Said I would update, so here is what fixed mine.😀My solenoid was new, but I checked it, anyway. It was working fine. I had changed all the fuel lines-checked all the clamps ( put worm drive clamps on all hoses)- I didn't forget to tighten any. Started the mower in my shop, and let it run for a while. Yes, I opened all 3 garage doors, the walk thru door, and turned on the exhaust fans. After about 20 minutes, I shut it down. I noticed gas coming out of the gas tank around the seal for the 2 way valve..When I loosened the clamp, gas went everywhere. I put a catch pan under the mower, and pulled the valve. Gas poured out of the hole for about 30 seconds. When I checked the valve, it only worked gas flowing out, but not back into the tank. I took the valve in the house, and cleaned it with Dawn dish soap, as it was dirty. When I forced water through it, a piece of a leaf popped out, and the the valve worked in both directions! Put everything back together, and mowed for 10 hours-we have a tropical storm in the Gulf, and I haven't mowed my 8 acres in 3 weeks! All done, now. I did order a new valve from Ariens, just in case.
My Ikon just started having this problem a couple of weeks ago and it has baffled me. Thank you so much. I am headed out there now to fix it. Love the mower. Not given me any problem in 4 years.
It's interesting that mine started having fuel issues around the same time. Thankfully, mine has been doing well recently. I hope the fix works for yours! You might want to read the comments, as several others have mentioned different issues. It's crazy how this is such a common problem with these mowers.
I took the carb off twice and cleaned it. Replaced fuel lines, new fuel pump, loosened gas cap, etc. I've been dealing with this for over a week. You're a genius. It's too dark out now to work on it, will do it tomorrow. I'm sure that's it. Thank you. God Bless.
Let me know how it turns out seems this is an issue with a lot of these mowers and from the comments sounds like it could be a couple different things the solenoid fixed mine though.
@@TheElectronMan OK here goes. I did the solenoid...nothing changed. New carb... nothing changed. I realize eventually that just pushing on the choke would keep the engine running when it was trying to die, which made no sense. It turns out ther was a wire that had gone bare and was intermittently grounding out on the chassis. When the choke cable flexed, it was hitting that wire away from the chassis just enough to stop it from grounding out. So hitting bumps, going down hill and sometimes even just riding straight and even, the wire would shift and ground out the engine. Pumping the choke flexed the cable and moved the wire enough to keep the engine running. Oh well, now I have extra of everything. I'm believing the Good Lord showed me it was a bad wire because I'd still be in my yard doing stuff like adjusting valves if it was just my thinking. Hope this helps someone.
@@elvisrickey4625 Great info mine was the same way with the choke pulled it would keep it running but the solenoid solved my issue seems this is on going issue with these mowers with different faults. Thanks for posting your solution I am sure it will help someone with theirs...
Don't think that's my problem but I had thought of doing the same to mine a while back and wound up being a small crack in the fuel line. I have a few things to check before I get to the solenoid. Darn good idea Thanks for the video.
@@TheElectronMan Liked and subscribed. What's your opinion of that big Donaldson type air filter for these engines? I've been eyeballin' 'em but the darn things void Kawasaki's warranty. Thanks for the info!
I think if you work in a dry area with a lot of dust it really a makes sense but personally I would hold off till the warranty is over just to play it safe.@@charlesbeall2589
I have the same mower and just literally did all the same steps as you did and I have the exact same issue and pulled that damn back fire solenoid out 3 times and tested it and it worked fine and last night it started acting up again after about 30 min of mowing so I am going to pull it out today and cut it thanks for taking the time to make this video
@mikedeyoung7219 It seems common for these mowers to run fine for 15-30 minutes and then start acting up. After letting them sit overnight, they'll run okay for a little while before having the same issue again. It's a shame because they are good mowers, but it's ridiculous how much time we've had to spend fixing them. From what I’ve seen, the issue I found seems to be the cause most of the time, but there are multiple factors that could contribute. Hopefully, my fix solves your problem like it did mine.
@@TheElectronManwell finally got a chance to run the mower with the modification and damn thing is still doing the same thing. Gotta pull the choke to keep it running to limp it back to the shop. This thing only has about 100 hrs on it and I have over maintenance this thing like a crack head I changed the oil probably 10 times already lol. I am stumped
@mikedeyoung7219 try this get a small gas can and couple feet of fuel lIne plumb it straight from the gas can to the pump and see if it runs right. If it does than it's in the fuel tank or the lines that run to the motor.
