Kawasaki V-twin smoking at idle

GeneralEclectic · Aug 17, 2011

FR691V with only 5 operating hours on it. Starts and runs perfectly, pulls strongly without breaking a sweat. However, it surprised the heck out of me the other day when it was sitting there idling with no load on it at about 1250-1300 RPM (that's where it was set at low idle when it was delivered) and suddenly started blowing some considerable oil smoke out the exhaust. I grabbed the throttle and sped it up to somewhere just over 2000RPM (an estimate) and the smoke stopped immediately. As an experiment, I returned it to low idle and within a minute the smoke reappeared. Far as I know, it burns no oil in normal operation. The level is right at the top of the range on the dipstick, and could be even a little bit over, depending on your measuring technique.

I don't see this as a serious problem, but it is kind of weird. I'd greatly prefer that the engine can run at low idle without putting down a smokescreen fit for concealing the Bismarck.

The usual suspects like rings and valve guides can probably be ruled out because there's no smoke or consumption at normal speeds under load. This kind of makes me think "crankcase breather", but am a bit stumped as to why only at low idle.

Aside from the iffy oil level, any other ideas from Kawasaki users?

Alien · Aug 17, 2011

I have a V twin Kawasaki on my Husky and it has never done that in 7+ years. I am a mechanic and haven't heard that one before. It almost sounds like there is a valve stem seal missing and at higher revs this wouldn't be so noticeable.

tcartwri · Aug 17, 2011

GeneralEclectic said:
I don't see this as a serious problem, but it is kind of weird.

So what is a serious problem...

I would have a refund in my hands before the dealer cashed my check.

9973720wb19 · Aug 17, 2011

i have a Kaw V-twin on my JD walkbehind 54" deck and trans. - it's about 3 years old and never smoked at any idle speed. it would backfire if i shut in down too quick. been letting it idle for a few mins before shut down and the backfire stopped.

JakeBrake · Aug 17, 2011

I have a 15 HP Kawasaki on a DR Field & Brush Mower. It has 800 running hours and it uses no oil. The throttle has three positions: Choke, Idle, Run. It will smoke a little and run poorly if left in "Choke" for any length of time. It does not smoke at "Idle". "Run" is 3600 RPM. At "Run", I am ready to quit long before the mower is ready to quit.

What I'm saying is your choke may be working when your engine is at low RPM.

SimS · Aug 17, 2011

Check the oil level. I have the same motor and if remember correctly you have to screw in the dipstick to get the right oil level. If you check it not screwed in, it's over filled. Something like that, I know I thought, at the time, it was a counter intuitive design. Double check the owner's manual for the correct procedure. Good Luck.

SimS

Fixemall · Aug 17, 2011

SimS said:
Check the oil level. I have the same motor and if remember correctly you have to screw in the dipstick to get the right oil level. If you check it not screwed in, it's over filled. Something like that, I know I thought, at the time, it was a counter intuitive design. Double check the owner's manual for the correct procedure. Good Luck.

SimS

That is correct, on those you check them with the stick screwed in, I would also check that the right oil is in there, NEVER assume dealer competence.

JakeBrake · Aug 17, 2011

SimS said:
Check the oil level. I have the same motor and if remember correctly you have to screw in the dipstick to get the right oil level. If you check it not screwed in, it's over filled. Something like that, I know I thought, at the time, it was a counter intuitive design. Double check the owner's manual for the correct procedure. Good Luck.

SimS

My 15 HP Kawasaki is exactly opposite. You have to check the oil with the dipstick unscrewed. The instructions are on the dipstick: "FOR CORRECT OIL LEVEL DO NOT TURN CAP ON THREADS"

Fixemall · Aug 17, 2011

Must be different series, the ones I have repaired needed to be in all the way for correct level

GeneralEclectic · Aug 18, 2011

Checked the oil-level instructions to be sure: The dipstick must be fully screwed in. There's probably too much oil in there now since it read full, or maybe a very slight bit over full, without being screwed in. I'll remove a little with a suction gun before mowing next time.

Thanks to everyone for the comments.