Loss of power

dhabicht1 · Apr 10, 2007

I have a Husqavarna YTH1848XP with a Kawasaki 18 hp v-twin. Under no load it seems to run and idle fine but as soon as I hit the button to turn the mower deck on it almost stalls. I'm guesing this is due to a problem with the deck. Everything seems to turn as it should and the belts are OK. Can anyone reccomend any tips or things to try.
Thanks

wushaw · Apr 10, 2007

Try turning the blades by hand to see if it turns easy or not( engine off and all that good stuff), you may have a bad spindel bearing or ideler bearing.

dqdave1 · Apr 11, 2007

I would change the fuel filter first. Run some carb cleaner thru it. I do not know this engine, but it sounds like it is running lean. Is there a high speed and low speed fuel adjustment on it? Try to adjust if possible. Also, if it has a fuel pump, check it for volume.

BigDamnFool · Apr 11, 2007

You may have a coil going bad. I had that problem with my 23hp KAW last year. It seemed to idle fine but the minute I put a load on the motor ( either engage the deck or drive in any direction ), the engine would lose power and go nowhere. Try undoing one spark plug wire at a time. If motor dies then the other coil is bad. Good luck.

Tiny

Mike5252 · Apr 11, 2007

Make sure you stand in a puddle of water while working w/ the spark plug wires.

Ha, seriously though, i think unscrewing the spark plug wires on a running engine might be somewhat 'problematic.' How would you do this w/o seriously damaging yourself?

dqdave1 · Apr 11, 2007

Didn't KAw motors have an ignition problem? I think I remember a thread about them.

BigDamnFool · Apr 13, 2007

Mike5252,

Just grabbing the spark plug wire at the boot and pulling off of the plug should not do any damage to yourself the the engine provided you don't let it arc to anything. If fearful of your safety put on some leather gloves before doing it.

dqdave1,

I think I remember the same thread but couldn't find it. Was at dealer today getting parts and was told by parts guy that they sell quite a few coils for KAW motors. Probably their most popular common item next to plugs and air and fuel filters.