QuestionQUESTION: I have a JD LX176 mower that was mowing along just fine, and then quit as if you turned the key off. I used a test plug to determine it has spark. I pulled the shut off valve from the bottom of the carbuerator....it has power to it when it should, and pulls in when energized. Doing that drained the fuel from the carb. I could see fuel flow through the filter upon trying to start after checking the shut off. This mower has a 14HP K series motor, Code FC420V-AS10 E/NO FC420V143037. What else can I try?? Thanks for your reply!
ANSWER: Did you replace the spark plug? Is the fuel bad? I recommend fuel less than 30 days old.
If you have spark you can try to see if the engine will start by priming. I use a small squirt bottle filled with new fuel, and squirt fuel directly into the carburetor. You will need to remove the air filter so you can prime the engine.
If it starts then you know the igntion, compression and timing are fine. That only leave the fuel system.
When was the last time the valves were serviced?
Eric
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QUESTION: OK.... picked up a new plug, thought I'd just hold the old one against the block to check it for spark...nothing. Put the plug wire on a test plug, still nothing so no spark. coil maybe? I'll have to remove flywheel shroud and dig deeper now....
ANSWER: We find a couple of bad ignition modules (coil) once in a while but most of the time it is a safety switch that is preventing the spark.
Based on what you said I am assuming the starter is cranking/spinning the engine when the key is turned to the start position.
You engine should have some connections for the charging system, starter, and a couple of more, maybe for the carb and one for the engine shut-off. You can trace the wires by hand and just dis-connect the engine shut-off wire and re-check for spark. With the engine shut-off dis-connected and you have spark then the coil is fine...you have a safety switch problem. This is a quick test and you should not have to remove the top engine shroud to dis-connect the engine shut-off wire.
Eric
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QUESTION: I ended up removing the shroud...a couple of different wires went into there.... unhooked the only wire to the coil (besides the plug wire) and spun the engine and still no spark. Bad coil then?
I've had the mower 10 years and haven't touched the valves.... should they be serviced?
AnswerIt wouldn't hurt to check the valve clearance. Here is a link to the service manual:
http://www.mymowerparts.com/pdf/Kawasaki-Service-and-Repair-Manuals/
Does your engine have a seperate igniter? Take a look at this link:
http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=239105
Let me know if you have a seperate exciter.
Eric
