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Mower bogs down too much

#1

D

Davenj4f

Ferris 2200
Kawasaki FT730V EFI
Code FT730V - CS41 -R
E/NO FT730VA15799I
Engine bogs down in high or thick grass more than it used to. I put sharpened and balanced blades on almost every day. Have replaced two spindles that were bad. Seemed to help a little. Replaced the fuel pump (and filter) at suggestion od dealer, helped some. Checked valve lash, was a thousandth off or so, set as close as I could. Don't know how critical this is. Changed plugs, they weren't bad. Always cleaning and changing the air filter, changing oil and filter when due, etc. Being an EFI engine, I don't know what else to check or do. Any suggestions on what to do next, before I take it to the dealer, which I really don't want to do. Two weeks before he can get to it, etc...


#2

H

Honest Abe

how high is high...? and, what height setting are you using...?


#3

7394

7394

Make sure deck underneath is clean as well..


#4

Scrubcadet10

Scrubcadet10

have you verified its running on both cylinders? take a temperature gun and compare heat readings from cylinder to cylinder OR start the mower up, get to operating temperature and pull a plug wire off of a spark plug, if the engine stays running, put it back on and pull the other one, if it dies, your other cylinder is dead.


#5

D

Davenj4f

Scrubcadet10 said:
have you verified its running on both cylinders? take a temperature gun and compare heat readings from cylinder to cylinder OR start the mower up, get to operating temperature and pull a plug wire off of a spark plug, if the engine stays running, put it back on and pull the other one, if it dies, your other cylinder is dead.
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Thanks for the replies, guys. Yes, I clean the deck everyday. Hadn't thought about checking for a dead cylinder, but will do that later today or tomorrow, but don't think that is the problem. Cutting the grass in question at 3 1/2", have had to go to 4" sometimes, just to finally get it done.
I think I read there are 7 sensors on the EFI engines, and there really is no way to check them without the software. I didn't know if there was anything else I could check on the engine.


#6

StarTech

StarTech

And it not just the software you need but the electronic interface. And is fairly costly except for the dealer that can justify the cost. But the software is cheap that goes with it is cheap.
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Which why I have not purchase it myself as first I got to start seeing the EFI engines in my shop first. Then I will part with the $410.


#7

H

Honest Abe

Davenj4f said:
Thanks for the replies, guys. Yes, I clean the deck everyday. Hadn't thought about checking for a dead cylinder, but will do that later today or tomorrow, but don't think that is the problem. Cutting the grass in question at 3 1/2", have had to go to 4" sometimes, just to finally get it done.
I think I read there are 7 sensors on the EFI engines, and there really is no way to check them without the software. I didn't know if there was anything else I could check on the engine.
Click to expand...
did you ever get this issue figured out. 3-1/2" - 4" is not high at all, that's pretty much my standard cutting height.... if I'm gone for a month I'll have to cut anywhere from 9" - 12" and only have to slow down my speed too about 1/2 - 2/3rds normal speed.


#8

D

Davenj4f

Honest Abe said:
did you ever get this issue figured out. 3-1/2" - 4" is not high at all, that's pretty much my standard cutting height.... if I'm gone for a month I'll have to cut anywhere from 9" - 12" and only have to slow down my speed too about 1/2 - 2/3rds normal speed.
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Naw, haven't yet. 2 3/4" - 3" is kinda standard cutting height here. Lots of centipede grass and most like it short, some down to 2 1/2". It does ok that short. But planning on taking mower to dealer next week after the first and let them connect to computer. Engine is EFI, and I think I read where it is a wireless connection. Of course, they will charge me for an hours worth of work for a 10 minute thing. But hey, that's ok. They have a lot more overhead than me.


#9

Tiger Small Engine

Tiger Small Engine

Once you g
Davenj4f said:
Naw, haven't yet. 2 3/4" - 3" is kinda standard cutting height here. Lots of centipede grass and most like it short, some down to 2 1/2". It does ok that short. But planning on taking mower to dealer next week after the first and let them connect to computer. Engine is EFI, and I think I read where it is a wireless connection. Of course, they will charge me for an hours worth of work for a 10 minute thing. But hey, that's ok. They have a lot more overhead than me.
Click to expand...