I also have been having the same problem-same mower, same engine. I had already done everything you had done. I have an old Husqevarna lawn tractor with a Kohler eng that did this-I ended up removing the solenoid, and putting on a fuel shut off. I am now waiting for the engine to cool down. I will post results, as it looks like it is a problem. I should mention i replaced the left head, as the valve guide had moved, and bent a push rod.
If the shut off valve works meaning it stops gas when the run switch is off and then withdraws from the sealed position when the key is turn on to the run position then problem is probably not the valve itself but the electrical current energizing the shutoff valve. The wire running to or from the valve is due to change in temperature cracked or shorted in some way. The shutoff valve is a solenoid valve and it could be possible that as it heats up the coil in the valve shorts along its winding somehow reducing it magnetic strength and allowing the valve to partially close.
Yes, good points! I should have mentioned that I had already determined it wasn’t an electrical issue but that was kind of a given since it would run fine for 15 minutes and than start stalling. A simple check with a voltmeter confirmed that I had voltage to the solenoid. I suspect, as you mentioned, that the solenoid heats up after 10 to 15 minutes, causing it to not hold the valve open.
I wish that was my problem. I had a hole in my air filter on the bottom side that was undetected for a while. Mower started stuttering under load and I was troubleshooting the issue when I noticed the hole in the filter and the muddy mess in the intake boot and now she's smoking. Hoping its not to bad yet and that I can just replace pistons and rings and revive it
Hi. Tks for the post! My mower has similar problem. Runs great for 15/20 minutes then starts back firing through the carb. Installed new coils, adjusted valves still same problem. Gonna try your trick! Tks!!
Had a similar issue with mine. But it would start having issues until an hour or so of mowing, turns out there where plastic shavings in the tank and they where getting stuck in the 90 of the siphon tube. had to mow until it started starving for gas the pull the tube a blow out the garbage with an air gun.
Welp, same problem, same mower, same engine. Will try the solenoid next. I have replaced fuel and air filters and fuel pump so far. Thanks, Just ordered one on Amazon, fingers crossed. Its a very weird problem indeed.
Exact same thing my mower is doing. I have a Toro Timecutter with the same Kawasaki engine. Mine will run about a half hour to 45 minutes before it starts to act like it’s not getting fuel and shut down. Called the local mower shop and they want $150 for this part but saw them on Amazon by multiple sellers for $12-$30. Do you remember where you got yours from and does it work just as well as OEM? Great video and explanation of this known issue.
Honesty, I just cut mine and haven't replaced it. Just let it idle for a few seconds before you shut it off and no issues. But if you want to replace it, I would go with the Amazon one they are all made in China anyway.
I was just driving mine last night and it died out of nowhere. I've trouble shot everything up to the carburetor to make sure fuel was flowing and everything looks fine. If I let it sit for 5 Mims it will start for a split second. If I dump fuel directly into the carburetor it runs fine. So only thing I can think is fuel isn't entering the carburetor for some reason. Then it hit me that this thing is still under warranty. They are warrantied up to 300 hours. I'm at 304 right now. Sounds about right
@@TheElectronMan ok. I was just wondering when I can expect to have this problem. Mine is a 2019 with only 21.4 hours...lol. Bought it used at our local pawn shop 2 years ago.
Said I would update, so here is what fixed mine.😀My solenoid was new, but I checked it, anyway. It was working fine. I had changed all the fuel lines-checked all the clamps ( put worm drive clamps on all hoses)- I didn't forget to tighten any. Started the mower in my shop, and let it run for a while. Yes, I opened all 3 garage doors, the walk thru door, and turned on the exhaust fans. After about 20 minutes, I shut it down. I noticed gas coming out of the gas tank around the seal for the 2 way valve..When I loosened the clamp, gas went everywhere. I put a catch pan under the mower, and pulled the valve. Gas poured out of the hole for about 30 seconds. When I checked the valve, it only worked gas flowing out, but not back into the tank. I took the valve in the house, and cleaned it with Dawn dish soap, as it was dirty. When I forced water through it, a piece of a leaf popped out, and the the valve worked in both directions! Put everything back together, and mowed for 10 hours-we have a tropical storm in the Gulf, and I haven't mowed my 8 acres in 3 weeks! All done, now. I did order a new valve from Ariens, just in case.
