Kawasaki FH430V Starts Then Dies – Fuel in Air Filter

[thehill]

I’m trying to help an elderly neighbor get his Kawasaki FH430V AS04 engine running. He’s on a fixed income and struggling to keep up. When I noticed his grass getting high, I asked if he needed help, and he explained that his mower runs for a few seconds and then dies. He mentioned it started acting this way after sitting through the winter.

Sadly, a friend who had been cutting his grass passed away over the summer, and with his wife being sick, things have become overwhelming for them. I really want to get this mower going so he can manage the yard again.

When I tried starting it, the engine ran for about 10 seconds before stalling. It also puffed some smoke. I pulled off the air filter and found it soaked in gas—like it’s flooding right after it starts.

Does this sound like a carburetor issue or could it be the fuel pump? Any advice or troubleshooting tips would be greatly appreciated. I’d love to get this fixed without sending him to a shop if I can avoid it. Thanks so much for your help!

 

[txmowman]

Thank you for being a helpful neighbor! When was the last time this engine has run well? This is a Husqvarna lawn tractor application?
Based on what you wrote, the carburetor likely needs a good cleaning. The intake valves might also be gummed up from the fuel not being fresh for who knows how long. I would empty the fuel tank and carburetor bowl and replace with some new, fresh fuel and try it. Next, clean the carburetor properly. and then add a good quality fuel treatment to the fuel. Kawasaki's fuel treatment is the best there is out there. Reply with any improvements based on these recommendations.

 

[slomo]

I’m trying to help an elderly neighbor get his Kawasaki FH430V AS04 engine running.

Good on you my friend.

Sitting over the winter is old fuel. Pull the plug/s and clean them. Suck out the fuel tank then drain the carb fuel bowl as txmowman said. Blow out the fuel lines. Add fresh E-zero gas. Make sure the choke is working. Pull air filter looking for fuel flooding into the air filter. If you see flooding report back.

 

[thehill]

I cleaned the plug before I tried it. I drained about a pint of fuel from the tank and put it in ethanol-free. It would start running for about 10 seconds, then die. I checked the fuel filter, and it was very wet with fuel. I removed the carb and cleaned it in an ultrasonic cleaner, and all the jets and passages are clean. The float shuts off flow when high. I will install and try it as soon as he is ready. Any other things to check or do?