We got a comment on our video Cub Cadet XT1 50 Hour Review
This article is a response to a comment we had on our video. We had no idea what the current spec was for this, so before we could comment, we felt we had to call Kohler to get the manufacturer’s feedback. The comment was:
“First off people don’t shut off your machine at or close to a full-throttle…EVER….great way to bend a push rod……lil info passed on to me by a mower mechanic” Comment by jponyboyace.
We Appreciate Comments
We really want to thank jponyboyace for his comment on our Cub Cadet XT1 Video and everyone who posts comments on our videos. The Chicken Poop takes all comments very seriously.
We did find out that this information is no longer correct and want to explain why it has changed
EPA Changes
The Kohler rep said that approximately 20 years ago, the EPA started changing the pollution requirements on these small engines. The carburetors were redesigned to minimize the backfire problems that were occurring after shutdown.
Kohler added a fuel shutoff solenoid that kicks in at ¾ to full throttle when the machine is shutoff. The fuel shutoff solenoid is only activated at ¾ to full throttle. This will cut off fuel to the carburetor to help prevent backfires. It will also prevent fuel vapors from getting into the muffler and blowing out the baffles.
As per the Kohler tech dept, occasional backfire may occur if the engine is shutoff at reduced throttle but overall should not affect the engine one way or the other.
All Lawn Mower Brands
I called my local small engine dealer repair shop to see if this true across the board for all brands of ride-on lawnmowers and they verified the information.
Engine Cleaning Hints
The Kohler rep and I discussed a few other things. He told me that mowers should not be cleaned while they are hot. When engines are hot they are more susceptible to oxidation and corrosion. Because of increased corrosion, it can affect the electrical grounding. Only clean the engine and mower deck when it is cold.
Air Filter Cleaning
The last point that the Kohler rep and I discussed, on protecting your Cub Cadet XT1 and other engines, is about keeping your air filter clean by removing the foam, washing it, then bang the filter on the ground to loosen the dirt and use a shop vacuum to clean it. Using an air compressor can blow small holes into the filter paper and drastically reduce the life of your engine.
So again, comments are helpful when it gives us all an opportunity to reach out to the experts and learn something new. We appreciate you watching our videos and all your comments.