QuestionI have a John Deere L111A lawn mower for 3 years. Early this year, the engine couldn't be started up due to the bad fuel filter. After replacing the fuel filter, the engine worked again. I also changed Oil and filter this spring. Recently, the engine took too many tries to start up, and it is getting worse and worse. However, once the engine starts, it will work fine. I am thinking the start up device might be damaged by over trying during the trouble shooting early this spring. But not sure. Can you please tell me how to trouble shoot this kind of issue?
Engine Make: Briggs & Stratton.
Model: 406577
Type: 0139E1
Code: 040909YG
The total engine hour is about 90 hrs.
I appreciate you help with this.
Thanks,
James
AnswerYou first have to determine if it's problem is in one of the 3 areas, Fuel system, ignition system, or the compression. These are the three things needed for a internal combustion engine to run. After making sure of the initial obvious things, such as having good fresh fuel. You must then check for a good blue snapping spark. remove the plug connect the coil wire, ground the end to the metal block and then see if a good strong blue spark jumps the gap..At the same time check to see if the gap is correct, and condition of the plug. If it doesn't, then un-clip the small wire to the coil and try again, this is your safety switch's grounding wire, if now you have a good spark it's time to check the safety switches. If still no spark change the ignition module or coil. If it has a good spark then time to move on to the fuel system. Spray a quick shot of starting fluid into the carb, does it now fire? If it starts and dies out it's in the fuel system, But why, is the carb getting a good supply of fuel from the tank? If so the carb needs a rebuild, if not you must keep moving back in the direction of the tank to see where the fuel is stopping. Check these things and report back to me and we can go further if need be...........Tom
