I have a Craftsman riding mower model 917.256552 with a Kohler engine model number CV15S.

The mower will not start unless you spray gas into the carburetor. It will run until that gas is consumed. If you continue to spray gas into the carburetor it will run only until that gas is consumed.
I have tried the following with no luck:
Pulled the carburetor, tore it apart, blew out the ports with an air compressor, cleaned the float/bowl/needle valve, reassembled/reinstalled. Blew out the gas line and filter (even bypassed the filter). Tried fresh gas. Removed the gas cap (saw that suggestion on another posted problem). Just purchased and installed a new Solenoid kit for the carburetor. STILL the same problem.

I had a spare Kohler 14 hp engine that I swapped the existing engine with to see if I could get it to start but oddly enough it is have the SAME issue! This leads me to believe that there may be something else wrong, other than fuel or spark problems. Or that I am missing something.

ANY suggestions? I am going nuts with this that I can't get it started!

Hi,
The "obvious" thing to suspect is the key switch not supplying voltage on the "L" circuit to open the solenoid. Check the blue wire for voltage in the On position. Schematic attached
Peace,
Clarke

Hi Clarke,

I tested for voltage to the solenoid with the key in the on position. There is voltage.
Thanks for that suggestion! Any other suggestions?

Hi,
It seems fairly obvious that it is related to the machine other than in the engine. Something is grounging out the ignition. The engine harness shows a multi-wire connector that includes the ignition ground. A way to try to track the problem would be to check the black wire there for resistance (I am bettting it has virtually none) and unplugging the various switches until the ground disappears.
Peace,
Clarke

Since it runs when you put gas in the carb it sound to me like it is in the fuel system. You say that there is current to the fuel solenoid. Is there a good ground? I believe there is a ground wire that screws onto the carb that goes to the engine to act as the ground for that solenoid. Make sure that there is a good ground there. You should be able to hear or feel that solenoid click when you turn the key to the on position.

Fixed!! Thank you Crigby and jsfocke!!

The solenoid that I replaced was bad but when I installed it I did not notice that the two electrical connectors were different sizes and thus were not securely connected. I replaced with the correct size and now everything works.
Thanks guys for your help in diagnosing this issue!!