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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.

thehill said:

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

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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.

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?

slomo said:

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.

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After I cleaned it, I reinstalled the carb, and the mower ran like new. I cut his grass for him! He has a Troy-built pony tiller with a Briggs engine. It doesn't run because it has been sitting for so long. It cranks, then dies, so I told him I would clean the carb on it, too.

I took it off, and it was really gunked up. The float was dark orange. After cleaning it, I removed all the gunk, and the float is pure white. I was not able to save the float bowl gaskets. I was wondering if I have to buy a rebuild kit or if I can order the gaskets separately. If so, can I order half a dozen in case I rebuild some other carbs down the road, or does each carb need different gaskets?

If you want to have gaskets which will probably dry out before you use them, but multiple gaskets. Just a waste of money, unless you service at least two carbs a week. Penny wise, pound foolish.

Each carb has different gaskets. Just get a rebuild kit.

Kawasaki does not have carburetor kits for FH model engines. Most parts are sold
Individually. Some may be a 5 pack.

Does this have a carb solenoid on it?

A FH430V S04 would have had a carb solenoid originally.

thehill said:

I pulled off the air filter and found it soaked in gas—like it’s flooding right after it starts.

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Carb needle and seat hanging open. Time to rebuild or clean the carb.

thehill said:

It also puffed some smoke

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What color smoke? Pull the plugs. Bet they are black. Clean and regap.

thehill said:

Does this sound like a carburetor issue or could it be the fuel pump?

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Carb issue yes, fuel pump no. Would just crank and crank and crank and crank without any fuel.