Fuel Problem with NEW 29 HP Kawasaki

[smithder]

We got a brand new Max IV with the FI Kawasaki. Today on our first outing about two hours in to the ride we stopped for a short while and after restarting it died and would not run. It would start but barley run. I believe it was not getting gas. After limping it back to the trailer it ran fine when we got home.

It also seems to have a slight hesitation when throttle is applied. It hesitates for a split second then takes off.

Disappointing for a brand new machine with 4 hours on it. Anyone else had fuel problems with this motor?

Going to repost in motor forum. Sorry

[smithder]

Fuel Problem with NEW 29 HP Kawasaki

We got a brand new Max IV with the FI Kawasaki. Today on our first outing about two hours in to the ride we stopped for a short while and after restarting it died and would not run. It would start but barley run. I believe it was not getting gas. After limping it back to the trailer it ran fine when we got home.

It also seems to have a slight hesitation when throttle is applied. It hesitates for a split second then takes off.

Disappointing for a brand new machine with 4 hours on it. Anyone else had fuel problems with this motor?

[thebuggyman1]

Have you tried loosening the gas cap? Sometimes the venting can get plugged.

[tattooman]

Check to see that your fuel line is not pinched. It happened to me with my max11. It would run all day until I put a passenger in. His weight would stop the fuel. When he got out, fuel would flow again and it would run.

[smithder]

Infact the gas cap was leaking. We did take it on and off several times. This motor has three fuel lines which seems to be some type of recirculating system. Lines don't look pinched.

[amphibious drew]

There is a ground that gets loose on those. Hopefully maxiv Mark will chime in here.

[CBass]

Mel's had a ground issue with hers and it would just click when I turned the key. I tighted it up and it worked fine. But your issue sounds like you can get it running just not preforming like it should. It might be something in the carb is clogged.

[smithder]

It would start and barley run. Not enough power to move. Finally got enough power to barley drive the couple miles back to the truck but died right before we got there. After the short 15 minute trailer ride home it was running ok agian with the exception of the throttle hesitation.

[egoperf]

the fuel line has a tube that runs into the bottom of the fuel tank, there is a small screen on the end that could be plugged. if you look down from the gas cap you should see the end of it. or you could have water in the tank.

[smithder]

Ill take a look. Don't think it would be plugged unless somthing we in the tank from the factory. I think we have two separate issues.

1. Hesitation when throttle is applied

2. Would barley run for a while today.

I think both are fuel related.

[Bazooo guy]

Vapor lock?

[smithder]

How would I know if it was and what do I do to prevent it?

[Bazooo guy]

It usually happens to a hot engine when you shut it off let it sit and then try to restart it.
Feel the carb it shouldnt bet hot.
And the fuel line shouldnt be near any sources of heat.
If its a new machine i cant see it happening or other owners would have the same problem.
When the fuel vaporizes in the carb or line it will run like crap if you can get it to start at all.
Let it cool overnight and it will fire right up.
Pull the spark plugs and look at them....i bet they are black from running rich.

Oops didnt realize its fuel injected.

[fmints]

Cbass and I had a similiar issue with member WMCOUNCIL's Max II with the 29 Kawi in it. It ran crappy, and hesitated and even shut off a few times. It all boiled down to an electrical short on the stock electric fuel pump located on the front side of the engine close to the radiator. Its worth taking a look at. We fixed the issue by adding an aftermarket low psi fuel pump from O'reilleys.

[Buzz]

Bummer when EFI doesn't work like you would expect. I can't imagine you have any major engine problems being as it's new (like non-sealing valves). A problematic "hot" engine compartment comes to mind. My first thought would be to suspect your fuel pump. EFI will use a higher-output electric pump. I've never looked at the 29 Kawasaki. Efi modules and fuel pumps can start acting strangely when hot. Might be a good idea to venitlate/lower the engine compartment temp if possible. In the event in seems like it's not going to start, stop and save your batteries. Usually just giving it 15 minutes to cool is all you need. Remove the cowling, open the throttle and wait. You could even turn over the engine manually by turning the clutch to help ventilate rich/flooded cylinders. Or, remove the plugs (they'll dry much faster) and do the same. Most EFI modules will stop the flow of fuel if cranking @ WOT if you want to ventilate that way instead. It's funny, seems like typically if you turn the engine off and restart right away, everything is okay, but if it sits for just a little while (but is still warm) it can be a pain. Ventilating rich/flooded cylinders always works, as long as your module continues to put out adequate spark and your fuel pump delivers adequate psi.....which it usually does. Pump is "probably" the thing to check though. I say that because of the hot start problem and hesitation.....
hopefully that helps-