QuestionQUESTION: My JD L110 garden tractor has been fine. Today it ran out of gas. After refilling, it will not start. Engine turns over and occasional pops out the air filter, but not starting at all. I checked gas flow, its fine. I also checked the spark, its there. It seems like it could be a switch/sensor, given that it was fine until today. Any ideas?
ANSWER: Hello Ed:
You May have Picked Up Gas Into the Carburetor. Sometimes the Fuel Pump has to be Primed. Remove the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid from the Carburetor Bowl and Clean and Lubricate it. I have had Several Mowers with this Complaint and the Solenoid had Trash Stopping it from Operating. If Priming the Pump and the Solenoid is Good, then Since it was Running Good Until you Ran Out of Gas; I Suggest you Remove, Disassemble and Soak Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air and Install a New Kit if Required. 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. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi John: I appreciate your responses!
I took the carb off and cleaned it. I really did not see anything bad in there. Today I replaced the Battery (it needed it), Gas Filter and Spark Plug. All to no avail. It cranks strong but makes huge backfires and pops, without ever starting. I considered a hung valve or bad pushrod, and pulled the valve cover. Valves appear to be operating normally. Someimes when cranking it appears that in before a backfire the engine (by watching the flywheel) actually trys to spin backwards, thats how stong the pops are.
I also pulled off the flywheel shroud to see how the thing is timed. It appears to me to have fixed timing based on a sensor/pickup arrangement on the flywheel.
I also try attaching the carb float bowl with a bolt to eliminate the solenoid, even though the solenoid is not sticky. No Good.
It looks like I'm at the end here and headed for paying shop time, unless you can guide me with something I may be overlooking.
Also, to confirm the sequence that led to this, (my wife was mowing) ran out of gas. When she restarted it, it was running rough and popping. She "fiddled" with the throttle (and perhaps applied choke). It finally stalled and here we are.
Thanks in Advance,
Ed
AnswerHello Again Ed:
Check the Valve Clearance First. Even though the Valves are Moving, they May have Slipped Out of Adjustment. The OHV Engine OEMs are having a Problem with the Valve Adjustments Moving and the Compression Release Stop Working and Causes the Problem you Described. Set the Engine so the Coil and Magnets on the Flywheel Align. Then Check the Valve Clearance. The Intake Should be Set at .004in - .006in and the Exhaust Set at .008in - .010in. If the Valve Clearance is Close to these Specifications, then Remove the Flywheel and Check the Flywheel Key. Sometimes when an Engine Quits while Under a Load, the Flywheel Slips and Damages the Flywheel Key. The Backfiring Indicates Either the Valve Clearance or the Plug Timing (Flywheel Key times the Firing of the Plug) is Off. 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. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
Hello Again Ed:
I Just Read your Post. Thanks for the Good Words and the Beer. lol. I am Glad was Able to Assist. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks Again.
Best Wishes and Good Luck
Respectfully
John
