GT275 Will Not Start When Hot

[snpower]

Hello All:

My Dad's GT275 runs like a top but once shut down will not start until about 30 minutes have gone by. He had it looked at by JD and they "found nothing".

I'm hoping to get some troubleshooting ideas; moderate mechanical ability here, and I don't have access to the machine but for a day or so each week. Thanks in advance.

 

[bruceatlam]

More data would help. When you try to restart after shutting down, do you have spark on both cylinders? Does it try to start or just crank endlessly? Do you know what the compression is in each cylinder?

Without more data, I would be looking at the coils and I would be assuming that they fail once they heat up. I guess you don't have a technical manual for it?? The technical manual will tell you how to check the coils.

 

[snpower]

Thanks for your input. I have spark; it cranks endlessly with no sign of ignition. I have not compression tested nor do I have a tech manual.

 

[beenthere]

Are you trying to start by choking ?? Likely doesn't need any choking if engine is warm.. Just fishing for a clue to the problem.

 

[bruceatlam]

OK. Well, if you have spark, then you would not likely have a coil problem.

Sounds like you either have a fuel problem, an air problem or low compression. Heat should increase compression in an engine so if it starts fine cold then that would lead you to believe that the compression is OK when it's hot but, it would be nice to know the compression. If you can check it, let us know. So, how long has it been since you checked/cleaned/changed the air filter/the fuel filter?? Does that carb have a fuel solenoid on it? The fuel solenoid will close when you shut it down. Can you hear it click to open back up when you turn the ignition switch to the start position?? What kind of fuel pump do you have --- mechanical or pulse? Have you tried choking it to start it when it's hot --- that may help.

 

[snpower]

Are you trying to start by choking ?? Likely doesn't need any choking if engine is warm.. Just fishing for a clue to the problem.

No choke as the engine is warm.

 

[swines]

Almost sounds like a vapor-lock condition. As long as the fuel is flowing it's keeping the fuel line cool enough and the gas liquid. When the machine is shut off and hot, the fuel is no longer flowing and the line heats up. If you have small cracks in the fuel line you can get air into the line causing the fuel to evaporate quickly with the heat causing the vapor lock.

I'd replace the entire fuel line from the tank to the carburetor and see if that helps or cures the problem. If not, then I'd look at the fuel pump next as it could be cracked also or not providing enough flow.

I'd also replace the fuel filter. Renew the entire fuel system from the tank to the carburetor. One other thing you need to check is the vent in the fuel cap. If the vent is blocked from dirt, grease, etc. that will cause fuel flow problems.

The last year of production for the GT275 was 1998, so the machine is at least 18 years old. Rubber simply degrades from ozone over that period of time so it's not out of the question the fuel line may need to be replaced.

I've had a GT275 since 1997, and replaced the fuel line in mine about 5-6 years ago simply because it was starting to show signs of deterioration.

If you're getting spark - then the problem has to be fuel delivery.

 

[snpower]

Nice info. I believe this was purchased in '96.

 

[Dave M7040]

Suggest you start by downloading part of the Kawasaki engine service manual dealing with trouble shooting.

I think your engine is the FC540V one

Go to this link: http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/files/file/1976-engine-kawasaki-fc290v-fc420v-fc540v-sm-492-4210pdf/

On the top right of the page is a red box marked download file.
Click on that which will bring up a list of files. The one you want is second from the top of the list and is called:" Kawasaki FC290V FC420V FC540V SM Pt1 492-4210.pdf"

The file is 2.96 MB

Once you have that file go to the trouble shooting section and try and work through the flow charts which will have you approaching your engine problem in a logical fashion rather than a hit or miss approach.

Come back when you have more questions after trying the trouble shooting tips.

Dave M7040

 

[snpower]

Dave,

I can't thank you enough. Unsure if I will get to this before spring, but I will try and report back!