QuestionJohn,
You have spent so much time with me I tried to be a little more vigil this morning although I'm only marginally mechanically minded.
The mower again ran about 15 minutes when it did it's thing. I removed the gas cap with no affect; however, this time, I did not immediately turn off PTO or reduce throddle.
The mower would NOT choke out. It certainly was not running smoothe and seemed to absolutely struggle to keep the mower deck going.
Of course, I have a very untrained ear, but perhaps what I'm hearing is a "missing" sound. However, I have tried a new coil and wire on each cylinder. The clear fuel filter appears full. There's no obvious smoke coming from the engine. It simply sounds like it is struggling to keep turning. It sounds "roughly" like the RPM's are extremely rapidly going from full or off, but not in a smooth way. It is NOT surging.
Also, it gave a few hints about a minute before that it was going to doing this "choking or missing" thing.
I don't know if this helps, but I'm giving you the best description I can.
Again, thank you!
Doug
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Followup To
Question -
John,
I had thought about a gasoline tank vacuum and I gently blew out the vent hole on the cap. However, I will try your idea in the morning and see if this is the issue.
Thank you,
Doug
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Followup To
Question -
John,
Again, thank you for the followup. However, I was unable to do a good job for you.
On the mower, I found the number M00425A034438
I searched the engine up one side, then the other and the only number I could find was the FD620D.
Sorry I was unable to find what you needed.
Oh well, it was worth a try. This problem has nearly drove me bonkers.
Thanks anyway.
Doug
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Followup To
Question -
John,
Thank you for your timely response. I hope I am providing the appropriate information: The mower is a John Deere K Series 425. The engine, I think, is a Kawasaki? Liquid Cooled V Twin OHV FD620D.
One thing I might add is that when this choking occurs, I can cut off the PTO (shaft driven mower) and turn down the throttle and the engine will smoothe out. I have never let is fully choke out. It appears, since it happens over a certain amount of time, that whatever the problem is - the item must have to heat up.
The JD service dept. stated it could be voltage regulator, but it seemed they were shooting in the dark.
Again, thank you for your prompt response and your time. I'm very grateful!
Doug
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Followup To
Question -
I have a 425 20 hp gasoline engine. I can start to mow (full load) for 10 to 20 minutes and it will start to choke out. I might let it sit for awhile and it will do the same thing. Again, will let sit and it may mow for the rest of the day.
I have changed all filters and plugs. I have pulled gas tank to check for debris, cleaned fuel lines, changed gas, tried new coil on both sides (each spark plug wire has coil) and cleaned carb.
I'm now at a loss unless it's the voltage regulator, but this is beginning to cost a few dollars. Even JD service hasn't found problem.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Answer -
Hello Doug:
When the Mower Quits have you Checked for Fire and Tried to Restart the Engine With Starter Fluid? It sounds to me like you May have a Valve Problem. Send me the Model Numbers Off of the Engine and the Mower so I may Better Assist you in Locating the Cause of the Problem. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
Answer -
Hello Doug:
There should be Numbers on the Mower Frame. Also the Numbers on the Engine should have something like FD620D-BS18 for Example. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
Answer -
Hello Doug:
One Quick Check do Please. When the Engine Starts to Stall, Remove the Gas Cap and see if it is Venting the Tank Properly. If the Gas Tank Cap isnt Venting, it will Create a Vacumm in the Tank and Slow the Gas from going to the Carburator. As for the Engine Numbers, No Worries. I have Spoken with my Contact at Kawasaki and He will be back in touch with me in 24 hrs. Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
Answer -
Hello Doug:
Thanks. I will Post a Followup to your Question as soon as I Hear from Kawasaki. Let me know what Happens, Please.
Respectfully
John
Answer Hello Doug:
If you are Hearing a Slight Miss in the Engine, then the Valve Lash is Set too Close and Needs to be Opened by .003in Wider than the Book Calls for on Both Valves. The Clearance Between the Valve Stem and the Valve Tappet is Too Close When the Engine Temperature Reaches a Certain Point. The Valve isnt Seating Fully and is Causing the Power loss and a Mild Miss should be Heard when this Happens. A Valve Stem May Be Sticking when the Engine Gets Hot Also. Both of these can Cause the Problem you are Having. Hang in there we will find the Cause of the Problem. Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
