So, has anyone had the problem I am having on this Kawasaki engine? I have been troubleshooting to find out why it is backfiring. You will see that I have reset the valves, put on a ne head gasket, and checked the flywheel key. In a previous video, I put on a new coil, new ignitor, and spark plug boot and finaly good a good stron spark. It is still backfiring! Let me know what you think. I would appreciate some helpful comments and feedback.
@thunderroad72893 жыл бұрын
I had the same problem with same mower. I did everything you did. Just for the heck of it I put a new carburetor on it and I’ll be damn it started right up and stop backfiring. Maybe I got lucky but I thought it would be easy and try it for the heck of it . Have a few of those cheap Chinese carburetors from eBay laying around new in box. Hopefully you get it. when you had the valve cover off did you turn the engine over slowly by hand to see if each valve moved about the same lift. If they are not moving about the same it could be the lobe on the camshaft is worn
@SmallEngineDIY3 жыл бұрын
@@thunderroad7289 Good pointer. I'll try cleaning the carb first and see what happens.
@marshallborder90893 жыл бұрын
Small Engine DIY Let us know , I'm no expert - but I'm puzzled also .
@norge6963 жыл бұрын
@@SmallEngineDIY Have you set both the intake and exhaust valves to 6 thou? Reading online I'm seeing someone has fixed this by setting the ignition coil to .3mm I like head scratchers, especially if we all learn something in the end. I'm curious as to what the fix will be.
@daniellareau49263 жыл бұрын
Are you sure it’s just not flooded?
@rogerdonoho49242 ай бұрын
I wish people would use the right descriptive term. Cranking means the starter is spinning the engine. When it fires up it is running, not cranking.
@randymugwug524710 ай бұрын
I understand everyone when they say timing issue. I had the problem on a 460, same thing . I changed the carb, makes no sense to me, but it worked.
@mattclark54802 ай бұрын
Thanks for the video bought one yesterday of course it had no hood. It was raining on the way home now the symptoms are the same I have a fan on it let it dry out. We will see Update fan did the trick runs great
@alsmith40162 ай бұрын
Hopefully this will help you. KZbin: "Why your lawn mower or generator backfires/misfires and how to fix." EASY. The presenter gives a great explanation. Back to the valves, he said it is 100% of the time the Valves also check the flywheel key, which also goes to the valves for timing. I have the same problem with my DR Mower with a Kawasaki FC 420V. The presenter said "Try tapping the intake valve with a soft mallet" to break loose the buildup on the valve. The additives in the gasoline build up around the Intake Valve. Hopefully this will resolve both of our problems since they appear to be the same. If it is the exhaust valve, it will normally have a bent stem.
@jedi_mapperp40733 жыл бұрын
Wow...I'm in the process of tuning and fixing up my JD GT275 with the FC540V. New hood and muffler. Then two days ago it did the same thing yours is doing...including a LOUD backfire. It actually ran well enough to make it around the block, but I could feel puffs of air coming out of the air filter inlet. I thought it needed a valve adjustment. Turned out it's a broken intake valve spring.
@rongreen60052 жыл бұрын
How did you remove the muffler? Need to replace front axle
@clutch5sp989 Жыл бұрын
Exact same thing here. Ran great yesterday....today a no start with a few LOUD backfires.
@jedi_mapperp4073 Жыл бұрын
@@clutch5sp989 remove the valve cover and look for a broken valve spring. Easy to confirm or exclude this cause. I replaced the spring myself. I videoed the process, just haven’t had time to edit and post.
@clutch5sp989 Жыл бұрын
@@jedi_mapperp4073 OK...today I pulled the plug and checked having NO SPARK. Put a new plug in and had spark. WoW...nothing is supposed to be that easy to fix. I have never seen a plug go bad and not work.
@clutch5sp989 Жыл бұрын
@@jedi_mapperp4073 Also...when it cools off a little more here in TX, I'll pull the cover & check clearances. That and many other mech projects to tackle.
@SARDOGАй бұрын
I have a Craftsman with a Kohler Pro 16hp CV16S and when it's on idle it purrs like a kitten. Run it up to speed and it sounds like a jalopy! Keyway is perfect. Can't adjust valves. Pushrods are perfect. Switching out w a new carb and spark plug and we'll see how that goes.
@buddynixon3 жыл бұрын
I had one Kawasaki engine that the camshaft teeth wore down and jumped time and backfired like yours.
@jimmywilson1388 Жыл бұрын
Did you use lapping compound on the valves? It sounded like the intake valve wasn’t closing properly. Also when you take the head off you can put water in the intake and exhaust ports and check for leaks around the valves. It won’t hurt anything, if you’re worried about using water blast it out with some carburetor cleaner or something when you get done.
