QuestionQUESTION: hello john its me again. I was able to get the motor to fire but know when i try to start it just turns over and sounds like it trys to start about every 15 seconds. I'm not sure if its a fuel problem or a firing problem still. I replaced the plugs and when it fires it seems like some times it fires and sometimes stop for 5-7 seconds. The spark plugs are still fouling out with wet fuel on the plugs. I even tried putting a teaspoon of gas in the carb an still wont start. It kind of started for 2-3secs with low rpm sound and stops. can you give some more ideas of were to start
ANSWER: Hello Again David:
Check the Valve Clearances and Make Sure they are Correct. I have Set Valve Clearances and Accidently had the Engine Just Off TDC and had the Same Problem you are Having. If the Valve Clearances are Correct, then Check the Flywheel Key. The Flywheel Key Times the Firing of the Spark Plug. If Damaged the Plug will Fire to Early or to Late in the Compression Stroke and Cause the Problem you Described. I Do Not Use the Setting Called for by the OEMs. I have Found that the Following Works Best. Remove the Valve Cover (on the Dead Cylinder for Twin Cylinder Engines). Set the Cylinder you are Setting the Valves on to Top Dead Center (Both Rocker Arms will have Play in them when the Engine is at TDC) When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Locks and Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .004in -.006in and the Exhaust to .008in - .010in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. 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. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. 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: Hi John thank you for your help. I got the john Deere 285 to start and run for about 5-8 mins and died could not keep started after that. The valves are set at (TDC). I replaced the coils around the flywheel (pulser), ignition module and the seat switch. The spark plug on the starter side fire's consitantly and the brake pedal side is once in every 4-10 sec. I'm not sure about the caborator since it set for several months if it should be rebuilt or cleaned because when I choke it for 2-5 secs and move it to half throtle it trys to start and sometimes backfires.
AnswerHi David:
From your Description, I Suggest you Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl, Float Pin, Float (if Applicable) and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required. 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. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. 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
