Could be the valves need adjusted or lapped or replaced.

 

I say leakdown test it.

 

First check your valves do you know the clearance off hand?

Backfire/hard start sounds like your fuel solenoid is sticking, you can give it a quick test with a 9v battery:

Clamp your fuel line off. Remove the solenoid...It's located on the bottom of the carb and has a small wire sticking out of it. Take a small wire to jump between the pos (battery) and the tab on the bottom and then ground it out on the side. You'll need to touch it gingerly (but the solenoid should retract) if not you'll probably need to replace it.

Give those two things a shot they're both cheap and easy.

BR,

~TW

 

valves i think is .004 have to check manual i'm hoping they just need adjusting haven't been touched in a long time. Don't think its the solenoid its pretty much feels like the timing of the fuel and the spark is off a bit so fumes are getting into the muffler and when it finally ignites capow!

 

Ok, here are the kawakazi guides:

4-Stroke-Trouble-shooting-6

• TrainingWheels
• Oct 31, 2016

4-Stroke-Trouble-shooting-5

• TrainingWheels
• Oct 31, 2016

4-Stroke-Trouble-shooting-4

• TrainingWheels
• Oct 31, 2016

4-Stroke-Trouble-shooting-3

• TrainingWheels
• Oct 31, 2016

4-Stroke-Trouble-shooting-2

• TrainingWheels
• Oct 31, 2016

4-Stroke-Trouble-shooting

• TrainingWheels
• Oct 31, 2016

in reverse order?

what is the engine code?

BR,

~TW

 

fh680v-cs21 i beleive

 

The spec looks to be 0.1-0.15 for cold....Could you possibly have a sticking valve?

BR,

~TW

 

The spec looks to be 0.1-0.15 for cold....Could you possibly have a sticking valve?

BR,

~TW

Sorry all I gave metric: you're good at 0.004

BR,

~TW

 

Try turning the fuel off when parked.

My bet is a slightly leaking float/solenoid.

Engine starts slightly flooded, adding choke for a cold start makes it worse, it backfires and clears itself out, then fires.

Could be a sticking valve, but start simple.

 

It seems ya have the manual, in case ya don't ya can get one here: http://www.mymowerparts.com/pdf/Kawasaki-Service-and-Repair-Manuals/
I usually set both of 'em right at .005 or a loose .004.
The procedure is outlined in the manual.

The exh. valve could be sticking, slowly compress the exh. valve with yer fingers see if it sticks at any time. The main cause being heavy crud buildup around the cylinder/head fins. What did it look like when ya popped the shroud to stick on new coils? Did ya blow out all the crud?

Ya need to check all yer cables/connections, see can you address the slow cranking.

 

going through and cleaning all connections now and new battery. cleaned everything when i put on the new coils and they are gapped properly.

 

got the engine to turn over good still a pain to start. Had to turn if over and stop several times until it finally started. Ran pretty choppy then a little better once warmed up. Once its warm and you shut off still takes 6-8 cycles to start. Gonna check valves and coil gaps tomorrow.