This is great information. I will have to look and see where that valve is I have never noticed it before sounds like a really good catch sir..
Great information but I wish that you had been more detailed on what you actually did, too brief for us amateurs.
My Ikon just started having this problem a couple of weeks ago and it has baffled me. Thank you so much. I am headed out there now to fix it. Love the mower. Not given me any problem in 4 years.
It's interesting that mine started having fuel issues around the same time. Thankfully, mine has been doing well recently. I hope the fix works for yours! You might want to read the comments, as several others have mentioned different issues. It's crazy how this is such a common problem with these mowers.
I took the carb off twice and cleaned it. Replaced fuel lines, new fuel pump, loosened gas cap, etc. I've been dealing with this for over a week. You're a genius. It's too dark out now to work on it, will do it tomorrow. I'm sure that's it. Thank you. God Bless.
Let me know how it turns out seems this is an issue with a lot of these mowers and from the comments sounds like it could be a couple different things the solenoid fixed mine though.
@@TheElectronMan OK here goes. I did the solenoid...nothing changed. New carb... nothing changed. I realize eventually that just pushing on the choke would keep the engine running when it was trying to die, which made no sense. It turns out ther was a wire that had gone bare and was intermittently grounding out on the chassis. When the choke cable flexed, it was hitting that wire away from the chassis just enough to stop it from grounding out. So hitting bumps, going down hill and sometimes even just riding straight and even, the wire would shift and ground out the engine. Pumping the choke flexed the cable and moved the wire enough to keep the engine running. Oh well, now I have extra of everything. I'm believing the Good Lord showed me it was a bad wire because I'd still be in my yard doing stuff like adjusting valves if it was just my thinking. Hope this helps someone.
@@elvisrickey4625 Great info mine was the same way with the choke pulled it would keep it running but the solenoid solved my issue seems this is on going issue with these mowers with different faults. Thanks for posting your solution I am sure it will help someone with theirs...
It's always the last thing you do that fixes them...
I hear you !!!
Stubborn mow skis
Don't think that's my problem but I had thought of doing the same to mine a while back and wound up being a small crack in the fuel line.
I have a few things to check before I get to the solenoid. Darn good idea
Thanks for the video.
Thanks yeah it had me stumped for awhile and I figured it was worth a try and luckily it did the trick in my case.
@@TheElectronMan Liked and subscribed. What's your opinion of that big Donaldson type air filter for these engines? I've been eyeballin' 'em but the darn things void Kawasaki's warranty. Thanks for the info!
I think if you work in a dry area with a lot of dust it really a makes sense but personally I would hold off till the warranty is over just to play it safe.@@charlesbeall2589
I have the same mower and just literally did all the same steps as you did and I have the exact same issue and pulled that damn back fire solenoid out 3 times and tested it and it worked fine and last night it started acting up again after about 30 min of mowing so I am going to pull it out today and cut it thanks for taking the time to make this video
@mikedeyoung7219 It seems common for these mowers to run fine for 15-30 minutes and then start acting up. After letting them sit overnight, they'll run okay for a little while before having the same issue again. It's a shame because they are good mowers, but it's ridiculous how much time we've had to spend fixing them. From what I’ve seen, the issue I found seems to be the cause most of the time, but there are multiple factors that could contribute. Hopefully, my fix solves your problem like it did mine.
@@TheElectronManwell finally got a chance to run the mower with the modification and damn thing is still doing the same thing. Gotta pull the choke to keep it running to limp it back to the shop. This thing only has about 100 hrs on it and I have over maintenance this thing like a crack head I changed the oil probably 10 times already lol. I am stumped
@mikedeyoung7219 try this get a small gas can and couple feet of fuel lIne plumb it straight from the gas can to the pump and see if it runs right. If it does than it's in the fuel tank or the lines that run to the motor.
Have the same problem on my FR691V, thanks for the help.
Did you try this and did it work ?
Thankyou my machine just started doing it i have to try it. 👍Just done a service and still idle rough
I also have been having the same problem-same mower, same engine. I had already done everything you had done. I have an old Husqevarna lawn tractor with a Kohler eng that did this-I ended up removing the solenoid, and putting on a fuel shut off. I am now waiting for the engine to cool down. I will post results, as it looks like it is a problem. I should mention i replaced the left head, as the valve guide had moved, and bent a push rod.
