JD 425 - Only running on 1 cylinder when cold, and picks up cylinder 2 after 1 min.

[Burns331]

My 425 has been getting worse as far as starting. It always fires up with choke and hits on 1 cylinder for 30-50 seconds before slowly picking up the second cylinder. Once the engine is warm it will start on both cylinders and run smooth. Its seems to have full power when warm, pulls my 60" deck, with a blower/bagger setup on the deck and mows at a pretty fast clip.

At first i was thinking valve adjustment. But that shouldn't be it, because it wouldn't get better with heat. I will still check them. I'm thinking it has to be electrical, but I'm not really sure what it could be.

Any help would be great.

Thank you

 

[tomplum]

Starting with the basics would be a good idea. Myself I would replace the spark plugs and compare the deposits on the old plugs. Remove the rocker covers, ground the ignition and crank the engine observing valve operation plus lift and guide positioning. You certainly could have a funky coil, but their MO typically begins w/ a failure when hot.

 

[beenthere]

And adjust the valve lash...

 

[Burns331]

I will check the valves, but if t hey are holding open due to getting tight, which is what happens over time, getting hotter would only make the issue worse not better. So thats my guess why it will be something else.

 

[Kish318420]

Could be a bad wire that does not make connection when cold but as heat warms things up, connection is made and electric flows, so check the coil/wire to plug also.

 

[RandyT]

I see several Kawasaki engines every year in the shop with misfiring or non firing cylinders, and see a decent amount of cracked epoxy that allows moisture intrusion. IE, won't start or runs poorly after a rain, washing the engine, or a foggy morning.

 

[beenthere]

cracked epoxy...

Where is that located..??

 

[Burns331]

I see several Kawasaki engines every year in the shop with misfiring or non firing cylinders, and see a decent amount of cracked epoxy that allows moisture intrusion. IE, won't start or runs poorly after a rain, washing the engine, or a foggy morning.

Most likley not for me. This is stored inside a shop, no mosisture. And does it everytime i start it when its cold. I mean cold engine, not necessary cold air temp.

 

[Kish318420]

Coils are usually where epoxy is found

 

[Richard001]

Have you checked compression ?

Richard