Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Kawasaki fc540v-es15, blown head gasket, kawasaki engines

Question
QUESTION: Sir, I have a JD 265 rider that just received a replacement, used, Kawasaki FC540v.  Ran fine during winter, used for plowing. This spring everytime I us it, it will eventually smoke.  This happens primarily when going down a grade and motor is warmed up and doesn't matter if PTO is engaged or not.  I have found that oil is getting through breather tube into carb.  Motor has fixed jet carb and has 10w30 oil, although I prefer straight 30w.  Oil level is fine.  Checked reed valve under valve cover and seemed to be bent out possibly allowing too much oil into valve assembly.  I have already removed the air filter to see if wrong one installed and still smokes.  also occassionally RPMs vary audibly up and down a bit as if mix or float is out of adjustment.

    how is proper spacing determined on reed valve and are there any other things I can check before I reassemble the motor. I am planning on repacing preset carb with older adjustable.

ANSWER: HI STEVE

HERE IS WEB SITE

http://www.partstree.com/parts/?lc=kawasaki_engines&mh=26,40

YES CHECK OIL LEVEL 1ST  THEN I WOULD SUSPECT THE BREATHER REED PLATE - CHECK FOR A BURR WHERE THE BOLT SECURES IT DOWN  AS WELL

ALSO CHECK FOR A POSSIBLE BLOWN HEAD GASKET AS YOU MENTIONED OIL INSIDE THE THE CARB ?

DOES THE UNIT BLOW BLUE WHITE SMOKE ? AND IS THE MUFFLER OUTLET WET WITH OIL ?

DOES  THE INSIDE OF THE AIR FILTER LOOK AS IF WET WITH A LIGHT COATING OF OIL ?


IT COULD VERY WELL BE COMPRESSION AND OIL CONTROL RINGS  ARE GETTING A BIT TIRED ?

LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU FIND

CHEERS HOPE IT HELPS


PAUL








---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Oil level reads right at full, smoke is more white than blue, which tells me carb more than oil, but when I pull off air cleaner the breather tube from the valve cover is dripping oil, choke butterfly has oil pooled underneath it, no oil on air filter, breather comes in under it, seperate feed. I am going to replace new non adjustable carb with older model adjustable,  Service men at two dealers tell me the newer carbs are problematic.  Also replacing reed valve.  Motor had already been rebuilt doubt if head gasket but I will let you know what I find.   Any other possible ideas?

Answer
hi steve

replace breather reed , almost sound like a loss of c/case vaccuum  and causing oil to be forced into breather passages -  

were the rings installed with marks facing toward the top of piston head ?

try your carb switch over  too    

have you tried 20w/50 oil ?  

i have run this oil in kawasaki and honda units  with no problems  

cheers paul


keep me posted