Cub Cadet XT1 Mower woes? Easy fix for hard starting Kohler 7000 engines

Are you tired of struggling to start your Cub Cadet mower, or other equipment that uses a Kohler 7000 series engine? Try this simple adjustment to fix this issue. This adjustment involves checking the choke actuator, which can become out of spec over time preventing the choke from engaging.

Time for your seasonal tune up? Here are OEM tune up parts:
Kohler 7000 Series Maintenance Kit 32-789-02-S

Production equipment I use or recommend:

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[Barry-Watson]

I hope this simple adjustment saves you from an expensive repair visit.

THANK YOU to those who have offered Super Thanks donations!

[Tex_Oil]

I thought my problem couldn't have been as easy as this but it was! You're video is pure gold. Now my mower starts like new. Thank you!

[VanGoghs_LeftEar]

Oh my gosh! After new spark plug, fuse, oil and gas, THIS is what the actual problem was! Thank you so much for this very insightful and well explained solution. Really, really appreciate it! Thought this was going to be an expensive trip to a repair shop.

[alanharper]

This guy is great at explaining. No fluff. Love that! Got my issue fixed.

[lasamples]

You were right. Easy fix. Thank you very much.

[jimjohnston]

Unbelievable!!! I have been having this problem all summer! Spent all morning cleaning spark plugs, checking fuel filter, cleaning air filter, draining the battery trying to start...figured i was going to have to send it to the shop for a carburetor issue then I found your video! Amazing simple fix...running like a champ in 5 minutes! Thank you!!!

[DanEvans-ybwk]

Mine wouldn't start after a cold winter's storage. Finally, I discovered that it was a dead or dying battery, so I charged it up. It runs now, but the revs are a little low. After seeing your presentation, I'm going to adjust the throttle cable. I have 36 years experience teaching high school English behind me. Your ability to express an idea and communicate quite well in general is as good as any I witnessed in any classroom. Thank you, kind sir.

[richardstone]

I have a 2015 XT-1 with hundreds of hours on it and it runs great! I mow over 2 acres once or more a week.

[mrvoyagerm]

Extremely well articulated solution that everyone will understand. Thanks so much for this.

[softshoes]

Finally, I have been dealing with a long crank in summer and a no start in winter & the solution was so easy. Thank you

[danhall]

Barry, you are awesome! I've been through multiple carburetors, fuel pumps, and spent hundreds in repair bills and this solved it immediately. Thank you! Thank you!

[wmueller]

Wow! After a couple of hours diagnosing my no start problem I saw your you tube. Just as you described the throttle adjustment did not truly close the choke. I made the adjustment you suggested and after 3 seconds of cranking it fired right off! Never noticed any problem during the summer time but we are about 45F today and apparently that adjustment is critical in colder weather. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!

[TimothyKincaid]

Same issue here since delivery. The throttle cable was let out all the way to the lever. I had a feeling the choke wasn’t engaging based on the engine not running “rough” with the choke engaged. Thanks for the walk thru.

[RandallArmentrout]

Best advice I have found. Had the same problem. Video shows where the springs go and the movement of the throttle contraption. When the ignition switch arrives I will double check settings and cross my fingers. I'm sure it will come back to life

[airhammerdan]

Excellent video, this was exactly my problem on a brand new unit that only ran 2-3 times before. You could see the choke plate wasnt closing more than about ⅓ under the air filter.

[johnterribilini]

Thank you SOOOO much for the great video! This fixed my ZT1 in 5 minutes. It used to crank for nearly 1 full minute before turning over (if it did turn over at all). Now it fires right up! Much

[trekdude]

Great video. Dissapointed mine wouldnt start after a full tune up and this was the issue. Thank you!

[Melissa-tz]

This was an awesome video! Very well explained. Even though we are mechanical people it is been frustrating trying to figure out why it doesn't cold start and this definitely fixed the problem. Thank you so much for your video

[hhiep]

It work at first strike, I suffered with it for years. Thank you very much

[fishacura]

I was about to buy a new starter motor. I'm going to try this today. WOW Thank you for the tip!