ZT3-60 Kawasaki FS730V Quits Under Load After Several Minutes

[masterdrago]

Engine slows and almost dies when mowing under full load. It feels like running out of fuel, slows rpm and as it nears stopping may have faint, slight backfire. I replaced both plugs and fuel filter. No change. Not sure how to proceed. It happens after getting fully hot when mowing several minutes. If I stop the blades and back down the throttle, it will continue to run but surges a bit. If I shut it off and wait a minute, I can restart and mow a few more minutes under load until next occurrence. What electrical component could be failing when hot?

Kenneth Drake

 

[slomo]

It feels like running out of fuel

I would start there. Either the cooling fins are packed up or most likely a carb/fuel tank/fuel line and so on issue. Fuel tank plugged up? Solid stream of gas AT the carb inlet?

 

[DonS1964]

I used to be a sears repair tech. Oddly enough I saw this problem all the time. I’d try loosening the gas cap when this occurs again and see if problem stops. If so, get a new gas cap. The vents get plugged up especially if it’s dusty where you mow.

 

[ILENGINE]

I used to be a sears repair tech. Oddly enough I saw this problem all the time. I’d try loosening the gas cap when this occurs again and see if problem stops. If so, get a new gas cap. The vents get plugged up especially if it’s dusty where you mow.

Something to keep in mind at this point is fuel caps haven't been vented since 2012 with the new EPA emissions requirements. At least the rider caps. Some of the push mower caps are charcoal canister caps. The Charcoal caps and the few riders with the charcoal canisters are susceptible to raw fuel contamination which has the same effect as a plugged vent cap.