Kawasaki fr651v

[spasm3]

Acts like it's running out of fuel. I replaced the fuel pump and filter. Problem persists. Next step is to get the fuel bowl off, but I need a thin wrench set. Engine runs wide open for a bit then stalls like it's out of fuel. Sometimes I can keep it running by shutting off the blades and closing the throttle to idle.

I need to see if the needle seat is clear and if the float is free.

 

[skyactiv]

Can you grind down a sacrificial wrench on a bench grinder? I did that to a 15MM Craftsman combination wrench to make a bicycle pedal wrench.

 

[Warlord]

Often theyre not actually on there very tight so you can just grab the bowl and twist it loose. That bottom little plug is a fuel shutoff solenoid needle that shuts off fuel flow when the ignition is switched off to prevent backfires. Mine started acting up intermittently and made me think I was having a fuel pump issue so I replaced the pump and filter with no improvement. I spent days fussing around trying to figure out what exactly was wrong before realizing that I could just snip the end off the needle and disable that solenoid. Never an issue since. No backfires either.

 

[bobdoo]

That sounds like the air intake to the gas tank may be plugged. Does loosening the gas cap fix it?

 

[spasm3]

Often theyre not actually on there very tight so you can just grab the bowl and twist it loose. That bottom little plug is a fuel shutoff solenoid needle that shuts off fuel flow when the ignition is switched off to prevent backfires. Mine started acting up intermittently and made me think I was having a fuel pump issue so I replaced the pump and filter with no improvement. I spent days fussing around trying to figure out what exactly was wrong before realizing that I could just snip the end off the needle and disable that solenoid. Never an issue since. No backfires either.

Yes i am suspecting that solenoid. Thats why i want to get the bowl off. I will try twisting it. I found some wrenches to be here tomorrow.

 

[Brian123]

Before you do anything else, take the gas cap off and blow it with compressed air. I had an issue with a Kawasaki engine like this where it would run for 15 minutes and conk out.

 

[spasm3]

Before you do anything else, take the gas cap off and blow it with compressed air. I had an issue with a Kawasaki engine like this where it would run for 15 minutes and conk out.

I did try that lol. No change.

This is on a Toro ss50 zero turn mower.

I took the fuel bowl off , and it was clean. The solenoid worked and was holding over time.

I decided to dump the fuel tank, before removing the carb.

Then realization hit me.

I think i found the problem, and it was me. A week ago, I used a can of fuel from about February. It was fuel stored for generator use. It was winter blend, that I was cycling through due to age. The fuel looked fine, no water, was stored in a red Just-rite type 1 safety can. The mower ran fine cold and when hot would lose power and act like it was out of fuel.

It seems the winter fuel was vapor locking. I took the covers off and took the tank off the mower and dumped it. Put in current fuel from a recent purchase, and the mower runs fine.

Lesson learned. I've had chainsaws run poor on winter fuel used in summer, but never a 4 cycle, till now.

 

[Bucket5586]

I’m having very similar issues. I use no ethanol gas and put new in. I too put new fuel filter. Checked fuel pump. Yesterday after about half hour. It shut off. Started at idle ran rough for 15-20 seconds then I could go back to full throttle and mow for few minutes. Repeat except instead of allowing it to completely stall. I could shut off blades and drop throttle to idle. Did that for maybe half dozen times. Gave up and took it back to the shop. From my research it’s a fuel issue. I’m guessing heat is playing a part too. Because first time it shut down I thought I was out of gas. Filled it up and wasn’t long until it happened again. That’s when I thought probably fuel filter. Replaced it. I’m gonna try again today. I’ll time how long before it acts up.

 

[The_Eric]

I’m having very similar issues. I use no ethanol gas and put new in. I too put new fuel filter. Checked fuel pump. Yesterday after about half hour. It shut off. Started at idle ran rough for 15-20 seconds then I could go back to full throttle and mow for few minutes. Repeat except instead of allowing it to completely stall. I could shut off blades and drop throttle to idle. Did that for maybe half dozen times. Gave up and took it back to the shop. From my research it’s a fuel issue. I’m guessing heat is playing a part too. Because first time it shut down I thought I was out of gas. Filled it up and wasn’t long until it happened again. That’s when I thought probably fuel filter. Replaced it. I’m gonna try again today. I’ll time how long before it acts up.

Is the pickup in the fuel tank obstructed? I had a customer mower where they replaced the pump and filter, but didn't check the actual supply line - the problem ended up being grass had worked it's way in the supply line and got caught in an elbow.

 

[Bucket5586]

Is the pickup in the fuel tank obstructed? I had a customer mower where they replaced the pump and filter, but didn't check the actual supply line - the problem ended up being grass had worked it's way in the supply line and got caught in an elbow.

I haven’t removed the line from the tank. I plan to remove the tank and empty it. I don’t think it’s bad gas but intend to be sure.

 

[johnD2]

Some of these new ZT's have filters on the charcoal canister (my kubota has one), they need to be cleaned every 200 hours.

 

[Bucket5586]

I think I solved my issue. Emptied the gas tank, put on a new fuel filter, washed the foam filter, and re-oiled it. Mowed about an acre and a half without any problems.

 

[Bucket5586]

Well apparently I haven’t got it fixed. New gas, new fuel filter, new fuel pump, and same issue!