I'm trying to figure out why my Ferris IS1500z with 22hp Kawasaki engine. I'll start it, an it runs good. I'll set there an incage the blades. It'll still run fine, but after a few minutes of mowing it starts acting like it's wants to die.
I'll leave the blade engaged but bring the Ferris to a stop. It'll idle back up like it sounding good. Try to go forward, again it wants to stall. While mowing when it wants to try and stall, I can also go backwards on the Ferris and it'll idle back up just fine. I've changed both sparkplugs. The ones that were in it, one side looked as though it's getting too much gas, while the other side looked like it wasn't getting any. After I did change the plugs it ran good. Then back to wanting to stall. Even with the blades not engaged it wants to stall, but I'll choke it a little an it pops up. Then again it takes all of the choke I can give her just to put her back up. Any help would greatly be appreciated. I love my Ferris. I forgot to add I also got an air breather for it also

 

Does this problem also happen if you loosen or remove the gas cap?

 

I never thought to do that. Should it do anything or not when I try the gas cap. Any advice is appreciated. All I can tell you is after it starts running like crap, to the point of having to choke it an it still needs you to choke it more, but it's already got all the choke I can give it. I'll shut her down, I'll turn the engine over a couple times without any choke or throttle. Then after doing that, I'll put the throttle halfway turn the key an it starts running like new, or I may have to give it a little choke but after it starts I push the choke down an it sounds good but I see black smoke after it starts up. When I check the sparkplugs afterwards one side is black and looks wet while the other side looks like it isn't getting anything. I'm ready to take the carburetor apart. Any advice you can give me. I do have pictures of what the sparkplugs look like after it running like that. Thank you for any advice

 

I did it, I finally got my Ferris running properly again. After thinking of everything I could do without having to take my carburetor off an apart, it's pretty scary when you haven't done it before. That's what I ended up having to do. I think it comes natural to you men, knowing how to work on engines. That's why I signed up with doityourself. I wanted to do it myself. It took me a while to do, but I DID IT. I fixed my Ferris, my little hands are all scratched up, especially around my fingernails, but it is worth it. Taking apart the carburetor was scary but exciting. It was the carburetor though. All I know is when I took it apart to clean, the screw used to adjust the air flow did have something stuck in it. After putting it back together and on my mower, I had to adjust the airflow a little, but she runs. It felt good being able to mow with my Ferris. Just thought I'd let you guys know I fixed my Ferris. Thank you for everything, Angela Smith

 

If it's something you'd like to learn contact your local high school or community college. Many offer night courses in small engine repair. The courses I took were mostly adults of varying ages and it was a lot of fun.

 

Great job, Angela68. That's something to be proud of. I know it's a bit scary the first time you try to do something out of your comfort zone but knowing you fixed it... now you know you can do anything. Pilot Dane's advice is spot on. Also, there are many online discussion forums like this one that are a great resource, I belong to a number of them. Remember, there's no such thing as a stupid question so ask away. Congratulations! Roger

 

Thank you Roger, and you are right. It does feel great knowing you did something way out of my comfort zone, and was able to fix it instead of making it worse. Even though the mower was given to me, I was taught to take care of what you have. I was also taught never take anything for granted. The mower was given to me because Mr. Bagwell bought a new one. He said that since I always watch their place and take their garbage cans to the end of their driveway when they're away, he wanted me to have the mower, since I refused to take the money. What could I do or say. He brought it over to my house and dropped it off. I started crying of course, because I've always wanted a zero turn mower. I gave him and Mrs. Bagwell a hug. Though it was used, it was new to me. I'm proud of myself for fixing it, but my hands are so sore from being cut and scratched up. It was worth every cut and scratch I received. Thanks again Angie

 

Awesome.

The important thing now is to make sure the gas is drained out and run out of the carb for the winter at the end of the cutting season.

 

If problem occurs again, crank your mower run at half throttle then pull one of your plug wire off. If motor dies the opposite side coil is bad or needs some attention. If it doesn't die put plug wire back on and check the other side.just remember it's the opposite side that will be bad.. hope this helps someone.

 

Nope, but you just have to do some research and dive in to see how things work. Biggest thing is you can't be afraid of taking things apart. My theory is it's all ready broke I can't make it worse!

Well done