kawasaki fc420v

[JACarter]

I have a kawasaki fc420v on a john deere 175 hydro mower. the engine is very hard to start you have to jump it and choke it alot, like the carb. is not getting enough gas. once you get it running it runs like a new one. can anyone help me out with this.
thanks,
adam

[xcopterdoc]

You may have a bad battery. The amps and voltage drop while cranking is such that the fuel cutoff on the bottom of the floatbowl of the carb is staying closed and not allowing fuel to go into the carb. Jumping it off gives it the extra power and choking allows the fuel to get to the cylinder faster in order to start.

[JACarter]

thanks for the info., but the battery turns it over well, even when you jump it, it is still very hard to get it running and it will spit back through the carburetor like it is out of time. I checked the keyway and it seems to be ok. I adjusted the valves. someone told me 4thousands for both intake and exhaust. Is that correct? and after i did that i cleaned the coil and the flywheel. It has pretty good spark it just seems that it is not getting enough fuel or maybe the valves are bad. i dont want to replace the valves though unless i am definitely positive that is the problem. also i can hear the solenoid clicking on the float bowl so i assume that is working properly. i apprecitate all the help i can get.
thanks,
adam

[metro-hp_48]

If you do have to replace the valves, let me know what your head bolts torque on. Just got my gaskets from j-thomas today, but can't find out what they torque on anywhere (online).
Mine is the FH500V.

[hole in one lco]

It sounds like the infamous 420 choke if they don't close all the way its hard to start so i would look at the choke.

[hole in one lco]

hope this helps

[hole in one lco]

sorry so big but if i make it to small you cant read them

[hole in one lco]

iv got 2 more for you

[hole in one lco]

last one if you need more let me know

[xcopterdoc]

very good post Hole in One!

[metro-hp_48]

Agreed! Very good Post! Much diff. (torque specs. [head bolts] ) for the FH500V?

(lol.......breaking my heart to see all these new parts here, and ready to put back together)
Looking for my Kaw. book now, but no luck yet. Haven't needed it in years. Guess I need to buy another one.