New Kubota ZT Smoking on Start-Up.

Yander · Feb 10, 2023

I have had multiple Kaws and in multiple mowers. For the most part none of them smoked until the one we have now. 31 HP Kaw. Commercial Bushhog HDZ 4 and it requires a lot of choke to start and it does smoke for a bit. I don't really think anything about it. I look at how the engine performs once warm. The thing is a BEAST and won't bog even in high grass.

Kawasaki are very loud engines but they do a great job. Wear hearing Protection. I don't always but I have to say that in case the safety police are listening : )

I really will not buy a mower with any other engine.

CloverKnollFarms · Feb 10, 2023

jezreel said:
Awesome! ! ! That's good to hear.

When it happened, I searched the forums for some reassurance, and there was little. I did notice that it smoked more if the engine was run for short periods, and shut down without letting it idle for a minute or two.

However, like I said, almost 5 years removed, it’s a champ and never smokes. You’ll be alright.

DK35vince · Feb 10, 2023

Yander said:
I have had multiple Kaws and in multiple mowers. For the most part none of them smoked until the one we have now. 31 HP Kaw. Commercial Bushhog HDZ 4 and it requires a lot of choke to start and it does smoke for a bit. I don't really think anything about it. I look at how the engine performs once warm. The thing is a BEAST and won't bog even in high grass.

Kawasaki are very loud engines but they do a great job. Wear hearing Protection. I don't always but I have to say that in case the safety police are listening : )

I really will not buy a mower with any other engine.

I have a 35 HP Kawasaki in one of my zero turns and a 37 HP Briggs Vanguard EFI in the other.
I'm still not sure which engine I like better, both run/perform well.

5030 · Feb 10, 2023

At least Kawasaki isn't too cheap to not use valve cover gaskets. Briggs is... They use blue glue instead, just like Kohler does.

oldnslo · Feb 10, 2023

My Deere X540 occasionally smokes when starting and has done this since the day I brought it home. Sometimes just a little other times fogs the shed. Right at 500 hrs on it now and have never had to add oil between changes.

DK35vince · Feb 10, 2023

5030 said:
At least Kawasaki isn't too cheap to not use valve cover gaskets. Briggs is... They use blue glue instead, just like Kohler does.

If you say so.
Yet the Vangaurd parts manual shows parts # 809732 for OEM replacement valve cover gasket

809732 Gasket-Rocker Cover - Briggs and Stratton - Genuine OEM Part

Seal valve trains effectively with the Briggs and Stratton 809732 gasket. Rocker cover protection prevents oil leaks. Click to buy for clean engine operation!

www.briggsstrattonstore.com

5030 · Feb 11, 2023

replacement yes, OEM no. But then I adjust my valves yearly. 12 bucks for a sheet of gasket paper is highway robbery. I make my own.

DK35vince · Feb 11, 2023

5030 said:
replacement yes, OEM no. But then I adjust my valves yearly. 12 bucks for a sheet of gasket paper is highway robbery. I make my own.

Wrong again
I just went down and looked, and YES there is a valve cover gasket from the factory. (I bought this machine new in 2020.)
Repete, it did come with a valve cover gasket.
The Vanguard series is their commercial grade engine that they use on commercial grade zero turn mowers
My Vanguard engine came with the oil guard system (dry sump engine with a separate oil tank) holds 6 quarts of engine oil. My Kawasaki 1000v engine holds 2 quarts of oil.