Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): wood splitter motor, kawasaki engines, fb460v

Question
Hi, my Kawasaki fG 300d wont run has spark every few times i pull it  with the plug out against the block to see if its got spark. When I screw it in sometimes it
back fires and flames come out of air filter intake but wont run, its electronic ignition. I think something got wet, how can i fix this it should have a good spark
every time i pull it right? not every few times, please help!! Thanks, Dave


Answer
Hello Dave:

If you have Sprayed the Unit "Completely" with Compressed Air Several Times and Still have the Problem, then 1 of the Following should Correct the Problem. I List them in the Order in which they Occur the Most Often. You can View a Breakdown of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.gardenland.com/ and Select Kawasaki Under the Look Up Parts on the Left of the Page. Then Fill Out the Form. In the LINE Section, Select 4 Stroke. In the YEAR Section Select FB460V. and for the Model Select the Proper Model (AS01, BS01, ect). I Used the FG300D-AS12 Engine for a Reference. From your Description it Sounds like 1 of the Following is Causing this Problem; 1- Flywheel Key is Damaged and Requires Replacing. 2- the Igniter is Bad and Requires Replacing. 3- The Coil is Bad and Requires Replacing. 4- The Valve Require Seating and the Clearance Set. Make Sure you Anchor the Spark Plug to the Engine Securely. Use a Piece of Wire and Attach the Wire to an Engine Bolt and Attach the Other End of the Wire to the Spark Plug Using a Screw Type Hose Clamp. This Way the Current is Sure to Flow Correctly and Not be Skipping Sue to Vibration and Jarring. If you Suspect the Igniter or the Coil, then Remove them and take them to your Nearest JD Dealer. JD Dealers Service Most Kawasaki Engines and will have the Equipment to Properly Test these 2 Components for a Small Fee. After you have Checked the Igniter and Coil and they are Good, then Remove the Flywheel and Check the Flywheel Key. If you Hit Something and then this Problem Started, then the Flywheel Key IS the Problem and Requires Replacing. Testing of the Igniter and Coil are Not Necessary. The Following is the Instruction File I Made for Removing the Flywheel from Most Mower Engines.  It is the Basics and if you have a Question, Please Ask. Any Input to Make this File Better is Appreciated. ***Disconnect the Coil Wire from the Spark Plug. Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). Remove the Coil. Remove the Flywheel Nut or Starter Cup (Depends on the Model). Now Attach a Steering Wheel Puller to the Flywheel Using the Threaded Holes in the Flywheel. Tighten the Puller. Now Hit the Puller with a Hammer. Repeat this Procedure Until the Flywheel Pops Up or can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. On Some Models you Can Not Use a Puller and Must Use a Pry Bar and a Pipe Cap that is Slightly Larger than the Crankshaft. Place the Pipe Cap Over the Crankshaft to Protect it. Place the Pry Bar Under the Thick Section of the Flywheel and Pull Up Against the Flywheel. **BE CAREFUL  DO NOT PUT A HOLE IN THE BLOCK UNDER THE FLYWHEEL** Now Hit the Pipe Cap that is on the Crankshaft (covered with the Pipe Cap). Repeat the Procedure Until the Flywheel can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. *** Be Sure you have the Flywheel Torqued to the Proper Torque (I require the Model and Spec/Type Numbers Off the Engine to Provide the Proper Torque) and Set the Coil Gap to .020in.. If the Flywheel Key is Good, then the Following is a Basic Instruction File for Setting the Valve Clearances on Non OHV Engines. If you Provided me with the Correct Make and Model of the Engine then the Specifications are Included. If Not I May be Able to Provide the Specifications if you Supply me the Make and Model Numbers. The Most Common Clearances are Listed for this Engine in the Following File. Thanks. Any Input is Appreciated. On this Model Engine I Usually Suggest Reseating the Valves if the Valve Clearance Requires Adjusting. The Following is a General Instruction File for Setting the Valve Clearance on Non OHV Engines. **Remove the Carburetor and the Crankcase Breather/Vent and the Valve (Stem) Cover so you have Access to the Valve Stems, Springs and Keepers. Set 1 Cylinder to TDC on the Compression Stroke. Using a Blade Style Feeler Gauge, Check the Clearances. The Intake should be .005in - .007in and Exhaust .008in - .010in. If the Feeler Gauge will Not Slide Between the Valve Tip and the Tappet, then you Must Reset the Clearances. **You Will Require a Small Engine Valve Spring Compressor to Remove the Springs and Keepers from the Valve Stems.** Some Engines Use a Valve Keeper that is like Automotive Keepers (2 Cone Shaped Keepers that Set in the Valve Retainer/Rotocoil Assembly)and the Other Style is a Slotted Retainer that is Moved (once the Valve Spring is Compressed) to the Larger Opening in the Retainer and the Retainer Slips Over the Valve Stem Tip for the Valve to be Removed. Remove the Heads. Set 1 Cylinder so the Piston is at TDC on the Compression Stroke And Check the Clearances Between the Valve Stem Tip and the Tappet. The Clearances are as Follows: Intake Valve Clearance is .005in - .007in and the Exhaust is .008in - .010in. You have to Lightly Grind the Valve Stem Tip and Place the Valve Back Into the Engine (you can Hold the Valve Seated by Hand) and Check the Clearance Until you Reach the Required Clearances. **++** For this Engine Model I Suggest you Reseat the Valves while you are Setting the Correct Valve Clearance. For this you will Need a Small Valve Seat Suction Tool. This can Usually be Purchased for $10.00us and has a Suction Cup that Hold the Valve Head so you can Turn the Valve Back and Forth and Dress up the Valve Seat. Valve Grinding Compound is Approximately $5.00us a Tube and a Tube Last the Shop About a Year. It Doesn't Take a Lot to Reseat 1 Engine.**++** Once the Valve Clearances are Reached and the Valve Seat is Nice and Dull; Re-Install the Valves on that Cylinder and Turn the Other Cylinder to TDC on the Compression Stroke and Set that Cylinders Valve Clearances.  Once that Cylinder is Set, then Assemble the Engine.** If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John