@honestabe73492 жыл бұрын
Weak magneto coil. Spark outside cylinder is different than under pressure. That's why it works when you use a spark plug with a lower resistance rating.
@cjclarke55 Жыл бұрын
I just had the same issue with my 25hp twin kawasaki, it felt like the timing was wrong but it cant be, the issue is that because the ignition timing is on the crank and not the cam meaning that the spark is on compression and a wasted spark on exhaust stroke, there for if the coil does not have enough spark it will not fire on compression but will fire on exhaust which has a fuel mixture in it because it did not fire on compression there for bang out exhaust and carby.
@wesmcbride45317 ай бұрын
This makes sense. I had these same problems and finally changed coil and igniter and it solved the problem.
@4569badboy6 ай бұрын
That makes the most sense. I have put on a new plug, but not a new coil. But does that also apply if the back fire is thru the carb? Because that would mean that the intake valve has to be open. And I know that my valves are operating correctly. Yet I still have the back fire thru the carb, big time.
@cjclarke556 ай бұрын
Yes at TDC on exhaust stroke both valves are open, on the rocker on the cam.@@4569badboy
@jchoi20064 ай бұрын
so what would be the fix?
@gumbootcloggers8330Ай бұрын
Good comment sir..
@BobB-qn8wy2 жыл бұрын
Anti- backfire solenoid on carborator on mine. Grind the stem down on the solinoid and put a fuel shutoff on gas line. Or buy a solinoid.
@philliphall5198 Жыл бұрын
Leak down test, spark test, plug test, flywheel magnetic in correct place to fire on compression, valve movements, fuel pump test and starting fluid test
@brantsmallenginerepairs3 жыл бұрын
I think you're on the right track with timing. I agree with what someone else said to watch the valves to get any hints on possible cam issues. If it's not the lobes then maybe the gear not lining up properly? But how does that become misaligned after running properly? Maybe broken teeth on cam gear? Definitely puzzling. Keep us posted
@samvarc41592 жыл бұрын
Plastic parts an agent grocery popular lately the manufacture try to cut cost at your expense
@craftdistiller3 жыл бұрын
try installing the coil upside down, tyrel has a video about this
@trevorflynn15202 жыл бұрын
I just pickup a JD 170 FC420v and it’s got that same problem, working on it now.
@SmallEngineDIY2 жыл бұрын
Good luck!
@alanwalsh5455 Жыл бұрын
hi did you find the problem?
@billsmith17704 ай бұрын
i have 2 mowers with the same engine , and 3 with the slightly larger fc540v engines . they're really particular about the plug . i've had them that would spark real well with plug out of engine , but wouldn't when plug was installed . swapped the plug from one that ran , and it would start then . usually though , the igniter has gone bad .
@lindseysteele14362 жыл бұрын
Mine does that and ever time i pull the carb and clean it does good for about 4 or 5 starts then I have to do it again
@phoebeflycatcher81232 жыл бұрын
LOOK AT THE COIL WIRE FOR CRACKS IN WIRE TO THE PLUG. PLACE RAG UNDER WIRE TO TEST. IT MAY BE ARCING TO MOTOR.
@burtoncrowell43713 жыл бұрын
Check your spark putting in line tester check your spark for it sounds like your coil is going out or is gone out also use a little hit of fogging oil or starting fluid it has to have done something probably the coil went out that's why it died or is going out it's a weak spark I just have to have fire and gas and it will run
@PiperMac553 жыл бұрын
Attach the igniter to the dipstick for a better ground? Seen someone else do it and it worked🤷🏼♂️
@johnwythe14093 жыл бұрын
Definitely a timing issue. If the valves are not sticking and the valve springs are good, then maybe a camshaft to crank misalignment. Seems that would be quite odd from the way it just quit. That it fires out both the intake and the exhaust indicates either the timing keeps changing or both valves are sticky and are taking to long to close. Try some carb or parts cleaner in the valve guides if you think they are sticky. Make sure both springs are not broken. Other possibility is the timing gears are slipping. Those would be the mechanical things to look at. If I understand right there are no points. That means it must have a cam or crankshaft position sensor to control the timing, which then activates the ICM. Could be a bad sensor or loose screw/wire, or bad ICM. Those darn electronic ignition modules and sensors can be a pain. Give me the old points and condenser any day, much easier to tell if something is good or bad. I thought is was either a head gasket or slipped flywheel key. Had the latter happen to me once. I would start with the sensor and ICM, make sure it has ground good. I gather you have checked the timing and the spark after it quit running. Let us know how it goes. Would really like to see what the fix is. One other thing to check is that the battery voltage is not low, and the charging system is working. Some electronics do not work very well when the voltage is just a tad low. Maybe try running it with a charger hooked up, or a boost from a running vehicle, or good battery.
