QuestionQUESTION: I've had my mower for about 2 years. I have trouble getting it to start, especially when it's cool out or it's been 10+ days since using it. If it's really hot out, and it's been used lately, it's typically fine. If I manage to get it started, and then take a break halfway through the yard, it starts fine. For quite some time, I'd have to crank it so many times that I'd end up running the battery down to the point that I had to charge it, before I've even gotten to start once. Eventually, I'll get it going...black smoke will come out of the engine compartment, and it runs fine (I assume the puff of black smoke is because the engine is flooded by the time it starts).
The behavior goes like this. Turn the key, it seems to crank just fine...but won't turn over. I'm fairly sure that it's not a fuel filter or fuel pump issue, because I can take the fuel line apart and fuel runs out of the hose both upstream and downstream of the filter. The fuel pump looks like a vacuum pump, and since the lines are full, I assuming it's sucking in fuel. Since there's plenty of fuel on both sides of the filter, and I can cut the grass OK once it's started, I assume the filter is also fine.
I've tried cleaning the spark plugs (wouldn't the engine run rough while cutting if it was the plugs?), cleaning the air filter (even leaving it off while starting)...nothing seems to get it to reliably turn over. As I said, sometimes I get lucky and eventually it starts. Other times, the battery ends up getting run down.
Yesterday, the battery would no longer even take a charge, so I replaced it. I installed it, only to have the same problem. Eventually it started, and I got the grass cut. But I know that 2 weeks from now, when I go to cut the grass, I'll be back with the same problem. My hope is that I can find out what's wrong before that time comes and not have to worry about it any more. Through process of elimination, I'm thinking maybe it's related to the ignition coil...but that's nothing more than a stab in the dark. I'm no expert, so that's why I'm asking. :)
Thanks for any help you can lend! Jim
ANSWER: Hello Jim:
If you Use Starter Fluid or a Small Amount of Gas; Does the Engine Start Up Quicker? Usually this Problem is Caused by: 1- a Blown Head Gasket 2- Dirty Carburetor 3- Weak Fuel Pump 4- Valves Require Adjustment (OHV Engines) 5- the Hose Clamps on the Vaccum Lines of the Fuel Pump Not Holding and Allowing a Leak in the Vaccum so the Pump Does Not Pump Gas Properly to the Carburetor. I have had Several Complaints Similiar to yours and it was the Hose Clamps on the Vaccum Line of the Pump. Replace the Spring Type Clamps with the Screw Type Clamps. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Find. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. 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. 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: Thanks John! How do I "Use Starter Fluid or a Small Amount of Gas" to test the theory?
The hoseclamps are definitely an easy (and inexpensive) fix...so I'll try that first. I assume you mean something like this: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7c/Hose_clamp.jpg
The mower runs like a top when it's running, that's why I was thinking that it must be something associated with the actual starting of the mower.
If it's a leak caused by using the spring-type clamps, could it still run smooth once it's started?
Thanks again for your quick response!
AnswerHi Jim:
Remove the Breather from the Carburetor. For Starter Fluid: With the Engine Turning Spray a Short Burst of Starter Fluid Into the Carburetor Throat. Does the Engine Start Up? For Gas: Pour a Small Amount of Gas Into the Carburetor Throat and then Attempt to Start the Engine. Does it Start Easier? Yes that is the Style Hose Clamp to Use. The Weird thing is I Hunted for 3 or 4 Days for a Problem Just like yours and then Only After Installing a Clear Fuel Line and Watching the Gas Flow During the Start Up Sequence; Did I Locate the Cause. I Replaced the Clamps and it has Started Up like Any Other Engine I Use. One Other Thing. Have you Checked the Plug for Fire During the Cold Start? I have Also Seen Coils/Magnetos/Ign Modules that would Not Properly Fire the Plug when the Engine Was Cold. I Try to be as Fast as Possible when I Answer a Question. It Really Depends on my Schedule; But I Usually Answer a Question within 24 Hours. Thanks for Using All Experts. 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. 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
