OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Four Stroke Lawn Mower Frames John Deere (Kohler) hard starting

I've been working on a JD mower with a CV13 Kohler Command engine on and off for quite some time. The problem with this mower is that it is hard to start when cold. Starting sequence is choke for 10-15 seconds then slide the throttle to idle position and it will start, then peter off. Same scenario 3-4 times and it will then take throttle. Carb has been "rebuilt" and intake gaskets replaced on both sides of the intake "spacer".
Today, the mower would only run at idle, any attempt to give it throttle would cause it to die. Traded carbs out with an identical mower (in for a blown head gasket) and still would not take any throttle. JD dealer has no clues on this problem.
Any ideas, suggestions, or comments out there??
Thanks

Paul,
Have you check the cylinder compression or had a look at the inlet & exhaust valve seats. It sounds like the inlet valve could be slightly damaged.

Let me know how you get on.

Regards,
Bruce

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Bruce,
It's got 128psi compression. I pulled the head this weekend and found the head gasket to be leaking, as well as the exhaust valve not sealing well. Come to find out the owner had tried to start it on ether, and the first start it (in his words) "exploded". Lapped the valves, and will try to get another head gasket today. Don't know if this will fix the old problem, but I feel it should at least let it take throttle again.

Bruce,
Got the head gasket installed today, and it actually starts and runs like it supposed to. I am sure the head gasket was the reason it would not run over idle speed, but the valve not seating right was probably the reason it would not start good when cold.

Thanks for the help