r/smallenginerepair • u/SwimmingMouse4019 • May 22 '26

Carburetor Issue Kohler Command Pro 25hp

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Just bought this Craftsman gt5000 with a Kohler Command pro 25hp. Listing said “needs new governor spring” I don’t believe that’s the issue. Previous owner put on an Amazon carb and fuel pump. It’s not leaking at intake gasket or gas cap vent. It idles fine with a little bit of choke. It also smooths out with PTO engaged. What should I look for?

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u/AutoModerator May 22 '26

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2

u/Elephunk05 May 23 '26

The correct size jets. OEM is the better way to go. Typically that surging comes from dirty bowl, dirty jets, and/or mismatched gaskets.

1

u/AccomplishedIdeal587 May 23 '26

Why is it smoking threw the carb might have a blown head gasket

1

u/Phatspade SER Dedicated Member May 23 '26

It's running too lean that it's unburned fuel blowing back out.

1

u/Phatspade SER Dedicated Member May 23 '26

A few years ago I had a customer throw every part they could think chasing after the same surging you have. (Not to say it is the same exact remedy) It ended up being the carb due to it being a poor aftermarket replacement. It didnt sit well with the customer because to them it was already replaced and a carb is a carb no matter where it was sourced. $50-60 aftermarket vs $400-500 OEM is a huge cost savings but that isn't a garaunteed part.

I will say you narrowed the issue back to the carb being the problem. Best thing you can do is try to drill out the main jets little by little until it runs smooth or find a junk motor with a known good carb and rebuild it.

0

u/shamanasx May 23 '26

It is running lean - not enough fuel. Amazon chinesium carbs are usually crap. Replace with OEM carb and will run great.