JD 165 Won't Start

[BobOB1775]

I have an older tractor now on its second Kawasaki 460V engine. I don't know the number of hours on it, but it sure ran great all last year. When I try to start it, the motor cranks, some times pops, but won't start. Some times it does run for a few seconds, then quits. I checked for spark, and it does have a strong spark. I've tried using starter fluid, but that isn't working either. The fuel tank is full of good, clean fuel. Can anyone give me an idea of what else to look for?

 

[beenthere]

Start following the fuel line, and see that the line is clear, the fuel filter isn't blocking fuel, and the carburetor is allowing fuel to get to the combustion chamber.

I might try removing the spark plug. Then put some fuel in the cylinder, plug back in, and see if the engine will run for a period of time on that fuel. If so, the spark is good and just not getting fuel. I'd stay away from starter fluid. Might mess up your engine if it hasn't already.
Lots of questions one could come up with, on history of fuel, storage, etc. Anything you can add may help decipher the problem.

 

[Craig Clayton]

How is your battery, you can check the terminals or swap another know good battery and if it does not fit you can use booster cables to power the tractor with the OEM battery isolated. Just be careful, I have done this before with no problems.

Craig Clayton

 

[BobOB1775]

The battery is in great condition and does not seem to be the problem. Still getting a strong spark. I could not shoot gas into the spark plug port, but will try that later when I pull off the engine cover. I pulled the fuel line out and tested the fuel pump. Its working perfect, and the line appears to be clear. I did get a momentary start, but just couldn't keep it running. It sure seems like it is starving for fuel. Before I try removing the carburator, do you guys have any other suggestions? I do have my older engine and could try a carburator swap. I know that part was working before my original motor lost compression.

On another note, since I cannot get a replacement motor for this tractor, what are your thoughts about having a good mechanic completely re-building either engine? Any ideas of what a fair price for labor would be?

Thank you for your comments.

 

[Willl]

Good spark and starting fluid didn't do anything ?

Did you pull the plug to check spark or just the lead ?

If the latter, try a new plug.

 

[SandburRanch]

I've found on small engines in general, not specifically Kaw, that once the spark plug fouls even a little bit a new plug is in order. Some people clean them with success but for the cost of them I don't bother anymore.

So I'd recommend new plug and about a teaspoon of gasoline (measured not just poured from a jug) put directly in the carburetor throat. In cold weather try that for 4-5 revolutions with choke. If it fires and runs a second or two add another teaspoon of gas. If it starts and runs again a few seconds by adding gasoline that's a good indication fuel isn't being taken into the combustion chamber, for whatever reason, with the air that's going through the carb system. Dirty carb, lack of vacuum etc.

It's difficult to measure starting fluid amounts squirted and a spark plug can be screwed up in short order resulting in a flooded condition.

 

[Craig Clayton]

What grade of engine oil do you have in the motor at the moment?

My lawn tractor will die several times if I try to start it in the winter until it warms up.

Craig Clayton

 

[beenthere]

Good spark and starting fluid didn't do anything ?

Did you pull the plug to check spark or just the lead ?

If the latter, try a new plug.

And a plug that isn't a Champion.

 

[caseyvand]

Not familiar with your engine but my chain saw once had similar symptoms....had a cracked fuel line (which was almost impossible to see) but caused it to suck air rather than fuel.

 

[Brimstone10x]

have you checked the compression ,valves stick, also valve seats come loose .

 

[BobOB1775]

I've replaced the spark plug with an NGK and get real good spark. Tried the teaspoon of gas in the carb and did get a short (10 second) engine run. The tractor is always stored in the garage with the battery on trickle charge. It still cranks good however and I have been getting more popping but no continuous run.

I'll have to see if I can get my hands on a compression gage. The original engine had poor compression and this one is not acting like the old one before it died. I'm still thinking its fuel system/carburator related.

I believe the engine oil is SAE 30 and was replaced in spring. The motor never blows smoke when running.

I've been looking over the Kawasaki workshop manual but still can't figure this one out. I'll keep trudging along. Again, thanks for all the input.

 

[Willl]

Tried the teaspoon of gas in the carb and did get a short (10 second) engine run.

But nothing from the shot of starting fluid ?

 

[Willl]

Reread the 'whole' thread, your carb's clogged.

Pull and clean.

 

[BobOB1775]

Willl,

Thank you very much for your assistance. I took the carburator off my engine and re-built it. I then removed the one off the tractor, cleaned up the whole area and replaced the fuel line. It fired up immediately and ran like a brand new engine.

I can't wait to re-build the old engine so I have a good spare.

Again, thank you for your advice. It paid off. I actually got to plow my driveway so that I'm ready for the big snow event tomorrow and Wednesday.:thumbsup:

 

[BobOB1775]

Was actually able to plow my driveway today. Waiting for the large snow storm to hit so that I can put it to work. We usually get 1" to 4" of snow, and they are predicting 6" to 14". Just hope it doesn't turn to rain so quick so that I can enjoy plowing again!