2004 Scag TT 27hp Kaw- Randomly dying

presta24 · Jul 5, 2023

Randomly dying when mowing today. Though maybe a fuel delivery problem. When it dies sometimes I hear a metal on metal grindind similiar to your brakes when the pads are gone and your metal on metal. Seems to be lacking a bit of power too before it dies. Engine has oil and its clean, changed this spring. Running at normal temp. Engine has 1900hrs

Any ideas fellas?

5030 · Jul 5, 2023

1900 hours on a Kawasaki is borrowed time. Sounds like the camshaft is failing.

Tinhack · Jul 5, 2023

Check the flywheel nut. If it is loose, pull the flywheel off and check for cracks. While you're under there, check the ignition coil and alternator for damage. And for sure, replace the key.

presta24 · Jul 6, 2023

Seems to run fine for about 30min. Then once it gets hot it starts to act up. Not sure I'm getting my laser temp directly on main bearing but it's around 200f.

2manyrocks · Jul 6, 2023

Valve adjustment?

LD1 · Jul 6, 2023

I disagree that 1900hrs is borrowed time as long as it was serviced properly. (oil changed every season or 100hrs, air filter kept blown out, etc).

Now there are a TON of reasons that can cause it to die suddenly.

But a big piece of information.....what does it do after it dies? Is it dead like it wont even crank to restart? Does it fire right back up and run fine for another 30 min? Does it fire back up but still runs bad until you let it cool off?

Answers to what happens when trying to restart is more important diagnostic information than just saying it died.

presta24 · Jul 7, 2023

LD1 said:
I disagree that 1900hrs is borrowed time as long as it was serviced properly. (oil changed every season or 100hrs, air filter kept blown out, etc).

Now there are a TON of reasons that can cause it to die suddenly.

But a big piece of information.....what does it do after it dies? Is it dead like it wont even crank to restart? Does it fire right back up and run fine for another 30 min? Does it fire back up but still runs bad until you let it cool off?

Answers to what happens when trying to restart is more important diagnostic information than just saying it died.

Fires right back up, but will die again in a few mins. I change the oil every season and it barely looks dark. I mow 6ac

TMosely1 · Jul 7, 2023

I had that issue with the same engine that ended up being a fuel pump. If you have a see thru fuel filter, you can check to see if it's empty right after it dies. I could let the pump cool, and it would fill the filter back up and run fine till it happened again. I'm guessing the sound you're hearing may just be the clutch.

LD1 · Jul 7, 2023

Pull the hose going from fuel pump to carb and crank. See if you are getting flow.

Could also be a bad connection at keyswitch not keeping the fuel shut off solenoid open.

Alan W. · Jul 7, 2023

I am trying to troubleshoot my BIL’s new Exmark with a Kawasaki.
Seems to run out of gas. If you choke it then it wont die. Very random when this happens.
Not a vent issue. Not the fuel shut off solenoid. Clean fuel no water. Thought maybe fuel pump so I put an electric one on it. Still dies.
Hung another fuel tank off from the roll bar and it will run forever. Will have to pull the seat to get to the pickup tube and tank. Problem is in there.
Dealer has already replaced a lot of parts trying to fix.