14 Kawasaki won't start

[dfor]

Its my back-up mower. I ran it for a day or so back in June. Been sitting since. It wants to catch, backfires once every 15-20 pulls. Can also see a small flame come out of the carburetor. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. I need to use the mower tomorrow (Thursday).

[fixer67]

If you have flames coming out of the carb then you have a stuck valve or the flywheel key is sheared would be my thought

[Travis Followell]

Either there is a valve sticking or a valve is not making a good air tight seal so the flame from the combustion chamber is getting past the intake valve and is coming back through the carburetor.

[dfor]

Thanks. How long does it take a mechanic to fix the valve if its sticking?

[Travis Followell]

Really just depends on how many mowers are ahead of yours for repair and if he has to order a new valve then it would be there till the valve came in and the mechanic has time to fix it.

[Joe B J]

try a new s/plug

[fixer67]

Thanks. How long does it take a mechanic to fix the valve if its sticking?

If it is sticking from carbon build up you MAY be able to fix it your self. There is a product called Sea Foam that works great but you may no be able to get it in your area (EPA) because it smokes to high heaven when you use it. Now there is an old timer way. Get some ATF (automatic transmission fuild) and pour a small amount in the carb while running at full throttle. You may want to do this at night or you may have the fire dept come to your house thank it is burning down because you will smoke out the whole neighbor hood but I have seen it clean carbon build up really well. Good luck