Need some small engine help

andrewhove

New Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2008
Location
Durham
I run a small landscaping business and have 2 walk behind mowers with Kawasaki FB460v 13hp motors. Today I started the normal beginning of the season tune up and it started one of the most baffling frustrating days I've had in a while.

1st problem: On one mower I had just got it back from having a general check up it was running great. I did a general tune up (air filter, oil, fuel filter etc) I finished and came back an hour later and there was gas EVERYWHERE! checked my gas line connections and they were all fine. it was leaking from the carb (not the bowl but the top) The whole carb was full of gas and when I took the spark plug out gas litteraly poured from the hole.

What could cause the whole cylinder and carb to fill with gas!!? :confused: I didn't change anything but the fuel filter.

Thanks
 
Is the gas tank higher than carb? Happened to my gravely tracter and freaked me out! Trash under needle seat on float in carb lets the gas just fill the carb and engine with gas via gravity. hope this helps
 
Sounds like the anti-diesel solenoid on the carb is stuck, if it has one. If not, look towards trash between the needle and seat, or even the vent in the gas cap being clogged.
 
I manage a small engine shop for a living. You guys are on the right track. The ONLY possible way for fuel to enter into the cylinder is through the Carb. (other than dumping it in there, which I have seen idiots do before!) The only way it can get through the carb is through the needle. The leaking needle is caused by any of the following:
1- The needle and/or seat is bad
2- The float has a hole in it and is filled with fuel
3- Dirt/junk got caught between the needle and the seat

When you take the carb apart, shake the float. If you hear fuel inside, then replace the float and you're fine.

If the needle is red or damaged, replace it.

One thing to mention is that the fuel that entered the cylider also would have leaked into the oil. Re-check your oil. It probably has fuel in it and needs to be changed again. Another note to mention is that when this unit starts, it is probably REALLY going to smoke as it burns the fuel/oil mixture out of the exhaust.
Hope this helps. You are welcome to PM me if you have any more questions.
 
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