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HomeRepair HelpKawasaki RepairKawasaki Small engine won't start Repair
Kawasaki Small engine won't start
If your Kawasaki small engine won’t start, begin with the spark plug, the most common cause of a small engine no start. Inspect it for cracks, worn electrodes, or carbon buildup, and use a spark plug tester to check for a strong spark while the engine is cranking. Next, check the carburetor for blockage. Stale or ethanol-blended fuel left in the carburetor is one of the most common root causes on seasonal equipment. Clean the carburetor with carburetor cleaner, then rebuild or replace it if necessary. If the spark plug works, test the ignition coil with an ignition coil tester. A sheared flywheel key can also prevent proper ignition timing, especially after the engine stops suddenly. If the engine will not turn over, inspect the recoil starter to make sure its tabs engage the crankshaft and the starter rope rewinds correctly. Finally, test the start switch for continuity if it is difficult to turn or works intermittently. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement spark plug, carburetor, ignition coil, flywheel key, recoil starter, or start switch for your Kawasaki engine.
01 - Kawasaki Spark Plug
Inspect the spark plug for signs of wear or damage. If the porcelain insulator is cracked, an electrode is burned away or damaged, or there is heavy carbon buildup at the electrode, replace the spark plug. To determine if the spark plug is defective, use a spark plug tester. You should see a strong spark between the tester’s terminals when the engine is cranking. If there is no spark, this indicates that the spark plug is defective and should be replaced.
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02 - Kawasaki Carburetor
The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the engine for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.
Top Solution
03 - Kawasaki Ignition Coil
The ignition coil sends voltage to the spark plug while the engine is running. If the ignition coil is defective, the engine may not start. Before replacing the ignition coil, ensure that the spark plug is working properly. If you have confirmed that the spark plug is working properly, test the ignition coil with an ignition coil tester. If the ignition coil is defective, replace it.
Highly Likely
04 - Kawasaki Flywheel Key
The flywheel key might have sheared in half. The flywheel key is a small metal piece which fits into the crankshaft and engages with the flywheel. If the engine stops suddenly, the flywheel key breaks in half to prevent damage to the engine. To determine if the flywheel key is broken, remove the flywheel from the engine and inspect the flywheel key. If the flywheel key is broken, replace it.
Highly Likely
05 - Kawasaki Recoil Starter
The recoil starter assembly engages the crankshaft to turn over the engine. If the recoil starter assembly is defective, the engine won't start. Remove the starter assembly and inspect it to determine if it is working properly. When you pull the starter rope, tabs extending from the pulley and cam should grab the hub on the engine, causing the engine to turn. When you release the rope, the tabs should retract and the rope should rewind back on the pulley. If the recoil starter assembly is not working properly, replace it.
Highly Likely
06 - Kawasaki Start Switch
If the start switch is difficult to turn or works intermittently, replace it. To determine if the start switch is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. The switch should have an open contact in the 'on' position and a closed contact in the 'off' position.
Common
07 - Kawasaki Safety Switch
The safety switch can be tested with a multimeter to determine if it is defective.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my Kawasaki small engine start when the spark plug looks fine?
Can old gas cause a Kawasaki small engine not to start?
What should I check if my Kawasaki small engine is hard to turn over or the recoil starter will not engage?
How do I know whether the Kawasaki start switch is preventing the engine from starting?
How do I find the correct replacement part for my Kawasaki small engine?