mower engine doesn't need choke to start?

[The motor guy]

I've noticed the Kawasaki engine on my mower starts with practically a bump of the starter hot or cold. I don't know if it's just because it's not cold out? I remember when it was new it needed choke to start in the morning, but maybe the temp hasn't dropped enough? It's like 65 degrees in the morning. I recently bought a different mower and it's the complete opposite. It almost doesn't want to start in the morning choke or not. I'm hoping it just needs a few more hours to run in. I always thought carbureted engines needed choke to start when cold?

 

[bioburner]

Your new mower is likely jetted lean trying to be enviromently friendly

 

[mk378]

Let the air filter get dirty enough and it starts acting like a choke.

 

[MONKEYMAN]

Originally Posted By: bioburner
Your new mower is likely jetted lean trying to be enviromently friendly


I would put a bag over the Brigg's air filter on my Personal Pace mower so it would start when cold. Warm or hot outside was not a problem.

 

[HerrStig]

Originally Posted By: bioburner
Your new mower is likely jetted lean trying to be enviromently friendly
+1

 

[HerrStig]

A gas soaked float will raise the level in the bowl and cause a richer mixture.

 

[Merkava_4]

If the fuel tank is up higher than the carburetor, starting the engine without the choke is a real possibility.

 

[The motor guy]

Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
If the fuel tank is up higher than the carburetor, starting the engine without the choke is a real possibility.


Keeping it constantly primed with fuel? I think the problem with my other mower is that the choke isn't adjusted correctly. I pull the lever after it's been running a while and it doesn't do anything.

 

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
Keeping it constantly primed with fuel?


Yes, especially if it's a gravity fed float carburetor.

I'm used to the tank mounted updraft carburetors; a choke is a necessity with them.

 

[Silverado12]

Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
If the fuel tank is up higher than the carburetor, starting the engine without the choke is a real possibility.


Keeping it constantly primed with fuel? I think the problem with my other mower is that the choke isn't adjusted correctly. I pull the lever after it's been running a while and it doesn't do anything.


Your issue might be a bad coil. The auto choke on most new small engines has a spring that adjusts it according to how hot the engine is.