Once you get it back from dealer, if you can post and let us know what the problem was, we would appreciate it.


#10

D

Davenj4f

I surely will. Thanks for the reply.,


#11

D

Davenj4f

Davenj4f said:
I surely will. Thanks for the reply.,
Click to expand...
Still waiting on mower from dealer, will update when I get results. Should be this week. Meanwhile, have a question. Am considering getting the diesel model (2600?), and wonder how anyone who has one would rate it to the gas models ? Interested in does it have more power, etc...


#12

Tiger Small Engine

Tiger Small Engine

Davenj4f said:
Still waiting on mower from dealer, will update when I get results. Should be this week. Meanwhile, have a question. Am considering getting the diesel model (2600?), and wonder how anyone who has one would rate it to the gas models ? Interested in does it have more power, etc...
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Do you plan on running the mower for lots of acreage and hours? Why would you want a diesel? Costs for purchase and to maintain will be more with diesel.


#13

D

Davenj4f

Tiger Small Engine said:
Do you plan on running the mower for lots of acreage and hours? Why would you want a diesel? Costs for purchase and to maintain will be more with diesel.
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At times, that's why I'm doing homework. Understand about costs. Just looking for facts to support decision. There are days when I cut some fields and orchards for 4-6 hours at a time. I have literally worn this mower out. Already replaced the deck.


#14

StarTech

StarTech

My experience with diesels is that they are very reliable engine wise. I use a JD 650 mini tractor for over 20 yrs without cutting 11 acres every couple weeks during the growing season.


#15

D

Davenj4f

StarTech said:
My experience with diesels is that they are very reliable engine wise. I use a JD 650 mini tractor for over 20 yrs without cutting 11 acres every couple weeks during the growing season.
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Thanks for the input. That's inline with what I hear. I guess I was looking for someone with a good reason not to go that route.


#16

ILENGINE

ILENGINE

1-2 cylinder air cooled engine will have a life expectancy of 1000-2000 hours. Water cooled 2 cylinder gas like some Kawasaki can be in the 2-3K hours. Multicylinder engines like a 3 cylinder Kubota gas can go 3-5K hours. And diesels can be in the 4-10K hour range.


#17

Tiger Small Engine

Tiger Small Engine

ILENGINE said:
1-2 cylinder air cooled engine will have a life expectancy of 1000-2000 hours. Water cooled 2 cylinder gas like some Kawasaki can be in the 2-3K hours. Multicylinder engines like a 3 cylinder Kubota gas can go 3-5K hours. And diesels can be in the 4-10K hour range.
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Yep, if you are going to mow for hours on end, a diesel may be the way to go. I have only mowed with one diesel zero turn, and it was an Onan on a Dixie Chopper. You may also consider a 72” deck over a 60”.


#18

D

Douglas Lee

Interesting!!!
Doug Lee


#19

D

Davenj4f

Tiger Small Engine said:
Yep, if you are going to mow for hours on end, a diesel may be the way to go. I have only mowed with one diesel zero turn, and it was an Onan on a Dixie Chopper. You may also consider a 72” deck over a 60”.
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I kinda figured everything I've read. Just wanted to see if there were facts I hadn't thought of. Thanks for all the info. BTW, have 1500+ hours on mower.


