Nikki carburetor 2019 Kawasaki Mule SX KAF400

slomo

Lawn Pro
Joined
Jul 14, 2019
Threads
78
Messages
5,216
View attachment 69765
Jet for high altitude get smaller as altitude is increased. Note jet sizes are in hundredth of a millimeter. And they are usually marked.
Agree. Some carbs offer high altitude mains for less fueling at altitude. In this case we see a variety of sizes.
 

MParr

Lawn Addict
Joined
Jul 2, 2021
Threads
8
Messages
1,751
I went back over all of the adjustments to the choke, low idle, and accelerator stop. I also went to a BPR2ES spark plug. The valves have been adjusted to .005. The thing idles so smooth. It cranks really easy. I’m going to run it a while and check the spark plug for carbon fouling. I prepared to remove the carburetor and change the main jet, float, and needle. We will see how it goes.
 

slomo

Lawn Pro
Joined
Jul 14, 2019
Threads
78
Messages
5,216
I know these are simple mower engines. Running a super hot plug could lead to pre ignition pings. Probably never happen in a mower engine. Not enough load I would guess. I would stick to the stock heat range and deal with the main jet sizing down from 112.

Post up a pic or video of the fouling. Would give us an idea of how much smaller to go on the main.

Make sure she is not passing excess fuel from the needle. Float level the same. Choke plate wide open. Remove air filter for testing. I've had perfectly clean "looking" filters act like the choke was on. New air filter, she ran like a top.
 

Tiger Small Engine

Lawn Addict
Joined
Dec 7, 2022
Threads
3
Messages
1,232
I know these are simple mower engines. Running a super hot plug could lead to pre ignition pings. Probably never happen in a mower engine. Not enough load I would guess. I would stick to the stock heat range and deal with the main jet sizing down from 112.

Post up a pic or video of the fouling. Would give us an idea of how much smaller to go on the main.

Make sure she is not passing excess fuel from the needle. Float level the same. Choke plate wide open. Remove air filter for testing. I've had perfectly clean "looking" filters act like the choke was on. New air filter, she ran like a top.
Carbon fouling plug can also be a weak ignition coil(s). Going two plus heat ranges hotter on spark plug may not be the answer in a mower. More something that is done in an older two stroke quad or dirt bike.
 

MParr

Lawn Addict
Joined
Jul 2, 2021
Threads
8
Messages
1,751
I know these are simple mower engines. Running a super hot plug could lead to pre ignition pings. Probably never happen in a mower engine. Not enough load I would guess. I would stick to the stock heat range and deal with the main jet sizing down from 112.

Post up a pic or video of the fouling. Would give us an idea of how much smaller to go on the main.

Make sure she is not passing excess fuel from the needle. Float level the same. Choke plate wide open. Remove air filter for testing. I've had perfectly clean "looking" filters act like the choke was on. New air filter, she ran like a top.
I threw the old plug away.
The air filter is a new OEM Kawasaki.
I plan on ordering the parts shortly.
 

MParr

Lawn Addict
Joined
Jul 2, 2021
Threads
8
Messages
1,751
Carbon fouling plug can also be a weak ignition coil(s). Going two plus heat ranges hotter on spark plug may not be the answer in a mower. More something that is done in an older two stroke quad or dirt bike.
This is a Kawasaki FJ400D in a Kawasaki Mule. The carbon fouling is pretty common in these things.
The FJ400D is also used in EZ-GO golf carts and John Deere Gators. The standard jet for the EZ-GO is a #110 for sea level to 3,000’ above sea level. I will definitely need a smaller jet.
 
Last edited:

slomo

Lawn Pro
Joined
Jul 14, 2019
Threads
78
Messages
5,216
Did you get this ironed out yet? What was the fix action please?
 

MParr

Lawn Addict
Joined
Jul 2, 2021
Threads
8
Messages
1,751
I have been busy and haven't had a chance to order the parts.
UPDATE
The rich mixture problem continues.
On cold soak starts, it will often flood. I have ordered a All Carb Chinese knockoff from Amazon. It's one of the more expensive offerings. I plan on installing it tomorrow. I also plan on rebuilding the OE Nikki carburetor for backup.
I will give you all updates on this.
 

slomo

Lawn Pro
Joined
Jul 14, 2019
Threads
78
Messages
5,216
the OE Nikki carburetor
Now the truth comes out. Those Nikki's, I've had nothing but bad luck. Bought aftermarket and OEM rebuild kits. Those ultra small o-rings get poorly punched out and leak. Never could get them to work proper. Some guys love rebuilding them and have good luck. Trash can it went. Used a Walbro version for that Briggs engine I was working on. Worked like a charm. I know you are working on a Kawi engine.

Good luck with your carb. Let us know if you need more help.
 
Top