Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): backfiring, john deere 116, steering wheel puller

Question
Hello, can you tell me what the cause is of a motor backfiring?  This is a John Deere 116 Hydrostatic Tractor.
Does the carb just need to be tuned and cleaned or is this characteristic of something more serious?

Thank you,
Todd

Answer
Hello Todd:

The Diagnostic is as Follows: 1- This Carburetor May have Air Mixture Adjustment Screws. I Know it has the Idle Air, but it May or May Not have the Main Air Mixture Screw. 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. Select the Carburetor File. The Idle Air Screw is #19 and the Main will be #21A. You May have to Clean the Carburetor if Adjusting the Air Mixture Screws have NO EFFECT on How the Engine Runs. 2- a Slightly Damaged Flywheel Key. Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). Remove the Flywheel Nut or Starter Cup (Depends on the Model). Now Attach a Steering Wheel Puller to the Flywheel Using the Threaded Holes in the Flywheel. Tighten the Puller. Now Hit the Puller with a Hammer. Repeat this Procedure Until the Flywheel Pops Up or can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. On Some Models you Can Not Use a Puller and Must Use a Pry Bar and a Pipe Cap that is Slightly Larger than the Crankshaft. Place the Pipe Cap Over the Crankshaft to Protect it. Place the Pry Bar Under the Thick Section of the Flywheel and Pull Up Against the Flywheel. **BE CAREFUL  DO NOT PUT A HOLE IN THE BLOCK UNDER THE FLYWHEEL** Now Hit the Pipe Cap that is on the Crankshaft (covered with the Pipe Cap). Repeat the Procedure Until the Flywheel can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. 3- A Valve Burnt or Out of Adjustment. On this Model Engine I Suggest the Shop Do the Valve for you. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John