Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere LT155 Gas flow, john deere lt155, coat hanger

Question
QUESTION: I bought an LT155 that was beat up for $75.. owners claim it needed this and that.. turns out just needed some TLC. 1 yr later... seems like there is a lot of debris in the thank.. (getting to where it blocks the fuel going to the engine) I have to poor gas in the carb to get it to start sometimes.. and sometimes have to suck on the tube (before the fuel pump) to get the gas flowing.. the fuel filter has a lot of black stuff in it (not oil, like actual particles).  What are my options?  How can I remove the tank so I can clean it out and install a new fuel hose?  I think that is my biggest problem... I don't think my fuel pump is a problem since it works after I get the fuel to the pump it runs all day long. Thanks for your assistance.

ANSWER: Hello Joe:

From your Description it Sounds like you Need to Clean the Fuel System from the Tank to the Carburetor. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H and Enter the Model Numbers (LT155) and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. If this Unit has a Metal Tank, then Remove the Tank from the Frame. Remove the Pickup Tube Assembly. Use Cardboard and Block the Hole that is Left where the Pickup Tube Assembly was Installed into the Tank. Purchase some BBs and Dump them into the Tank and then Shake the Tank Vigoriously. Dump the BBs and the Trash the BBs have Loosened Out of the Tank. Finish Cleaning the Tank with Compressed Air and a Damp Rag. Move the Rag Around the Inside of the Tank with a Coat Hanger of Long Screwdriver. Once the Tank is Clean and the Pickup Assembly has been Cleaned Also, then Install the Pickup Assembly Back into the Rank and Attach New Fuel Lines and Filter. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: John

Thanks for the fast response.

Any idea on how to remove the gas tank?  I know the fuel path, just can't find a way to remove the tank or see where any bolts are that are holding in and how it comes out.. Working backwards, the hose from the pump going to the tank, how exactly does it connect? Is it just a hose and clamp? I've been using a coat hanger to shove as far as I can into the hose, but don't know what the end of the hose looks like before it hits the tank (basically I don't know if I am getting to the end of the maze or not)

Answer
Hello Joe:

Sorry for the Delay. I had a Family Emergency and am Just Now Able to Answer Questions Again. I have Never had to Remove the Gas Tank from a JD Mower. Most Times the Pickup Tube is Replaced and the Fuel Supply Problems are Cured. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John