QuestionQUESTION: I have a older Dixie chopper 60" cut mower with a Kawasaki 23HP engine model# FH680V-AS01 (it came on the mower as a replacement engine). It runs great after you get it started. But my problem is starting it. It will turn over but will not start. I have replaced the fuel pump(wasnt bad though) and checked for vacuum and I have it. I have seen gas flow out of hose to carb(not sure of PSI required though). I have good spark. Air filter is new. Choke seems to be working ok. Just not sure where to go from here. I heard these engines might just be hard to start? Any ideas? Thanks JIm
ANSWER: Hello Jim:
When was the Carburetor Last Soaked and Cleaned? On this Model Engine you Need to Check the Carburetor Anti-Diesel Solenoid. If the Current to the Solenoid Does Not Stay Above 10 VDC While the Starter is Turning the Engine, then the Solenoid will Cause the Hard to Start Problem. The Solenoid Opens when the Ign Switch is First Turned On and When the Starter is Engaged, then Solenoid Loses the 10 VDC Minimum Required to Stay Open and Closes Slightly. The Restricts the Gas Flow through the Jet and Makes the Engine Hard to Start. Is the Starter Turning the Engine Properly? Is the Engine Turning a Full Rotation and Not Dragging or Stalling During the Rotation of the Engine? You can View a Breakdown of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.buykawpower.com/kmcb2c/main.jsp and Select View Parts Catalog. Select 4 Stroke Engines. Now Locate your Engine Model and Select it. Then you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. 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. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. 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. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John, Thanks for the info, I was just finally able to get to my cottage this weekend. I checked the voltage while cranking the engine(brand new 360 CCA battery) and my meter would not give me a reading. It showed something was going on but no voltage reading(VDC). I turned it over and over but nothing. I sprayed starter fluid in carb and at first didn't fire(checked for spark and was good). I hooked up my battery pack to that solenoid and I could hear it click. The plugs were not even wet at first. When I did get it running I disconnected the wire to the solenoid and it died. I am going to have the carb removed and cleaned. Any other ideas? Thanks Jim
AnswerHello Again Jim:
Usually the Choke Port being Restricted is One Cause for these Engines to be Hard to Start. However, if the Valve Clearance is Set too Tight you will have this Problem also. The Shop Services One of these and they Loosened the Valve Clearance by .002in on the Valves and the Hard to Start Problem Disappeared. This May be the Case for your Engine Also. 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. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. 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. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
