Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): john deere 335 mower, solonoid, oem equipment

Question
Mower has the Kawasaki FH 601V motor. What is the purpose of the fuel solonoid on the bottom of the carb? Seems to stick closed or not entirely open. Can be either hard to start or won't start at all. Fuel pump seems to be ok. Removed the plunger from the solonoid and it starts great every time. Do I need this part for any reason? Thanks

Answer
It is an anti-afterfire solenoid intended to prevent back-firing.  It will run with the plunger removed and probably will not hurt anything.  However, following safety standards, we have to comply and keep the OEM equipment installed as designed.  Many times the intermintent operation is caused by a dirty ground connection.   Keep the battery terminals clean helps avoid you problem.

Eric