Whenever there is talk about small engine mowers with great potential, the name of the Kawasaki FX730v comes at the top of the list. The 4-stroke engine is made to provide top-notch commercial mowing performance. But it can also be a good fit for residential gardening purposes.
Despite all this mower’s great features, some users are not fully happy with the Kawasaki FX730v. Some common Kawasaki fx730v problems are not exclusive to the Kawasaki FX series; other mowers, such as the Kubota MX5400, have similar issues.
Problems like starting difficulties, unfamiliar noise, or abnormally excessive exhaust are not very troubling if you know how to handle them efficiently. This article will give you an in-depth look at these problems and how to troubleshoot them properly.
The Most Common Problems with Kawasaki FX730v
Table of Contents
Like any mower, some problems always make users’ experiences less perfect. But luckily, these problems need some basic troubleshooting and knowledge of proper care, and the machine will be running efficiently.
1. Engine Won’t Start
Kawasaki FX730v is not the only mower with this issue. Almost any other mower suffers from the same problem, such as Ferris IS 700Z. Before concluding that there is a severe problem in the engine, you should start by looking at the fuel gauge and tank.
Sometimes, the gauge might not indicate emptiness in the tank. If the fuel is insufficient, filling it up is the right action. If the tank filling does not clear the issue, you will have to investigate the spark plug.
With frequent use, this plug will wear out. This plug wire’s primary role is supposed to supply spark power needed for fuel ignition in the engine.
When this plug is worn out, you notice apparent corrosion marks and unclean buildup on its surface. In this case, you will have to get another spark plug for your Kawasaki FX730v.
2. Unusual Noise coming from the Engine
When the engine of the Kawasaki FX730v runs, it makes some noise, but it can’t be described as unusual. But when the cranking sound gets annoying, you should know something is wrong. Since this Kawasaki model comes with two cylinders, you should start inspecting them.
Whenever fuel is burned inside the engine, carbon is released inside its parts. In contrast, most of this carbon dioxide escapes the machine’s body as emissions, while some remains inside and accumulates inside the cylinders.
Carbon deposits grow stubbornly as a result of this. The major suspects in that weird sounds may be dirty cylinders. By gently scraping them, you may easily clean them.
3. The Engine is dripping with oil
When the oil runs through the Kawasaki FX730v engine, it gets warmer. So, this increased temperature can affect some vital parts, such as seals and screws.
They can become loose, which leads to leakage. A simple oil leak that is neglected can become more severe and will lead to undesirable consequences, including fires or slipping.
To handle a leak situation correctly, you must detect the leak source. If loose parts are the culprits, you should tighten them up. Applying some brackets on the engine joints can make things tighter and reduce the chances of leaks in the future.
In some cases, the leakage cause is very simple: it can happen due to overfilling the oil reservoir. So, keep in mind to optimize the oil levels as per the guidelines in the user manual. When you try to fill the reservoir, don’t spill the oil. Instead, pour it slowly.
4. Engine overheating problems
Another common Kawasaki fx730v problem is that the engine becomes too hot while running the machine. Usually, engine oil is the main suspect in this matter. If you ignore regular oil changes, the oil will change in nature.
Typically, the oil will become stickier and unable to run through the 4-stroke Kawasaki FX engine. Such a thing will deny the engine parts the usual lubrication from the oil.
This way, the engine will become jammed with thick oil. The only fix for this problem is to clean the pistons and other jammed parts. Then, change the oil.
5. A Faulty fuel filter
A fuel filter in a Kawasaki FX 730v mower is responsible for straining and purifying the gas before reaching the combustion chamber.
So, if the filter is not in its best shape, contamination will easily get into this chamber. Such a thing will gradually decrease the engine’s efficiency. Also, the fuel system will collapse in time.
There are not many solutions that could save your machine in this case. Either clean it thoroughly or replace it entirely if the buildup is stuck. Fuel filters are considerably cheap and are available in various hardware stores.
6. Smokey Exhaust
When you spot white or bluish smoke from your Kawasaki FX 730v mower, you need to look for a cause. One of the most specific causes is overfilling the oil reservoir. In this case, oil can run till it reaches the mower’s exhaust system, particularly the manifold.
In this case, the oil will not tolerate the high temperatures in this system. So, it will instantly burn and leave the machine in the form of white or blue smoke. To avoid this problem, you must fill the oil to the right levels without overfilling.
Another cause of this one of the most common Kawasaki fx730v problems is the head gasket. A worn-out or damaged head gasket can make the oil leak and leave its chambers to reach the engine’s cylinders.
In this case, the oil will burn in no time. The burnt oil will leave the mower in the form of blue exhaust.
Blue smoke is a grave issue and can be an alert that the engine will be severely damaged if the cause is not treated properly. So, you will have to replace the gasket to protect your engine. But avoid generic gaskets.
You will have to get the right gasket for your machine. And there are specific head gaskets for Kawasaki FX730v mowers.
Kawasaki FX730v Problems: are they a deal breaker?
In general, Kawasaki mowers are highly efficient and high-performing. They are backed with high-quality parts and a versatile engine.
Even a small 4-stroke engine, like the Kawasaki FX730v mower, comes with durable components that can last several years with proper maintenance. So, this means you can enjoy operating the machine for thousands of hours.
One important tip for making the most of this engine is to maintain an inspection and care routine even if you are not using it. For instance, if you live in a cold state and are planning to store your FX730v for a long time, you must check its filters and clean its cylinders.
Dirt and debris can find their way inside even if the machine is not working. Also, adjusting the oil level to guarantee proper lubrication is necessary. Monitoring the tires while storing the mower is another essential maintenance tip. Make sure they are never flat.
Getting your reference from the user manual is crucial to guide you regarding oil, fuel, tire pressure, and nut tightness. So, going over the manual is the most uncomplicated procedure in the mower’s maintenance plan.
In this manual, you will find everything you need to take good care of the high-quality machine and its sensitive parts.
Marvin is an expert in farming equipment with a strong background in agricultural engineering. He graduated from Kansas State College of Agriculture, where he received a degree in Agricultural Engineering and specialized in farm equipment design and maintenance.
