Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Poor engine start, carburetor body, adjustment screws

Question
QUESTION: John, I have an 18 year old 12.5 Kawasaki on my Mid-Size. I have a shut off on the gas and let it run dry when I turn it off.  Usually on the second pull it starts.  For the past three months I've had to pull start it dozens of times to crank it over.  Once it's running it runs great.  Any suggestions?

ANSWER: Hello Ron:

The Carburetor Needs a Good Soaking and Cleaning. Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl, Float Pin, Float and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required. You can View a Breakdown of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.buykawpower.com/kmcb2c/main.jsp and Select View Parts Catalog. 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. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

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

QUESTION: So after the removal of the Bowl, Float Pin, Float and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body do I remove the nozzle, pipe-bleed, & Jet?  Also I don't believe I should do this but can I fill the pipe intake through the air filter with Gunk thus filling the carb overnight or will the liquid go directly through the carb to the piston?

Answer
Hi Again Ron:

If you Fill the Carburetor Intake Pipe with Gunk, you are Going to have an Engine Full of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner. The Cleaner will Fill the Cylinder and Seep Past the Rings Into the Crankcase Oil. I Suggest the Carburetor be Removed from the Engine for Soaking and Cleaning. If you are Unsure of Doing this Repair, then I Suggest you Take the Mower to your Local Small Engine Service Center. 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. 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