#20

D

Davenj4f

Davenj4f said:
I surely will. Thanks for the reply.,
Click to expand...
Think I got mower back to normal.. Dealer said the engine overheated, but couldn't tell me why or how. Said I needed a new engine (imagine that from a dealer). Said the engine bogged down because of low compression, but since the cylinder walls weren't scored, the rings must be bad. duh. Anyway, took mower home. Went to cut a 10 acre field, and every time I made a circle, the engine would go into overheat; drop to lowest rpm's and lope, and after about 3 minutes it would even out. Cut it off, restart, and ok. So now I'm really getting frustrated. Maybe the temp sensor is bad, so I ordered on. Then while changing the sensor I happened to look at the cylinder fins. Half of the fins on each side were completely covered and crusted with dirt and whatever else would stick there. Scraped a lot out. Went to hardware store and got a brush, got most of the rest out. Then I sprayed the fins with brake cleaner. Got the fins real clean. Then the pressure washer got the rest. I feel sure that is what caused the engine to overheat. Put the new sensor in, and so far has been running fine. Haven't cut a field that big again, but did do a job for about 3 1/2 hours with no problems. Come to think of it, that's about how long I was at the big field. I'd like to put a temp gauge in, but unable to find anything that would work, maybe someone here could point me in the right direction.


#21

D

Davenj4f

Here are the fins...

Attachments





#22

H

Honest Abe

Davenj4f said:
Here are the fins...
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no excuse for letting it get like that when the engine is totally accessible with an air hose or water hose. My IS2600 gets totally cleaned after each mowing. Radiator screen gets pulled and cleared as well as the radiator cleared of silt and crude..... pay me now or pay me later.....


#23

D

Davenj4f

Honest Abe said:
no excuse for letting it get like that when the engine is totally accessible with an air hose or water hose. My IS2600 gets totally cleaned after each mowing. Radiator screen gets pulled and cleared as well as the radiator cleared of silt and crude..... pay me now or pay me later.....
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I can't argue with you. I had a mounting plate bolted to the rear bumper for the grass collection system, covered the whole back of the mower where the engine is. The fins were not visible. And since I had never encountered that problem before, never thought to check. When I removed the mounting plate to replace the temp sensor, I saw the fins. I think the mounting plate contributed to insufficient air circulation to keep fins clear. Anyway, what's done is done, and I'm a tad bit smarter.
I see where Kawasaki has cut out holes on the engine top cover on both sides as inspection portals. I think I will do something like that on mine.
Thanks for listening and replying.


#24

Tiger Small Engine

Tiger Small Engine

Davenj4f said:
Think I got mower back to normal.. Dealer said the engine overheated, but couldn't tell me why or how. Said I needed a new engine (imagine that from a dealer). Said the engine bogged down because of low compression, but since the cylinder walls weren't scored, the rings must be bad. duh. Anyway, took mower home. Went to cut a 10 acre field, and every time I made a circle, the engine would go into overheat; drop to lowest rpm's and lope, and after about 3 minutes it would even out. Cut it off, restart, and ok. So now I'm really getting frustrated. Maybe the temp sensor is bad, so I ordered on. Then while changing the sensor I happened to look at the cylinder fins. Half of the fins on each side were completely covered and crusted with dirt and whatever else would stick there. Scraped a lot out. Went to hardware store and got a brush, got most of the rest out. Then I sprayed the fins with brake cleaner. Got the fins real clean. Then the pressure washer got the rest. I feel sure that is what caused the engine to overheat. Put the new sensor in, and so far has been running fine. Haven't cut a field that big again, but did do a job for about 3 1/2 hours with no problems. Come to think of it, that's about how long I was at the big field. I'd like to put a temp gauge in, but unable to find anything that would work, maybe someone here could point me in the right direction.
Click to expand...
You need a new dealer. Apparently they can’t take ten minutes to remove engine shroud and check cooling fins for dirt and debris.


#25

H

Honest Abe

Davenj4f said:
I can't argue with you. I had a mounting plate bolted to the rear bumper for the grass collection system, covered the whole back of the mower where the engine is. The fins were not visible. And since I had never encountered that problem before, never thought to check. When I removed the mounting plate to replace the temp sensor, I saw the fins. I think the mounting plate contributed to insufficient air circulation to keep fins clear. Anyway, what's done is done, and I'm a tad bit smarter.
I see where Kawasaki has cut out holes on the engine top cover on both sides as inspection portals. I think I will do something like that on mine.
Thanks for listening and replying.
Click to expand...
my comments weren't meant as personal digs, just reality check. Early on I never really thought it was all that big a deal until a dealer pointed out that the engine housing can get just as clogged up as a mowing deck. That woke me up and I started doing that cleaning every time and not just a few times a year.


