QuestionQUESTION: I replaced the original 11 hp Briggs in my john deere 111 lawn tracrtor with a 12 hp syncronized balanced Industrial/Commercial Engine, now when I try to run it, the motor will sputter and lose power when the PTO is engaged. It will run for a while, but it always loses power and dies, and drains the battery to the point that it will not turn over the starter. I have to charge the battery, or jump start the tractor to get it going again.
ANSWER: It sounds like your charging system is weak. The motor is probably just running off of battery power, and when put under a load, it cannot handle it. Check the fuses and wiring first, and if they are ok, you may need to replace system components.
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QUESTION: I found a lose connection from the pto to the side of the motor, I tightened the connection and it worked great the last time I mowed the grass, but I tryed to start it the next day and the battery was completely dead again. The connection is still tight, what components do I need to check. The PTO switch has never been replaced and the tractor is 28 years old.
AnswerFirst of all, make sure that the battery is still good. Even if the battery is new, it can only handle being re-charged a certain number of times before it is just plain junk. If this isn't the case, and all wiring is good and tight, the next step would most likely be the stator which is located under the flywheel. If you have never removed a flywheel, make sure you have a puller, as you will need it for removal.
