ZTR50 Wont Stay Running

[qtband]

I've used the mower 3 times this year. I went out to start it and it wouldn't start. Tried starting fluid and it ran 5 seconds so I figure a fuel delivery problem. Checked the fuel pump and it works. Took the bowl off and it's got gas in it. The two "metering tubes" were not clogged so I tried again. Doesn't start. Where do I go from here?
Kawasaki 22 HP FH661V

 

[Mikel1]

Does it have a fuel solenoid?

 

[qtband]

Does it have a fuel solenoid?

I think it does. There is what looks like a solenoid at the bottom of the carb. It has 2 wires going to it. If this is the problem, can I bypass it or test it?

 

[Mikel1]

Turn ignition switch off then listen for a click at the fuel solenoid when you turn ignition switch on(not trying to start mower).

 

[qtband]

I'll try that tomorrow. What does that solenoid do?

 

[Mikel1]

It has a plunger that blocks off main jet in the carb when off and when voltage is applied it retracts letting fuel flow into the main jet.

 

[qtband]

Can I do something to bypass it? If it shuts off the fuel so the engine doesn't flood, can I put an inline fuel shut off valve? Does it have a fuse?
Sorry I'm asking so much, but that solenoid is $144.

 

[bertsmobile1]

yep, not cheap.
I have been told there arre massive fines for tampering with it in the USA.
Down here we just cut the buggers off.
A fuel tap gets put onto every mower that comes through the shop for a couple of reasons.
Firstly it allows the filter to be replaced without having a fuel bath and secondly it allows the owners to turn the fuel off and let the carb run dry when they will not be using the mower for a while.
Before you do any thing drastic, you can replace the fuel solenoid ( which might not be your problem ) with a standard bowl nut which is only a couple of $.
Check that the choke is coming on fully.
If the cable is not anchored in the right place the cable does not have enough pull to apply the choke so the engine will not start from cold.
Then there is clean fresh fuel. Modern fuel (which is not petrol ) goes off very quickly and it looses the bits they put in to allow carby fitted engines to start.

 

[ILENGINE]

Can I do something to bypass it? If it shuts off the fuel so the engine doesn't flood, can I put an inline fuel shut off valve? Does it have a fuse?
Sorry I'm asking so much, but that solenoid is $144.

The solenoid has one purpose, and that is to help prevent the bang in the muffler after turning off the key. It does nothing to prevent flooding. I have cut the plunger off or removed it in some cases for testing purposes after knowing that it is faulty, but replace it before returning the mower to the customer.

 

[qtband]

I think I'll just cut the plunger off if that's the problem.
Since my mower is a little farfrom the garage, does anyone know what I need to remove it?