Gas in engine oil? Help please

[jjg]

I think I have a problem with one of my engines.
I have a 72" twin with 2 20hp Kolher CV 20'S
I noticed the last time I used it that I was burning oil
Smoke was coming out of the exhaust.
I checked the dipstick and it was high but not much over max.
I thought I may have just overfilled it the previos time I used it so I drained the ouil and refilled it.
After running about 15 mins it started smoking again.
The oil was high on the dipstick again.
So it definitely wasnt overfilled.
I believe it is getting fuel in the oil but it wont burn if I try to light it
Maybe mixed to well with the synthetic oil?

Im thinking I should tear the entire engine down and rebuild it to make sure that it didnt do any damage.

Ive got a couple questions.
First where would I get a rebuild kit for the engine?
Also any ideas what I should look at that would have caused the problem?
I dont want to tear it down only to have the problem come back and have to do it again.
I think it may have backfired when I came off the seat.
I bent a pushrod a few years ago in the other engine when it backfired but it backfired much harder.
The other engine wouldnt start with the bent pushrod. This time it still runs seems to be fine other than the smoking.

Is a bent pushrod a good suspect to dump fuel into the oil?

Thanks
John

[DC Service]

Gas in the oil can be caused by a bad fuel pump or carb.I wouldn't rebuild an engine without testing cylinder leakdown,or measuring surfaces,unless you have a lot of hours on the engine,or a loss of power.You may be better off replacing it with a new one with a warranty.

[jjg]

It doesnt have a lot of hrs on it Ive had it about 5 years and only cut my own lawn about 3 acres and usually only about half a dozen times a year if it doesnt get to high. So I really dont want to give up on the engine it still looks brand new. Plus theres no way I can afford to replace it.

Power seems fine.
Carb is something else I suspected.
But how do you check if a carb is dumping fuel?and the pump?

Would you tear it down after the cause is found?

Could it be possible Im still under warranty? Bought it May/June 2004 it was a demo

[jjg]

The mower has 288hrs on it
150 hrs since I bought it.
So I definitely want to fix the motor.

Thinking about switching the carb from the good motor to see if it dumps fuel.
But concerned it would do more damage if anything is wrong internally with it.

[DC Service]

Personally, I would have a qualified Kohler service tech troubleshoot your problem.They have the training and support from the factory to properly diagnose and repair your engine. Your engine warranty was only good for 2 years,but due to the low hours, Kohler may consider a policy adjustment.

[jjg]

Ive been thinking of calling the dealer amd running it by him
Just not sure I can afford it right now

Im actually not to impressed with these engines they seem to be very touchy
Theyre very expensive for each time Ive had a problem for the problem to possibly so fatal
Ive had a problem with both engines and a 3rd and 4th also on 2 John Deere tractors

I definitly need to do something about the backfiring my other problem with a bent pushrod was caused by backfiring

[jjg]

Dont you think it should be torn down after finding the cause?
I dont want to fix the cause and then stick a rod thru the side next summer.

[DC Service]

I think you should have your dealer inspect the engine.No one can forsee an engine failure from ANY brand of engine,but proper maint can lessen your chances of that happening. Also keep detailed records of any maint & repairs on your unit.

[Mowforcash]

I had the same issues with my 20hp. kohler. It was the carb. I put a brand new carb in it and it's fine.

[jjg]

Arent you worried that you did some damage to the engine with the gas running thru the crankcase?

[dixieseller]

this is the fuel we are getting today! and the EPA wants to add another 5 percent ! rebuild the carb, change the oil and filter. It should be fine

[jjg]

this is the fuel we are getting today! and the EPA wants to add another 5 percent !

What do you mean by this?

[dixieseller]

ETHANOL in our fuel, EPA is being asked to increase it from 10% to 15%. the 10% is eating up plastic and rubber components in the fuel systems

[jjg]

So you think the fuel screwed up the carb?
or something in the fuel system, then the carb?


Are you the guy from BURKHEIMER EQUIPMENT?
I'd like to see about getting a set of oil filters for the mower
I think there are 3 for each engine and the fuel filter

[dixieseller]

Yes rubber manufacters are trying to devolop rubber and plastic compounds to that will withstand the 10% ethanol we are now useing.
most string trimmers I see in the spring are so bad(and snowthrowers now) all we can do is replace the carbs! your twin engine Dixie should have a black fuel filter- water separator- 97392(may have two) and a Kohler Fuel filter near each carb, newest Kohler part 24 050 13-S I stock these.

[jjg]

Well I talked to my Kohler dealer he also suggested the carb
I took it apart and showed it to him all looked good no wear on the needle cleaned it up real good but didnt see any dirt.
Most of the dirt was on the outside and carryover inside from that.
Took my fuel lines off to change the filters and it looks like the fuel line in between the carb and pump was peeling inside
Gonna replace the fuel lines tommorrow and see what I have try to run it.

[jjg]

Well I got it running today.
Seems to be ok ran it about 1/2 hr
Need to run it a few hrs to make sure Im not getting any fuel in the oil anymore.
Keeping my fingers crossed.

[TYCInc.]

every time this has happened to me, the electric solenoiud has gone bad in the carb. . . stays open and foods. . .