?
Is the choke rod on the carburetor itself froze or is the linkage holding it closed? If the cable or linkage is holding it simply removing the cable or linkage will remedy the problem. They are many times the plastic of the choke shaft is seized to the aluminum and may need cleaned up to freely move in the slots. Check both areas to free it up
Got it, as MICROSOFT messages often say. I've looked half the day to find where to order a repair manual for my KOHLER 26hp model# SV735, Type# 0016. Can you help me find where I can order one? Any help would be appreciated.
Try here, scroll down to your model www.kohler-engine-parts.opeengines.com/index.php?main_page=document_general_info&products_id=34596
Not sure you can order it there but you could send the PDF to any copy/print place and have them print for you
Many thanks for your reply. First, I ask for help finding the repair manual. Now, I'm back again for some more help. You mentioned a PDF file that might help me. Could you please let me know where I can find that file. Thanks again for your help.@@IndRepair
www.kohler-engine-parts.opeengines.com/pub/SM_3269001_SV710_SV715_SV720_SV725_SV730_SV735_SV740_SV810_SV820_SV830_SV840_REVISED_7_14G.pdf should do it
I'm having trouble. It will start and run. When you turn it off and go to restart it will not start. You have to wait until it cools down. If you try to start it again it just smells like raw gas. Any suggestions on what it is?
I would check the spark, a likely coil issue. Could also be a blown head gasket
@@IndRepair I have checked compression. Check spark plugs in spark tester where is my finger did a tune-up on it about a month ago. Went back with OEM parts
@@IndRepair thank you sir. I really do appreciate it. If you wasn't so far away I would be bringing it to you.
@@TimTurner115 I would run a compression test on both cylinders
“Smart choke” - two words that go together like “government intelligence.”
Did the wind vane alone take care of it?
Will be here today but it always takes care of it. At least in every one I have done. Parts for this are really cheap at least
It sure did take care of it, sorry forgot to respond after finished
@@IndRepair thanks!
I was mad that my mower claims to have it but doesnt, now i know why they removed it lol
Haha!!
That thing was popping like an old John Deere farm tractor lol
I love those old hit and misses!
The sizes of the things you need for it I never have 🤯lol gotta get new tools
It is hard sometimes to have everything you need at least where you need it for doing something like this
As the consumer continues to get dumber and dumber engineering seems to be regressing right along with them !!!
It sure does! Thanks for watching!
KOHLER has lost their mind! Oh for the days of Kohler single cylinder, dependable engines.
They did a while ago but in the pursuit of money comes craziness! Thanks for watching!
Can’t beat a manual chock
All this crap just cost you money and time
Remove it and install manual cable
This is true! No good way to do it on this set up that I can see off top of my head but anything is possibly with some thought and a problem. Thanks for watching!
I have a 42 inch cut Craftsman rider same Kohler engine 22 HP 7000 series came with a manual choke, glad I have it. Good motor for me , so far just change the oil and filter once a year. grease it up . Been a good motor to me.
Over engineered. My saying is it was designed by a fresh out of college engineer that has never touched a wrench lol
Seems like a lot of them are listened to because it cuts costs