@philliphall5198 Жыл бұрын
If customers won’t a China coil or electric part they have to buy it because I won’t to get paid when it fails Does it have plastic crank gear???
@wesmcbride45317 ай бұрын
I went through all the same things you have including lapping in the valves to no aval. I had spark and discounted that as the problem. I finally installed new coil and igniter and it solved the problem. would it be possible that the igniter even though new is still not functioning correctly?
@johnguillozet6622 Жыл бұрын
I know this is an old post, but did you ever find the problem? I have a Kawasaki fc540v doing the exact same thing. Had it running after changing igniter, fuel pump, carb, fuel shutoff solenoid, spark plug, fuel lines. Sat idle for a week, went to start and won’t fire and backfires very loudly.
@williamhawkins88012 жыл бұрын
I have the same mower with the same issues. Did you ever figure out what the problem was?
@HockeyTownHooligan53 жыл бұрын
My 170 does this and I just feather the choke down and it fires up. So maybe full choke first few cycles and then when it starts puffing I back it off and it fires up. I’m no small engine mechanic but it’s been like this for 5 years since I bought it. Runs every summer like a top lol.
@Showboat_Six2 ай бұрын
Look how hot it got because you didn’t have the cooling fan on look at the cylinder fins smoking you stuck the motor
@delighted84813 жыл бұрын
My brother gave me his JD 170 in 2003 and she's still running.
@SmallEngineDIY3 жыл бұрын
That's awesome. Although I rarely use it, it is tempting to keep it. It is actually a nice small tractor.
@delighted84813 жыл бұрын
@@SmallEngineDIYI cut with it almost every weekend 1 to 1/1/2 acres. I thought of getting another JD sometime soon but I have wondered if there is anything comparable to this one today. I am in limbo. :)
@samvarc41592 жыл бұрын
I’m no expert but it sounds to me like the camshaft timing is off
@HodadoАй бұрын
I’m having the same issue and can’t figure it out new coil new spark igniter new regulator and no spark!
@philliphall5198 Жыл бұрын
What did you find out to fix it ??? I’m dying to know, I love problem solving jobs and all the testing and stuff
@lindseysteele14362 жыл бұрын
I just pull gas down off choke and it started up could be flooding
@normal_media4 ай бұрын
she was also smoking a lot. Fuel in the oil? weak coil that craps out afetr it gets hot?
@88tcoupe2 жыл бұрын
My FC540V just recently did this. I'm still working on it but I do know if I pour just a little gas straight into the carburator, it will run for a few seconds, making me think it's not a timing issue.
@philliphall5198 Жыл бұрын
What was the Fix ???? Would like to know what you found and what the fix was Thank you
@88tcoupe Жыл бұрын
@@philliphall5198Sorry, didn't really think anyone read my comment. It turned out I had water in the gas. Pretty sure it was from the ethanol gas. I would much prefer to run straight gas in my mower but unfortunately there aren't any gas stations near me that sell straight gas. Anyways, I drained all of the old gas out and put in fresh and it ran just fine. Because of the issue I was having, I took the carb apart and cleaned it which it really needed.
@stevesmith60583 жыл бұрын
Try a new spark plug . Try the anti-backfire on the carburetor
@davedennis60422 жыл бұрын
I have a Craftsman LT 1000 giving me the same fits. It needs a top crank seal anyway so I guess I'm going in.
@SmallEngineDIY2 жыл бұрын
Good luck!
@johnhicks95293 жыл бұрын
Here's what I think it is myself. It's one of three/3 things valve sticking& not seating properly.,or the lifters need readjusted again. It could be from A blower head gasket aswell to.
@Jim-ie6uf3 жыл бұрын
Try a leak down test
@joepartridge88613 жыл бұрын
When u had the head off I noticed both valves were in, could u have a lose valve guide...
@SmallEngineDIY3 жыл бұрын
I checked them. The valve guides are OK.
@jlo7836 Жыл бұрын
Did you ever find out why it kept back firing and wouldn't run ?
@Monza620003 жыл бұрын
check the cam it may be off ,,briggs are bad for that
@gustavosalinas83313 жыл бұрын
Did you find the problem??
@Ace-cj9ve Жыл бұрын
This john deere i have backfires so loud when it turns too much and i hate it i had a craftsman older but it started every time first try even after a long chrismas
@garyowens5514 Жыл бұрын
Check your Valve Timing (camshaft) Compression test will be low
@janeg16852 жыл бұрын
I have exactly the same problem - did you sort it? what was your remedy for it or you could not fix it.
