QuestionQUESTION: Hi John,
I have a Kawasaki 15hp OHV on a 36" walk behind mower (hydro). I am very uninformed when it comes to small engine repair. My question...When I start the mower a big cloud of black smoke jumps out of the muffler. While I am running the mower it seems as though the smoke has thinned out but I can still smell gas pretty heavily. Any ideas about this problem? Thanks so much!
Randy
ANSWER: Hello Randy:
Send me the Model Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Engine is Running too Rich and Either the Air Mixture Screws Require Adjusting or the Carburetor May Require 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 the View Parts Catalog at the Upper Left. Then Select your Type of Engine (2 cycle, 4 Stroke, ect). Then Select your Model. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. 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 you Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi John,
Thanks for the info. I have yet to clean the carb but while checking things out while I had some of the carb disassembled I noticed something. Remember, I don't know much about these so bare with me....There are two flaps (circles that open and close) on the carb, one in front and one in back. The flap in the back stays wide open ALL the time. Is this normal? I tried adjusting the choke and speed levers but the flap never moves. Thanks,
Randy
AnswerHello Again Randy:
The Front Flap (Valve) is the Choke Valve and the Back Flap (Valve) is the Throttle Valve. If you Move the Governor Arm the Throttle Valve Should Move. When the Engine is Off the Throttle Valve Should Remain Full Open. If you Have the Carburetor Off the Engine, then when you Move the Throttle Valve Plate on the Outside of the Engine the Valve Should Move. One the Engine Starts the Governor Arm Moves the Throttle Valve to the Position you have the Throttle Cable Set to. There is a Spring that is the External Governor. This Spring and the Internal Governor Regulate the Engine Speed. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
