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Helpful ReplyReliable Kawasaki engine screeches in cold weather

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mikepastor11
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2023/11/16 18:39:28 (permalink)
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Reliable Kawasaki engine screeches in cold weather

 
I have an old reliable Kawasaki V-Twin 17hp engine on an LX277 Deere riding mower.   We need to use it as a snow blower this year and it has developed a 'metal screeching' noise upon starting in cold weather.   The noise does go away with some use, and otherwise the engine is working well.   
 
I have changed the oil/filter to a good 10w-30  High-Mileage oil without success.   Does it make sense to use a lighter oil ( 5w-30 ?) or maybe a heavier 10w-40 ?    Oil additives, perhaps?    
 
Any help would be greatly appreciated - I need this machine to be reliable for the coming winter...
Thanks!   Michael
 
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    SRTsFZ6
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    Re: Reliable Kawasaki engine screeches in cold weather 2023/11/16 18:44:30 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby mikepastor11 2023/11/17 09:04:40
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    I'd be inspecting idler pulleys and anything else underneath the belt(s) ride on. 
     
    It's not un-common, once starting to wear, a bearing starting to seize up.  
     
    You can confirm its NOT the engine by disconnecting all belts to the engine pulley(s)..
     
    .

    Scott
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    mikepastor11
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    Re: Reliable Kawasaki engine screeches in cold weather 2023/11/17 06:00:27 (permalink)
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    Thanks for the information - really appreciate it!   
     
    The PTO belt is disengaged on startup and the engine is idling - playing with the throttle can reduce/increase the screeching noise.   It sounds to me, like the pistons in the engine are making the screeching noise.   

    Perhaps, it is just a very old engine and there is nothing that can really be done here?  But hoping that I can fix it...  
    post edited by mikepastor11 - 2023/11/17 09:16:31
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    SRTsFZ6
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    Re: Reliable Kawasaki engine screeches in cold weather 2023/11/17 07:35:41 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby mikepastor11 2023/11/17 09:17:34
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    The belt(s) under the engine, attached to a pulley at the end of the crankshaft.
     
    Above belts are NOT internal...   I don't believe the noise is coming from the engine itself.
     
    There's pulleys, idlers that keeps the belt taught.  They MUST SPIN easily. If the belt(s) is worn, it will slip and can make noise before eventually failing completely. 
     
    Jack up / hoist the machine some and get under it. Get the tension off the belt and start rotating the idlers/ pulleys for ANY roughness, lack of movement. Again, inspect / replace the belt (especially if old)
    if need be..
     
    .

    Scott
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    SRTsFZ6
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    Re: Reliable Kawasaki engine screeches in cold weather 2023/11/17 07:38:01 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby mikepastor11 2023/11/17 09:17:49
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    Scott
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    mikepastor11
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    Re: Reliable Kawasaki engine screeches in cold weather 2023/11/17 10:35:07 (permalink)
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    Thanks SRT !   
    I checked the crankshaft and the dis-engaged PTO shaft, but I need to take the engine cap off to see if it all turns smoothly and doesn't screech.
     
    The engine cap advertises "Cast Iron Cylinder Liners" and 'Full Pressure Lubrication" - This was the K-series engines on the Deere riding mowers (circa 1999).   I may try some "Marvel Mystery Oil" if all else fails...   
     
     
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    SRTsFZ6
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    Re: Reliable Kawasaki engine screeches in cold weather 2023/11/17 14:01:59 (permalink)
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    I truly believe your chasing your tail, the issue isn't the engine.
     
    Even thou the PTO (electric pull switch) is turned off, the belt is still taught.
     
    Everything the belts touch need to be checked...
     
    .
     

    Scott
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