J. D. LX277 2004 Kawasaki making oil

J. D. Unstyled · Jan 13, 2019

Gasoline contaminating the engine oil. I suspect the problem is with the electric fuel shut off solenoid at the bottom of the carburetor though I am not sure. A new solenoid from John Deere is ridiculous... Over $300 Canadian, too much to try it and see if it helps.
Electrical continuity is good on the old one and power seems to be getting to it. (I guess I should check the continuity to ground in the harness. Oops.) If anyone has had this problem I could use some advice. Thanks in advance

Bob · Jan 13, 2019

Typically, those solenoids are to make a "clean" fuel cutoff when the ignition is switched "OFF", NOT to prevent carburetor overflow from a leaking inlet needle and seat. (For emissions and anti "hot muffler backfire" reasons.)

They simply have a steel "needle" that closes off the "load" jet by the force of a spring when power to the solenoid is shut off.

When they fail, they won't OPEN.

So shift your attention to the inlet needle and seat and float area, or simply shut the gas off when it's not being used.

Also, they use a "pulse" fuel pump, operated by crankcase pressure/vacuum pulses. Could be a leak there. (Failed diaphragm.)

(For the record, aftermarket replacements for the M138477 fuel cutoff solenoid are $10 and up on ebay and other 'net sources.)

J. D. Unstyled · Jan 13, 2019

Thank you for the information. In the past I have changed the pulse pump and even installed an electric in-line solenoid shut-off to prevent the fuel from siphoning from the tank to no avail.
So, yes, I may have to visit the needle and seat part. In this last event the oil level is up perhaps 3/8"... a substantial amount of fuel to come from a short piece of fuel line.
Lets say I received a defective pulse pump and the fuel goes into the engine by the breather/pulse hose? Is this possible? I had always suspected that the fuel was getting in from the carb itself after replacing the pulse pump and installing the solenoid fuel shut-off thingy. Thank you in advance for a reply.

BigPapa53 · Jan 13, 2019

I agree with Bob, your float valve is leaking. How old is the gas in the tank?

-Scott

J. D. Unstyled · Jan 13, 2019

(quoted from post at 22:16:44 01/13/19) I agree with Bob, your float valve is leaking. How old is the gas in the tank?

-Scott

Thank you for the reply. The fuel is fresh premium. The unit is used regularly. Yes, I will price out a carb kit

T.R.K. · Jan 14, 2019

Bob has pretty much nailed it. I just want to add:

Many Kawasaki carburetors use an o-ring to seal the float valve seat to the carburetor body. This is the white plastic piece that also holds
the float assembly to the carburetor body. If that tiny o-ring is damaged, gas will bypass the needle valve and the carburetor will overflow
and fill the engine.

J. D. Unstyled · Jan 14, 2019

Thanks to everyone for their input. Sounds like a carb kit is the way to go.

J. D. LX277 2004 Kawasaki making oil

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