I own a John Deere L110 Automatic with the Kohler 17.5 HP OHV engine. Here's what's going on. It started only a few days ago. I was mowing when suddenly my engine started to slow, then regain full throttle running speed. This continued to happen every few seconds in interval. (3-5 seconds) I then decided to stop mowing and see what was wrong. When I shut it off the engine backfired. I have changed the oil, oil filter, cleaned and replaced the air fliters and replaced the plug (Yes It's gapped correctly) It's NEVER done that before! I called my loacl J/D dealer store and they suggested I remove and clean the carb with gunk carb cleaner and blow out the ports in the carb to make sure they were not clogged. After doing so and reassembling the carb onto my engine, I started it up and now it's bowing smoke on startup?? It has also NEVER done that before either! Anyone have any helpful insight? Oh and one more thing! How do I remove the carb bowl to empty and clean it? I tried twisting pulling, and it doesn't want to come apart from the bottom of the carb?? LOLZ! Sheesh!

KreiosK.
Frustrated in California.

There should be a round solenoid screwed into the bottom of the bowl that has to be removed and the bowl will slip off. If you have varnish in the bowl you will also need to remove the carb. And clean it. Cleaning it is not an easy task. In the bottom of the carb is a very small shaft. This shaft has many tiny holes that allow the fuel to enter the shaft. These are what get stopped up. Simply blowing air into the shaft will not remove the varnish. I soaked my carb for 2 hours and it still will not work. Dealer said typically the carb has to be replaced because the design does not really allow for it to be serviced. If I am wrong and someone can tell me how to remove the shaft I would love to hear it.

" After doing so and reassembling "How did you clean out the ports if you still can't drop the bowl? Dealers who tell you the carb can't be cleaned just like to sell new carbs. Repair Kits : Kohler Engines and Kohler Engine Parts Store, Genuine Kohler Engine Parts (http://www.kohler-engine-parts.opeengines.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=165_176)

Once you unscrew the solenoid the bowl will slide off, just oull straight down. Be careful so the plastic thing inside does not come loose or you will loose the pin and jet