I have an LX279 with 17 hp liquid cooled Kawasaki. Recently when I engage the electric pto the rpm's drop significantly, almost by half, judging by the sound. It's enough to turn the blades and cut, but barely. I ran it for 3 or 4 minutes like that and it suddenly went back up to full rpm's. I took the carb off and cleaned it thoroughly. I've cleaned hundreds of carbs and I'm confident it's clean. I started it and it runs smooth as silk until I engage the pto and the power still drops. Could this be the pto going bad?
Power loss when electric pto engaged
- Thread starter arch252
- Start date
Okay, I unplugged the left spark plug and it started fine. Switched and unplugged the right and it would almost hit but not start. I've got good spark. Bad plug on the left side?
I've done a leak down test. I tested at 100 psi. Left cylinder dropped to 90 psi, right cylinder dropped to 95 psi.
I'm going to swap the plugs and see what happens
I've done a leak down test. I tested at 100 psi. Left cylinder dropped to 90 psi, right cylinder dropped to 95 psi.
I'm going to swap the plugs and see what happens
New plugs and problem solved! Full disclosure, I was embarrassingly close to ordering a new PTO. I've worked on small engines for a couple of years now and it never fails that I will overlook the obvious. I get to thinking I am smarter than I am and I convince myself that "it can't be that" or "it must be this" without ruling out the simple stuff first. This is why I won't quit my day job. I appreciate all of you guys who consistently help out others. You guys are awesome.