Timing sounds off.

Some people describe 'backfire' wrong, so could you describe a little more what you mean 'backfire' ?

Hi giventake,
It starts easily but sounds like it is running rough -- it belongs to my son in law, who just got a "good deal" on it. My brother suspects either a bent crankshaft, carburetor issues, or timing.

My knowledge of lawnmowers is based on ~30 year old technology. Although it sounds like a timing issue i have no idea how to adjust that in this newer model.

Is it a capacitor? is it a bent crankshaft? Is it a loose carburetor? dunno....

I appreciate your suggestions.

Lots of things could cause rough running, from a clogged air filter, to s clogged exhaust. Think of a engine as pump, and complicated :) anyways check all the basic deals air filter spark plug carb adjustment, dirty fuel/gas clogged gas filter, it gets involved, but guessing is silly. Do the prognosis with the basics of what makes a engine work properly.

Yep, that makes sense to check all the basics. Will do that. Also heard that a bent crankshaft could be the cause .... I'll check that last :)

If it is popping back through the carb, but starts easily- first I would do is replace the spark plug- then inspect the flywheel key. The rest of the ignition timing is done by the igniter which is the little rectangular piece w/ 1 terminal mounted on the side of the engine. That is provided the tune up guy didn't do something whacked with the armature air gap. You would think that if valve clearance/ sticking issues existed that it would be a hard starter.

Thanks tomplum -- great info. I'll have a look at those items today.

Glad i found this forum and I appreciate the advice from all.

the choke is mostlikely stuck on-happens often on these-poor desighn-otherwise fine machine

Hi, I just saw this post. I don't know if my problem is identical, but its driving me crazy.

I have an older 14sb (green) It starts first pull runs fine for a few minutes (3-5) then dies down and almost out, slight backfires through carb.

I have done the following.

removed fuel tank, screen and cleaned. I have replaced fuel line and added filter. Replaced plug and air filter. I have rebuild the carb 2 times.

I have replaced the carb with one found on ebay.

I have changed the coil with one purchased on ebay. Unfortunately the wrong model coil. I tried to make it work and it hardly ran.

My question is .. what is this little square box on the side connected to the coil? I thought it was a condenser. All it says is Japan on it. Can this be the problem.

Hello. I am having the same problem as described here and hoped someone could offer a solution.

I've replaced the coil with a used on that seems to work and just bought a new carb and am still having the same problem. When I go to start, it takes at least six pulls to get it interested in starting. Then, it just barely chugs along but is not really started. In other words, there's no way I could engage the blade and mow anything with it ch-ch-chugging the way it does.

I have a new filter, clean & fresh fuel, and removed the air filter for the sake of troubleshooting...still nothing. Also, I have the 14sb model that does not have an igniter.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Maybe there are deposits on the valve stems that are holding things up. Try helping it along with a burst of carb spray every few seconds for a spell. I assume that you have verified the choke is closing on cold starts and opens back up again when you bring the control back.

I recently had this very same issue with the L130 with the OHV Kohler Engine. What I found was four loose shoulder bolts. I would suggest to anyone having this issue is: remove the valve covers, ensure that the connecting rods are straight and in the proper position, make any necessary corrections, and snug up the four outer most bolts that secure the rocker arms. (a dab of Loctite  or similar product is not a bad idea either)

DOES IT HAVE ANY SAFETY SWITCHES,? SHORTING OUT,BACKFIRE IN EX OR CARB? RICK

My JD 334 starts fine and runs well until it gets a load (engaging the mower deck and relatively tall grass), then sputters and backfires. It did it raraley intilatty, now much more common under minor loads/work. Any suggestions?