QuestionQUESTION: Hi, Jason. I own a John Deere L100 lawn tractor (42 inch deck, 17 HP), which I bought new in July 2005. I haven't been very satisfied with this equipment, as I've had many problems with it from the beginning. At present, I'm having starting issues with this machine. Two days ago, it started up just fine, I mowed for about 30 minutes, turned the machine off, but it wouldn't start again. The starter cranks, but the engine won't turn over. Therefore, I started checking the obvious and in accordance with the owner's manual troubleshooting guide. The battery was bad after having it tested, so I purchased a new one and installed it, I changed the spark plug, replaced the fuel filter, checked connections, ensured the PTO was not engaged, ensured I was engaging the clutch properly, etc. Tractor still would not start. As I was getting ready to make an appointment to have service performed, I tried to start the mower one last time, and it started right up! I turned it off/on several times, and it worked just fine. I mowed for about 30 minutes, then it stopped in the middle of the job and wouldn't start again. The machine acts like it isn't getting fuel when there's plenty of gas in the tank or enough spark to turn over the engine. This is why I changed the fuel filter and spark plug to begin with. Tomorrow I'm going to drain the fuel tank and try fresh gas (the fuel I'm using I bought 2 months ago) to see if this helps. I'm at a loss about what more I can check/do here at home without actually getting into the engine (everything I've checked/changed so far is outside the engine housing itself). I do have some automotive engine repair knowledge/experience, so I'm not completely at a loss about how engines operate, but no experience with small engines. I'm trying to decide whether to just purchase a new tractor, considering all the problems I've had with this one the past 4 years, or whether to have this one repaired.
Thanks for any assistance you can provide.
Chrys
ANSWER: hello,
Well it sounds like a very frustrating tractor to say the least!From what I gather,I would suggest that you change the oil in it. It sounds like it may be low on oil and could be on the verge of seizing! New gas is always a good bet too.When you say and I quote....The starter cranks, but the engine won't turn over.... Do you mean that the starter is spinning but the top of the engine is not? If so,it could be that the starter is not grabbing the flywheel or that you really need to get some oil in it! But check the oil and the starter to see if it actually grabs and spins the flywheel. John Deere make a pretty durable engine so I would defiantly fix what you have! Well give these ideas a go and hopefully you will be mowing for years to come with it!
Jason
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QUESTION: Thanks, Jason. I changed the oil at the beginning of the mowing year (about 2 months ago) and check the level very regularly, as I know how important oil is to an engine. The oil level in the machine is good. What I meant by "the starter cranks, but won't turn the engine over" is that the starter is working when I turn the key, but it won't engage the engine. The same type of situation when a car starter spins, but won't start the engine. You say the starter might not be grabbing the flywheel....how do I check this? Do you know of any references (websites) to drawings that might help me locate the different parts so I know what I'm looking at in this small engine? Thanks again for your response and expertise.
Chrys
ANSWER: ok,it sounds like you will need to replace your starter! It is a round electrical motor on the side of your engine.It will have a thick red wire attached to it! Sounds like your starter only engages from time to time!The only way to solve that is to replace the starter unfortunately! Once you find the starter you will see that it is fairly easy to replace,but the price may startle you a bit!Good luck
Jason
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QUESTION: Hi again, Jason. I replaced the starter today and my mower still won't start. As I was double-checking connections, fuse, etc., I pulled the spark plug and found liquid on the plug. In fact, several drops of the liquid dripped off the end of the plug onto the mower as I removed the plug, so it was easy to examine the liquid. It isn't gasoline...it's a clear, odorless liquid. Each time I reinstalled the plug, it came out with this liquid on it. When I'm finished mowing for a day, I spray the top and underside of the mower deck (and tires if necessary) with my garden hose in order to clean the equipment. I recall doing this the night before my mower wouldn't start (the following day, the mower wouldn't start). If I accidently sprayed water on the lower engine when I was cleaning the tires/deck, could the water have entered the engine and caused damage? Wouldn't the engine/block have to be cracked for water to find it's way inside (to the spark plug)? I don't know how to proceed from here. Thanks again for your expertise.
P.S. The flywheel is working fine...turns easily by hand, no teeth missing/chipped, etc., and the gear on top of the starter engages the flywheel properly (new with new starter), battery is new, fuel filter changed, fuse OK, fresh/clean fuel in tank.
Chrys
AnswerIt could have taken some water in somehow? Sounds like it surely has water in the head. I would try replacing the fuel,drain the oil and replace,and also take the plug out and turn the motor over with the key a few times and see if some of the water comes out! You can also try putting a little gas in the cylinder before you put the plug back in.That might help it catch before any remaining water floods the plug!
