QuestionHello Eric, I'm out of things to try to get the Kawasaki FC540V single cylinder engine running on my 265 John Deere lawn tractor. My wife was mowing with it last Fall when she said it started making a strange noise and she headed for the garage with it. It has not run since.
Things that I checked are: Oil level is ok, ignition spark is strong and spark plug is ok, fuel pump is working ok and it is getting fuel to the cylinder, spark plug is wet with fuel after cranking engine, the valves are functioning properly, compression is ok, air filter is clean, there is no obvious leak at cylinder head gasket, no blowby out of oil fill with engine cranking, the engine cranks quietly and fast with the spark plug removed, outside of engine is relatively clean with no major oil build-up or leaks, fuel is clean and fresh.
It just does not even sound like it wants to start.
I sprayed some fuel into the carb while engine was cranking and got fire out of the carb several times but the engine did not try to start.
I am not familiar with the Kawasaki engine and I don't have a manual for it.
If you will direct me as to what I should try next I would certainly appreciate it.
THANKS - - John
AnswerDid you try replacing the spark plug? Is the fuel left over from last mowing season. If so, I'd bet the fuel is bad.
Kawasaki engines are generally very reliable. Most of the problems we see are defective spark plug and stale fuel. I'm a little concerned with fire coming from the carb. Generally this indicates mechanical or igntion timing problems. Mechanical timing is controlled by the cam and valve clearance. Rarely do the Kawasaki engines have cam or valve trouble. The ignition timing is fixed by the flywheel key and again it is very rare for those engines to shear the key.
Try a new spark plug, drain all the old fuel from the tank and carburetor bowl. Refill with fresh fuel and see what happens.
Let me know if this fixes the problem.
Eric