If the shut off valve works meaning it stops gas when the run switch is off and then withdraws from the sealed position when the key is turn on to the run position then problem is probably not the valve itself but the electrical current energizing the shutoff valve. The wire running to or from the valve is due to change in temperature cracked or shorted in some way. The shutoff valve is a solenoid valve and it could be possible that as it heats up the coil in the valve shorts along its winding somehow reducing it magnetic strength and allowing the valve to partially close.
Yes, good points! I should have mentioned that I had already determined it wasn’t an electrical issue but that was kind of a given since it would run fine for 15 minutes and than start stalling. A simple check with a voltmeter confirmed that I had voltage to the solenoid. I suspect, as you mentioned, that the solenoid heats up after 10 to 15 minutes, causing it to not hold the valve open.
I wish that was my problem. I had a hole in my air filter on the bottom side that was undetected for a while. Mower started stuttering under load and I was troubleshooting the issue when I noticed the hole in the filter and the muddy mess in the intake boot and now she's smoking. Hoping its not to bad yet and that I can just replace pistons and rings and revive it
Bummer yeah pulling trash through the engine is never a good thing.
Hi. Tks for the post! My mower has similar problem. Runs great for 15/20 minutes then starts back firing through the carb. Installed new coils, adjusted valves still same problem. Gonna try your trick! Tks!!
Did you try this and did it work ?
Had a similar issue with mine. But it would start having issues until an hour or so of mowing, turns out there where plastic shavings in the tank and they where getting stuck in the 90 of the siphon tube. had to mow until it started starving for gas the pull the tube a blow out the garbage with an air gun.
May I ask how you removed the backfire valve? Nuts pretty thin to get a wrench on there, I'm gonna try some needle nose vice grips I guess for now.
I used crescent wrench if you notice there is a wide flat area below the threads on the base of the solenoid part.
Welp, same problem, same mower, same engine. Will try the solenoid next. I have replaced fuel and air filters and fuel pump so far. Thanks, Just ordered one on Amazon, fingers crossed. Its a very weird problem indeed.
Good luck been there I am telling it is a weird problem and it seems to have different solutions hope it fixes your also..
Exact same thing my mower is doing. I have a Toro Timecutter with the same Kawasaki engine. Mine will run about a half hour to 45 minutes before it starts to act like it’s not getting fuel and shut down. Called the local mower shop and they want $150 for this part but saw them on Amazon by multiple sellers for $12-$30. Do you remember where you got yours from and does it work just as well as OEM? Great video and explanation of this known issue.
Honesty, I just cut mine and haven't replaced it. Just let it idle for a few seconds before you shut it off and no issues. But if you want to replace it, I would go with the Amazon one they are all made in China anyway.
Thanks...I'll try one of the cheap Amazon ones and if the issue still happens I'll just cut the tip.
Another thing.....that shiney new mower appears to be under warranty.😂
That shinny new mower is 5 years old but thanks I try to take care of my equipment...
I was just driving mine last night and it died out of nowhere. I've trouble shot everything up to the carburetor to make sure fuel was flowing and everything looks fine. If I let it sit for 5 Mims it will start for a split second. If I dump fuel directly into the carburetor it runs fine. So only thing I can think is fuel isn't entering the carburetor for some reason. Then it hit me that this thing is still under warranty. They are warrantied up to 300 hours. I'm at 304 right now. Sounds about right
...same mower as you and im dealing with this issue now :/ thx for the vid.
Can you do a video on how to replace the fuel tank soon
First thing is to blow out the supply line back into tank, vacuum hose to fuel pump for crack, and back fire valve is clicking ???😊
Thanks seems this is on going issue with different solutions.
I am thinking fit a Huskavarna YT42 XLS mower w that engine. 2015 for my sis. Good to know if that’s its reason for selling. ;)
So did you plug it back in? Or just leave it unhooked? Thank you😊
I plugged back in just so the wires are not hanging loose.
Never rig your equipment. Always fix it right.
I agree but made sense to me to test my theory first and if it fixes then replace the solenoid since they are cheap of Amazon anyway.
How many engine hours do you have on her?
About 500
@@TheElectronMan ok. I was just wondering when I can expect to have this problem. Mine is a 2019 with only 21.4 hours...lol. Bought it used at our local pawn shop 2 years ago.
Same issue