@jacksonwoodcock72162 жыл бұрын
Hey small engine diy. I'm currently worked on mine john deere 170, but I just can't get the flywheel off. Do you have any tips to get it off
@SmallEngineDIY2 жыл бұрын
Take a look at the John Deere series of videos. One of them shows me removing the flywheel.
@waderigsbee69233 жыл бұрын
i first thought it was the fly wheel key also.
@gustavosorola44653 жыл бұрын
I’m interested in finding out what the problem is and the solution.
@CoolGoku_alt3 жыл бұрын
did you find a solution to this yet
@granthill38967 ай бұрын
Same issue here Still No fix Have even had it to a mechanic who has given up Was a great ride on mower, just want to burn it to the ground
@SmallEngineDIY7 ай бұрын
Wish I could get my hands on it...sounds like a challenge.👍👍
@voltagetheklown_podcast3 жыл бұрын
I got the same problem with my kohler courage 20 but mines isn't back firing. It's just spinning and then the starter acts like it wants to hang up and then the fuse blows
@michaelgodin37803 жыл бұрын
It the electronic shut off on you carborator
@johnhicks95293 жыл бұрын
Try setting it at 4 to 8 thousandance gap for it's the valve man.
@harrygmarshall51572 ай бұрын
Cam lobes ???
@robertmailhos81593 жыл бұрын
I heard a mower in the back ground it was surging
@philliphall5198 Жыл бұрын
Make me question the cam gear, seems to just free wheel like out of time
@patrickpoulard243 жыл бұрын
What if the problem that you are having is NOT a mechanical problem but an electrical problem that is causing a mechanical error?🤔🤔🤔🤔
@SmallEngineDIY3 жыл бұрын
That has been bouncing around in my head...
@charlesrockwell21222 жыл бұрын
That crossed my mind as well & have had issues in the past with a defective safety switch
@mattclark54803 жыл бұрын
This happened to me I bought the lawn mower the breather cover was removed the the oil had water in it. I could get it to run but it kept backfiring ended up just switching the engine
@vinopan53743 жыл бұрын
Just wondering if you test spark with tester is it also intermittent ?
@francislang50753 жыл бұрын
i am stumped to
@TimLee-h4h19 күн бұрын
Shane you Magneto you
@johnhicks95293 жыл бұрын
Or A damaged one instead it's A common problem on those aswell from using them.
@hudsonvalleyrailandriverandair Жыл бұрын
Mine backfired from weak starter. Had starter rebuilt and problem solved
@normal_media4 ай бұрын
spun cam shaft?
@brittneyjohnson77372 жыл бұрын
Could be the spark plug
@Hneely6 ай бұрын
I think the problem with mine is it doesn’t want to cut the grass
@gilbertgauvin60815 күн бұрын
Hi from Gil take the kill wire off of the ignition coil water can get into the ignition switch and start shorting the coil circuit when engine speeds up also some of the non oem coils can be doing it spark doesn’t mean it’s ok test ohms to block from plug wire and block to kill tab Kill tab. To plug wire look for high ohms or open I had a eBay coil that would start and run backward ccw the new coils have electronics built in them 20:35 20:35 advance retard that fail and will drive you nuts crank compression should be 60 psig check the resister in the spark plug or change it the compression release could be stuck Engaged
@jimrodenbaugh2 жыл бұрын
Check coil
@jeralinebell79332 жыл бұрын
Why it would not back up
@rogervonschleusingen4603 Жыл бұрын
BAD HEAD GASKET !! BURNING OIL TOO !!
@hudsonvalleyrailandriverandair Жыл бұрын
The starter motor acts a capacitor
@user-ni2sm4bi5g Жыл бұрын
Fuel pump replacement
@thepatriot43553 жыл бұрын
I think the problem is the hamaflam through the Dyno flow
@SmallEngineDIY3 жыл бұрын
It could be the turbo encabulator effecting the unilateral phase detrators.
@jerkyturkey0073 жыл бұрын
Could be the chrome muffler bearing, or the flamigizer is completely shot or needs re calibrated.
@0u812ski3 ай бұрын
Eureka!!
@duramax782 жыл бұрын
Sir my 22hp backfires about every 3 seconds, would anyone know why?
@philliphall5198 Жыл бұрын
Check valve lash
@duramax78 Жыл бұрын
@@philliphall5198 ok thank you so much. I’ll try that.
@johnhicks95293 жыл бұрын
Try 4 through 8 thousandsance gap.
@davideggins6538 Жыл бұрын
Very strange
@armyvet40813 жыл бұрын
cam
@philliphall5198 Жыл бұрын
That’s about how long a China coil last Lololo
@CarolynWright-wg2kl Жыл бұрын
I'm at 2:15 and my guess is you lost time .. backfiring is a tell tale sign of not being timed right .. probably loose timing chain/belt