Sounds as though the engine idle speed is a bit low. Any way to check rpm's?

 

I'm not a pro, but this is what it sounds like to me too.

I'm not convinced that it's normal to sound like this after 400 hours and that a valve adjustment will fix it.

Id be tempted to tweak the idle before opening the engine up.

 

Service the carb and valve lash adjustment.

 

yes pull valve covers and check for loose brackets

 

Thanks For the replys . I do not have anything to check the RPMs but it happens in a broad range other than WOT.
71GSX so is a valve adjustment normal after 400hours ? Or would you think it is the carb ? What do the shops normally charge for this? Thanks again

 

Forget it , just read the service manual . Should have been checked @ 300hrs . Thanks guys!

 

This might be a dumb question but do I need to drain the oil to pull the covers? Also can I reuse the old valve cover gaskets or should I order some before I pull the covers ? Thanks , you guys have been very helpfull

 

No need to drain the oil but new gaskets are a good idea. Sometimes the old ones tear and cannot be reused.

 

Ok I will check the idle as well . What is the cheapest tool to do so?

 

Generally there is an adjustment screw somewhere on the carb to increase or decrease the idle. Make small adjustments to see if the rough idle improves.

If so, you will probably want to get a cheap tach to verify you are within a safe range. You don't want to run your engine for another 400 hours with the idle too high, for example.

To me, this would be the simplest course of action, as you could determine if this were the issue by spending about 3 minutes with a Phillips screwdriver.

 

Ok sounds good . I am going to the dealer to get gaskets and I think Im going to buy the tach at harbor freight even though Im sure it isn't the best . Ill give an update once I check everything .

 

Which one of these would work best you think?

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=tach

 

Well I checked valve clearances and found one on cylinder 2 exhaust valve that was @ .009 so I tightened it down to .005. All others were in spec . I thought that would have been it but no luck . Still pops and sounds like crap at mid throttle .

Any write ups on cleaning the FX carbs ? What should I be looking for?
Also I did mess with the idle screw but it didnt do anything other than make it idle higher/lower with the same rough running with the occasional pop .

 

Well I checked valve clearances and found one on cylinder 2 exhaust valve that was @ .009 so I tightened it down to .005. All others were in spec . I thought that would have been it but no luck . Still pops and sounds like crap at mid throttle .

Any write ups on cleaning the FX carbs ? What should I be looking for?
Also I did mess with the idle screw but it didnt do anything other than make it idle higher/lower with the same rough running with the occasional pop .

Well I believe its time to remove the carb and thoroughly clean it.

 

Plug wires are attached to the coils. 400 hours is a lot for the plugs though.

 

I just reread his opening post and he did throw a major tune up to it.

 

Some carbs don't lend themselves to clean depending how far the trash is lodged into the passages.I went through a Honda gx160 carb 3x's and still surged, ordered a new carb and is perfect now.

 

Good point process of elimination start simpleThumbs Up

 

There not giving those carbs away $250+,there a large 2 barrel style though.

 

I'm betting you've got a fuel delivery issue. What do the plugs look like?

 

Take it to your dealer. The most likely problem is a missing welch plug in the top of the carb. I have had two exmark turf tracers with the same problem. Last year they were both in the shop 5 times each. The dealer finally put on a new carb. from Kawasaki with no welch plugs. They tried gluing them in and even welding them in , but the only solution was a new carb. from Kawasaki. They know they have a problem. It happens on the Fx 691 and the FX730

 

I saw the one side of the inlet manifould was black and wet. I could not figure it out until I saw your comment. Thanks. I think the plug is there for a backfire. To release pressure. I'llgo see the dealer on Monday-Thanks

 

What fixed the issue??

 

Old thread.......6 years ago