#26

D

Davenj4f

Honest Abe said:
my comments weren't meant as personal digs, just reality check. Early on I never really thought it was all that big a deal until a dealer pointed out that the engine housing can get just as clogged up as a mowing deck. That woke me up and I started doing that cleaning every time and not just a few times a year.
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Agree about the dealer, but not another anywhere close. But that is why I do all my own maintenance. Long story on this trip, just wanted them to hook up to computer and tell me what it said. Anyway, appear to be back to normal. I still think the large mounting plate on the rear restricted air flow that would have blown all the stuff away that got clogged up.
And no offence taken Abe, but truth is truth. I prefer truth over non-truth any day. At 75, I'm still learning. Anyway, headed out to shop to sharpen and balance blades.


#27

S

slomo

Davenj4f said:
Went to cut a 10 acre field, and every time I made a circle, the engine would go into overheat; drop to lowest rpm's and lope, and after about 3 minutes it would even out.
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Was this overheat or starving for fuel in the turn? As in a plugged fuel tank outlet?
Davenj4f said:
Cut it off, restart, and ok.
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Points to a plugged fuel tank or fuel line/filter issue again.
Davenj4f said:
Maybe the temp sensor is bad, so I ordered on.
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Shooting in the dark, not testing what you have is pointless. Heck throw some cash my way. LOL
Davenj4f said:
Half of the fins on each side were completely covered and crusted with dirt and whatever else would stick there. Scraped a lot out. Went to hardware store and got a brush, got most of the rest out. Then I sprayed the fins with brake cleaner. Got the fins real clean.
Click to expand...
On to something here.......... I bet in your engine manual it says to keep those fins clean. Heard that somewhere before. Pure sarcasm.
Davenj4f said:
I feel sure that is what caused the engine to overheat.
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Agree.
Davenj4f said:
Put the new sensor in, and so far has been running fine. Haven't cut a field that big again, but did do a job for about 3 1/2 hours with no problems. Come to think of it, that's about how long I was at the big field. I'd like to put a temp gauge in, but unable to find anything that would work, maybe someone here could point me in the right direction.
Click to expand...
Forget the magic temp gauge. Keep the cooling fins clean as yours and every other air cooled engine manual out there says to. This is a yearly or more often maintenance item. If you scalp or bag, do this more frequently as well. Remember these are AIR COOLED engines.


#28

S

slomo

Honest Abe said:
no excuse for letting it get like that when the engine is totally accessible with an air hose or water hose. My IS2600 gets totally cleaned after each mowing. Radiator screen gets pulled and cleared as well as the radiator cleared of silt and crude..... pay me now or pay me later.....
Click to expand...
Go get em' Abe.......


#29

S

slomo

Davenj4f said:
The fins were not visible. And since I had never encountered that problem before, never thought to check.
Click to expand...
Again, this is a MUST DO on every air cooled small engine out there. Mowers, trimmers, blowers, chain saws and so on...... Minimum yearly or more often is the interval.


#30

Tiger Small Engine

Tiger Small Engine

Davenj4f said:
Agree about the dealer, but not another anywhere close. But that is why I do all my own maintenance. Long story on this trip, just wanted them to hook up to computer and tell me what it said. Anyway, appear to be back to normal. I still think the large mounting plate on the rear restricted air flow that would have blown all the stuff away that got clogged up.
And no offence taken Abe, but truth is truth. I prefer truth over non-truth any day. At 75, I'm still learning. Anyway, headed out to shop to sharpen and balance blades.
Click to expand...
Maybe you should point out the misdiagnosis to the dealer on the clogged cooling fins. Most people do not know how important checking and cleaning the top of engine and cooling fins, on an AIR COOLED engine is. It is good to not be completely dependent on a shop to check things out yourself.


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