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!
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.
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.
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?
