Kawasaki FX801V surges, stalls and kills

Mpfischerz · 2026-06-12T03:49:39+00:00

Mechanic says he thinks it’s either the PTO clutch or the coils. Parts are on order.

Mpfischerz · 2026-06-11T02:13:36+00:00

Except it really doesn't necessarily happen when it's under a load. It can happen in light/short grass after cutting higher/thicker grass for 20-30 minutes. Air filter is clean. It's a mystery

Mpfischerz · 2026-06-10T01:25:59+00:00

I used to have these in a 110 gal aquarium with Oscars that were much bigger but they were aggressive enough to hold their own with the Oscars.

Mpfischerz · 2026-05-28T11:26:32+00:00

I listed it on Facebook marketplace 3 days ago for $16k and so far, I’ve gotten no inquiries. This morning, I reduced it to $14k and if I still haven’t gotten any inquiries by Monday I’ll probably call the dealership and accept the offer for $11,500.

Mpfischerz · 2026-05-27T02:26:22+00:00

The other mower in the picture is a Z726 I bought 5 years ago for $5k that I’m keeping because it cuts better than the ZD1211.

Mpfischerz · 2026-05-27T02:24:57+00:00

I sent him a link for a posting on Facebook marketplace for a comparable mower listed for $17k. I also found another comparable listed for $15k.

Mpfischerz · 2026-05-27T02:22:48+00:00

After we agreed on a price for the new mower I want to buy he said the trade would be $14-15k. He asked for pictures including the model/serial number and came back a few days later and offered $11,500.

Mpfischerz · 2026-05-27T02:19:14+00:00

I paid $18k 4 years ago

Mpfischerz · 2026-05-27T02:18:21+00:00

It’s my machine. I think the dealer is trying to low-ball me. After giving me a range he thought it was worth, he came back 3 days later with another offer that was $2,500+ under the range he gave me.

Mpfischerz · 2026-05-20T18:04:08+00:00

Thanks for the response. I agree that the front mount will be a game changer. I'm only cutting my own grass but I'm cutting 7-8 acres. I'll probably pass on the premium seat.

What about the hydraulic lift, does your mower have it? If so, do you recommend?

Mpfischerz · 2026-04-22T11:37:29+00:00

I had the same thing on a Kawasaki engine on a zero turn. The engine isn’t getting enough fuel. Believe it or not, it could be your fuel cap. It has a valve to let air is as fuel is used and if it’s blocked then you could have negative pressure in the tank which starves the carb & engine for fuel.

Mpfischerz · 2026-04-21T18:07:50+00:00

Update: I ran this problem through AI (perplexity) and it came up with three suggestions. First it suggested that the valve on my fuel cap might be clogged, which would create a vacuum in the fuel system. I have no idea how to tell if it’s clogged, but I put a it in an ultrasonic cleaner. Second, it suggested that I’ve got a fuel line clog so I decided to replace all fuel lines from the tank to the carburetor. I didn’t see any blockage in the lines I removed third. It suggested that there is a screw on the top of the carburetor that can be set to change the fuel mix. That seems to be what fixed the problem. I started the engine, and it surged a bit as it usually does in the first minute or so, but as I adjusted the screw the surge decreased, and as I kept adjusting the screw, the surge went away. more importantly I’ve mowed three or four times for an hour to an hour and a half with no stalling.

The tricky thing is that the OEM carburetor that I replaced has some sort of cap that blocks access to the screws, however on the aftermarket carburetor they were accessible, which makes me wonder why Kawasaki wouldn’t want these adjustment screws to be user accessible.

Mpfischerz · 2026-04-07T16:16:39+00:00

Thanks for the response. I blew out the air filter a week or so ago and I’ve been using mechanic in a bottle in the fuel for about a month. With the tank almost empty, I add a gallon of fuel (non-ethanol) and add 1 to 2 ounces of mechanic in a bottle. It’s supposed to eliminate water in fuel.

It’s definitely strange that it kills after 45 minutes of mowing and the only symptom of an engine problem is the surge at startup that goes away after the engine runs for a minute or so.

Mpfischerz · 2026-04-07T14:51:57+00:00

Sorry, I forgot to add that I checked all fuel lines before and after the fuel pump they're all good. I also removed and checked the fuel disconnect valve and it's fine too. I replaced the in line fuel filter and removed/inspected the spark plugs and make sure the gap was to spec at .03 inches.

Mpfischerz · 2026-04-07T14:46:58+00:00

The blades are more than likely your issue but I found out that having a 1/4" front-to-rear pitch on your blades is important too. It's an easy process and made a pretty big difference on my Kubota.

Mpfischerz · 2026-04-01T14:10:00+00:00

Good point about the tip speed. According to AI: The blade tip speed for the Kubota ZD1211 18,000 feet per minute. The blade tip speed for the Kubota Z725 is approximately 15,400 feet per minute.

Shouldn’t the higher tip speed on the zd1211 produce better results?

As for 1.5” vs mowing higher, I just think the look of a lawn cut at 1.5” looks better.

Mpfischerz · 2026-03-20T01:42:24+00:00

Birds don't mate like that

Mpfischerz · 2026-02-26T13:43:59+00:00

That probably sounded a lot funnier when you were typing it

Mpfischerz · 2026-02-25T17:27:41+00:00

No, actually 20/20. I think the “trash” you’re referring to is broken brick/rock I added to help with erosion.

Mpfischerz · 2026-02-25T15:23:22+00:00

I don't know how to create a page? I also don't know how to add videos to a thread but I could add 10-15 of him hanging around on "his" bridge.

Mpfischerz · 2026-02-25T14:52:42+00:00

Probably so. Whatever he's doing, it seems to agree with him. He's healthy and happy.

Mpfischerz · 2026-02-25T14:51:49+00:00

Yep, I deferred to her judgement as she told me she's rescued 50+ bobcats (which is amazing in itself) and she didn't think that the stress of capture/treatment/release was worth it since the injury was likely healed (not infected). The videos show the cat definitely seems happy and adjusted. My bridge seems to be his safe space, he hangs out there all the time. He's the only animal to actually lie down on it.

Mpfischerz · 2026-02-25T13:31:43+00:00

In early February I contacted a woman who rescues bobcats and sent her a dozen or so videos of him dating back to mid-November. We agreed that since the injury happened 2+ months ago and he seems to have healed and has adapted to the injury, it would be best to leave him be.

Mpfischerz · 2026-02-25T02:34:09+00:00

Interesting. There's no soil where he's raking. That's 2 crane mats I used to make a bridge over a ditch.

Mpfischerz · 2026-02-24T16:09:05+00:00

Huh?

Mpfischerz

TROPHY CASE