Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): m60 tank fh721v kawasaki, breather element, different air

Question
QUESTION: Motor would not start one day(it hit one time and just spun over after that). I pulled the breather element to look, and there sit fuel. I got a rag and screwdriver  and dried the fuel spun it over while looking and it just spun, as I let go of the key fuel came back. Dried fuel pulled the fuel line off the pump, cranked and ran until the bowl was empty. I put the fuel line back on the pump and cranked up and died after a few seconds, heres the fuel again. I can pinch the fuel hose with a pair of pliers and it will run good until the bowl runs empty, when I just let it run without pinching off the hose it begins to load up and sputter and black smoke begins to pour out. I can keep it running by pinching the hose and letting it go when it begins to starve for fuel. Thinking the float had a hole in it I pulled the carb. to determine it is fine, so I cleaned it and put it back together and it does the same thing. I did put another fuel pump on it and it did not help. This is a cub cadet M60 tank with 113hrs. My dealer has me a needle ordered but I don't think that is the problem. Something is forcing too much fuel in the bowl looks like to me. Please Help!!!!!!

ANSWER: Not bad, I have now answered this question 3 days in a row.  You need a new air cleaner and a new dealer.

Here is a copy of the bulliten that applies to this problem. You will notice the date is 9-2004.

Kawasaki has recently changed the carburetors
on the FH601V, FH641V, FH680V, FH721V from an
externally vented carburetor (Pic 1) to an internally
vented carburetor (Pic 2). Both of these carburetors
use different air filters, although the air filters look
identical except for the part number printed on
them.
Carburetor Air Filter PN A/F Difference
1 Externally
Vented 11013-7024
Calibrated to external
vent carburetor
mixture
2 Internally
Vented 11013-7027
Calibrated to internal
vent carburetor
mixture
If the 11013-7027 is installed on an external vent
carburetor, the engine will run extremely rich.
Because of incorrect part substitution, customers
may have installed the incorrect air filter, not
understanding the difference and cause running
problems.
Kawasaki Action
Kawasaki has added text to the tops of each air
filter explaining which carburetor it should be used
with. (Please see both air filter images.)
Eligibility
Engine Model Engine Spec and Serial Number
FH601V, FH641V,
FH680V, FH721V
All engines are eligible because
customers may have changed to
the incorrect air filter.
Dealer Action
1. Dealers must make sure that they understand
the difference between both filters.
2. Make sure to install the correct filter on the
correct carburetor.
3. When selling air filters to customers, make
sure they understand the difference between the
carburetors and air filters. Show the customers the
pictures in this bulletin for a better explanation.
4. Dealers should stock both filters to service
their customers.
Warranty Information
This bulletin is parts information notification, and
not warranty authorization.
FH601V, FH641V, FH680V, FH721V ENG 04-09

You need an airfilter that says externally vented only!!!!
And a new dealer who knows what he is doing.

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

QUESTION: It runs like this with the air filter setting on the tool box, and the vent line is clear and not in the turbulence created by the fan.

Answer
Well we know since you've moved the vent hose that your dealer knows his stuff.  The fuel pump on your engine pumps at a whopping 1.5 PSI. The needle should hold about 11 pounds of pressure.

Replacing a needle valve is virtually never the fix.  They just don't mess up.  I service about 40 commercial cutters and never have replaced a needle.  I have installed many high altitude jets.  I live in Kansas City, elevation 650 feet, I install lots of 3000 feet jets.  This could be your problem.

I'm kinda at a loss for ideas. This engine is bullet proof with the correct air filter.  I can tell you that a "puddle" of fuel in the air box horn is  normal.

If the tank is higher than the carb and the outlet is at the bottom you can eliminate the fuel pump all toghether and let the fuel gravity fill the carb.  The engine comes with a pump, so Cub uses it.

I will call my Kawi rep tommorow and see if he has any ideas.

Hope the new needle works for you.

Sorry I can't be more help.