Hard to Start FB460V Kawasaki

[dstifel]

What do you do with the ones that are pull start?

[larryinalabama]

Originally Posted by dstifel

What do you do with the ones that are pull start?

They will usually start if its above freezing, other wise I have to use starting fluid. My single cylinder 13hp will break your wrist if your not careful. I try too keep them where they dont have to be moved if they dont start.

[Tmurph2960]

it discribes the procedure for adjusting the valves in the service manual. They need to be checked every 300 hours. It is very easy to do. Also it is recommended to use 5w30 oil in cold weather. My last oil change of the season is with the light wieght oil. it is not as thick when cold.

[larryinalabama]

Originally Posted by Tmurph2960

it discribes the procedure for adjusting the valves in the service manual. They need to be checked every 300 hours. It is very easy to do. Also it is recommended to use 5w30 oil in cold weather. My last oil change of the season is with the light wieght oil. it is not as thick when cold.

I dont have a manual, dou perhaps know what the valve clearance is?

[Tmurph2960]

.004 to .006. You will need a hex wrench set, feeler gauge, and a socket set. Turn the engine over until you have it at top dead center. Both valves should be closed and the piston at the top of its stroke. Check your gap then and if it is greater than .006 then adjust.

[piston slapper]

Originally Posted by Tmurph2960

.004 to .006. You will need a hex wrench set, feeler gauge, and a socket set. Turn the engine over until you have it at top dead center. Both valves should be closed and the piston at the top of its stroke. Check your gap then and if it is greater than .006 then adjust.

Murph....you're a little confused....FB460 engines are different than FC420's....
You have to remove the head and remove the valves....then grind the valve stems to get your clearances on the FB460.

[Tmurph2960]

Well, lets see..... this morning it was 18 and my my mower started without starting fuiled. it never has until I adjusted my valves and used 5w30oil.... so I think that I will stick with what i AM DOING.....

[piston slapper]

Originally Posted by Tmurph2960

Well, lets see..... this morning it was 18 and my my mower started without starting fuiled. it never has until I adjusted my valves and used 5w30oil.... so I think that I will stick with what i AM DOING.....

Tmurph....I don't care if you woke up and you were 118.....
You adjusted the valves on your FC420. 14hp engine...with an adjustable valve train..
You just instructed the OP to perform the same procedure on an FB460 12 1/2hp engine..
Valve adjustments on the FB460 can only be made by removing the valves and grinding the stems.
Kinda like trying to install windows xp pro on a smartphone...ain't gonna happen...
I think I will stick with what I am doing too......

[Darryl G]

Yeah, both my 17 and 23 Kawi engines are hard to start for the first time in the morning. The guys are right on about the choke...it needs to be closed 100%. I use a jumper pack on mine this time of year with overnight freezing temps, even though the batteries are good. They're pretty small batteries and trying to turn over the engine and hydros they turn over kind of slow. With the jumper pack on they fire a lot quicker. Never used starter fluid on them either.

[44DCNF]

Roll the pull starts up into the compression stroke first, before pulling to start. Use a multi weight oil for fall/winter, preferably synthetic, but watch for greater consumption. Synch the choke/throttle. As the throttle cable and it's linkage plate wear, choke adjustments are required. Keep air and pre filter clean (from leaf season).