Kawasaki FD620D

[Gregor 4,847]

My brother brought over his Toro Groundmaster, to do a little work on. One of the problems is the fuel shut off solenoid in the carb. I have the solenoid out. If I apply 12V to it, it does nothing. If I give the plunger a slight push, it will pull in and stay in. In other words, 12V will keep it in, it simply won't pull it in. A couple of questions.

 

Does the solenoid meter the amount of fuel to the carb, or is it merely a shut off valve?

 

What are the ramifications if I simply remove the valve, and plug the hole?

 

This unit has an electric fuel pump, and the fuel tank sits much lower than the carb.

Thanks  Greg

[JoeM 7,929]

Yes, turns off the fuel when the ignition is turned off to prevent backfire. The idea is to have the fuel off going to the main jet as the engine winds down not filling the exhaust stream with unburned fuel and getting a backfire. 

When they work well.....I like them. I have a 620 now that has been neutered and it will backfire or have pre ignition at times when turned off. Especially when run hard.

I have lubricated those and loosened them with WD40 and worked well. 

You can use it as a plug if you take a little off the end with a grinder, lightly that is.  

 

[Skwerl58 750]

My sons Husky zero turn had the same problem so he ordered a new one and it cost over $100.00. Installed it and worked for about a year and started acting up again. We took it to a local shop and the owner cut down the needle/plunger and said you will not have any more problems. Told us we had good common sense so let it idle down before cutting off and he had no more issues. Sold it this spring and got larger Kubota.