Help, Hustler Super Z dies after running a while

27133 Views 11 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Austen, Nov 7, 2011

m1009

Discussion Starter · Oct 15, 2011

We have a Hustler SuperZ, bought new in Nov 2007- 30h Kohler air cooled engine, 60 in deck. Never had a problem with it until recently. Started dying after mowing just long enough to get hot. Then it just dies completely and can't restart until it cools off. Hubby replaced the fuel pump, and re-ran the fuel line as he saw the original had started cracking. Same problem. Filters are good, he had changed them too. Finally took it to dealer, and they are stumped. We're thinking there's a vapor lock maybe, like the carb is starved for gas- dealer thinks so too, but can't find where. They have even ran a seperate fuel source to rule out the tanks on the mower, and it still dies after getting warm. Supposedly they have been talking to both Hustler and Kohler, but it's been there since late Monday of this past week and no solution yet.
Anybody have any ideas? I'm disappointed, as we researched Hustler and they had a high approval on their mowers. Matter of fact, the neighbor has one, but it's water cooled,- his is running great and his is one year older. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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Austen

· #2 · Oct 15, 2011

Welcome to MLMF!

It almost sounds like it's loosing spark. You can get sparkplug testers that clip on to the end of the plug that will tell you what's happening spark wise.

It sounds like you've ruled out quite a bit already, so that is where I would proceed to next.

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kenbangerter

· #3 · Oct 15, 2011

My neighbor had a similar problem, it turned out the gas cap vent was plugged and the fuel pump couldn't overcome the developed vacuum.

It's possible the ignition coil fails when it gets good and hot. Hook up a timing light so you can see it while owing. See if it goes out when the engine dies. I use an old neon timing light that connects to the plug wire and the plug. Newer ones will work, too. The neon timing light was the best way to test for fuel or ignition problems when i had a large automotive repair shop, in the days before computer controlls and the obd connector.

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m1009

Discussion Starter · #4 · Oct 16, 2011

RE: dying Hustler

Thank you both, Austen and kenbangerter: appreciate both your replies. The dealer has checked the spark issue- they had a spark tester hooked up to the mower when it was acting up and it had good spark. Also, they tried putting different gas caps on and that did not solve the problem- it still died once it got hot. They also used a different gas tank and gravity fed to the pump, still messes up. They think it is a vapor lock issue. Will keep you posted, thanks!

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Mark / Ohio

· #5 · Oct 16, 2011

The vapor lock theory though begs the question what has changed since 2007 that now it does it but before it did not? Could the engine be running hotter? Plugged cooling fins?

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m1009

Discussion Starter · #6 · Oct 16, 2011

RE:Hustler

Cooling fins have been checked before letting the dealer have it to check. That is our problem; we tried to figure all aspects out ourselves before letting the dealer take it back. It's still there and they are still scratching their heads over it.

We can't understand it either...ran great most of this summer too, until the last 2 weeks when it started dying. I really like this mower, does a wonderful job. I'm hoping they can find the problem before it costs us a fortune.

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Mark / Ohio

· #7 · Oct 18, 2011

The only other thing I can come up with that's not fuel or ignition related would be something going on with the valves. But I'm guessing that engine would have Kohler's hydraulic lifters so they would be self adjusting at least to a point if it's holding good oil pressure when hot.

Keep us posted what you find out. If nothing else you can take comfort in that it is also giving the pros at the shop and manufactures a run for their money as well.

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m1009

Discussion Starter · #8 · Oct 19, 2011

Thanks, Mark

Hubby is going to stop there after work today...we're getting a little peeved at the lack of progress and no info from them so far. If they still don''t know anything I'm going to try to contact Hustler myself. You'd think they'd exhaust all possibilities on this. Will keep you posted on any results.

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Austen

· #9 · Oct 19, 2011

m1009 said:
Hubby is going to stop there after work today...we're getting a little peeved at the lack of progress and no info from them so far. If they still don''t know anything I'm going to try to contact Hustler myself. You'd think they'd exhaust all possibilities on this. Will keep you posted on any results.

Good luck and keep us updated!

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m1009

Discussion Starter · #10 · Oct 20, 2011

Hustler Super Z dying update:

Well, they have finally come to the conclusion that the carburetor must have sucked up something - hubby had run one tank dry before switching to the other tank. (which we've done before without problems) they have installed another carb but can't test it out fully until it stops pouring rain. Hopefully they can check it out by Saturday. I thought it had something to do with the carb, initially, but they had not been sure at that time. Will let you all know if that solves it! Thanks!

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m1009

Discussion Starter · #11 · Nov 6, 2011

Update : FIXED!!

Turns out the carb was bad- they had a spare in the shop and installed it- also replaced the starter as that was going bad too- had to wait for the weather to turn nice before they could do a good test run and mow to make sure it solved the problem- ran like a champ! So, hopefully all will be well for more years, and thanks for all the people who tried to help!

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Austen

· #12 · Nov 7, 2011

Congrats!! That is great to hear!

Glad things got sorted out.

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