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20HP Kawasaki Runs Rough

16 years ago

I noticed yesterday that after plowing for about 20 minutes the engine starts to run pretty rough. From the smell of the exhaust I'd say it is running rich. I've scoured the manual and I see not other adjustments to make when running in cold weather. Is there something I am missing? The temperature yesterday was about 30F.

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Comments (9)

mownie
16 years ago
WHOC, I'll stir up some silt with this suggestion (I'm sure). When you are running the plow, does snow ever blow back and land on the engine or exhaust? If so, the airborne water vapor (produced by the "flash boil") might possibly get drawn into the air filter element, where it can freeze and restrict the inflow enough to cause a rich condition. Since the air temp was around 30 degrees, it would be easy for icing to occur if water vapor was available. I have no experience in the "snow handing" business but I can theorize this happening under certain conditions. I'm not sure how you could determine whether this is the cause. Possibly you might install a new air filter element and run the horse around without stirring up powder and observe whether the rich condition persists or disappears. The fact that you have only just noticed the condition would imply that something is related to the work you are doing...OR that something else has occurred since you used it last (like possibly the float has perforated or come loose in the carb??). If the condition is somehow related to the filter element freezing over, you may need to experiment with shrouding the hood and grille areas to limit how much snow can get to the hot surfaces of the engine compartment. It wouldn't need much more than cutting an old bed sheet up to make a cover. Fastening it in place might offer a challenge. I might end up being laughed out of town for this, but what the heck? 'Tis the season (snow, that is).
tom_k_de
16 years ago
Techcumseh Snow King Engines mounted on snow blowers have no air filter for this reason. Mine is an Ariens 825 and has never froze up,or missed a lick,though engine was covered in snow. TBK
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rcmoser
16 years ago
I would pull the plugs and read them, this way maybe you can narrow it down to one cylinder. I have to ask?? you didn't have the choke on???
wheely_boy
Original Author
16 years ago
The choke is spring loaded normally open. I plowed later this morning in colder dryer conditions and it ran like a top. I am leaning towards moisture freezing the air intake. Next time I'll take a peek under the hood.

tom_k_de, I have a similar set up on an old Ariens. I was wondering if it was advisable to run without the pre-cleaner or something on the Kawasaki.
grassmaster
16 years ago
Wheely Boy: Check out this thread below. I'll bet you learn a lot like I did about our rough-running 20 HP Kawas.

Here is a link that might be useful: Rough Kawa Thread
mownie
16 years ago
Check out the link for relevance to the OP's issue. Suggested by bboshart, link provided by varmint 304. Thanks guys and Merry Christmas.

Here is a link that might be useful: 'sno time to get iced up
runny214
16 years ago
Why don't you just remove the air filter?
Is there some sort of cover on the Kawi engine that would stop the big chunks of snow or ice?
wheely_boy
Original Author
16 years ago
That is a very interesting link you posted mownie. You try to see what else might be available at the Deere dealer but I guess the average person can't handle it.
mownie
16 years ago
I was in full re-post when I posted the link. I first saw mention of it in another thread (see link below). Thou shalt not plagiarize nor take credit for the efforts of thy neighbor. Amen. Merry Christmas All.

Here is a link that might be useful: JD brand grille cover mentioned here first

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