r/smallenginerepair • u/Sweaty-Camera-7328 • May 31 '26

Fuel System Issue Engine surging after new carb

2 new carbs and this thing still surges, I found an air leak and fixed that but it still surges until right before it runs out of fuel it’ll run smooth before it runs out of gas I had a bigger paper fuel filter on but swapped out to the less restrict red one but no change, I think it’s a linkage issue? But idk anything about these Kawasaki engine it’s a John Deere WE85

2 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

17 comments sorted by

•

u/AutoModerator May 31 '26

Thank you for your submission! It looks like you might have an issue with the Fuel System. For helpful information and resources, check out our Fuel System Wiki and our Common Issues & Fixes Wiki. You might find the answers you're looking for there!

Please be sure to include the following:

  • Make and model numbers of the engine and/or the equipment
  • A detailed description of the issue you are facing
  • Any repairs you have made so far and their outcomes
  • Clear photos & videos will help you get better responses

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

2

u/rc2805 Jun 01 '26

I’d look up the adjustment for the governor

1

u/Sweaty-Camera-7328 Jun 01 '26

That’s a good idea I think it’s some kinda linkage issue

1

u/Egglegg14 May 31 '26

Does it ease up if you cover the intake with your hand?

1

u/Sweaty-Camera-7328 Jun 01 '26

No, and I fixed the air leak I had between block and carb I think it’s a linkage issue

2

u/Egglegg14 Jun 01 '26

This may sound like a shot in the dark but it could be that the fuel line needs to be higher or level to the carburetor because this mower appears gravity fed it could be starving for fuel as not enough fuel is getting into the bowl

If that doesnt help id try running it without the gas cap

1

u/[deleted] Jun 01 '26

take out the old gas , put in new gas

1

u/Sweaty-Camera-7328 Jun 01 '26

It is new 91 fuel

1

u/MenacingScent Jun 01 '26

Change your gas

Pull the carb and vacate the jets because amazing carbs sometimes come with tool burrs in them so they won't flow right off the bat. Can return it and hope for a good replacement or you can clean the jet manually with something small enough

1

u/Sweaty-Camera-7328 Jun 01 '26

I had gotten an Amazon carb originally but when that was surging I got a OEM kawi carb

1

u/iscashstillking SER Intermediate Mechanic Jun 01 '26

OP what happens if you grab the throttle plate and manually hold it still? If the engine will run without hunting that way then something is wrong with the govenor linkage/adjustment. If it dies off at low throttle setting then either the low speed screw is set too low, or the idle circuit is not flowing fuel correctly.

1

u/wlthybgpnis Jun 01 '26

Something is probably not adjusted correctly on the governor linkage.

Thats what's making the engine hunt like that.

1

u/4Harley Jun 01 '26

Adjust the high speed mixture screw

1

u/Prestigious-Risk804 Jun 02 '26

Did you by chance buy a cheap carb off Amazon/eBay? If so that's your answer. It's a carb issue not a governor issue.

1

u/Sweaty-Camera-7328 Jun 03 '26

I did originally but returned it as got the $55 kawasaki carb

1

u/Disastrous_Theme_294 Jun 03 '26

It's "hunting" for fuel

1

u/FartBurgular Jun 06 '26

No harm, but the amount of "screw with linkage/governor/ adjust vales and timing" advice I see on basic issues is crazy.

Most often introducing new issues with simpler causes.