QuestionQUESTION: I went to start my JD 335 for the first time this season and it wouldn't hit a lick. It has always started very reliably in the past and I have had it for several years. It has the Kawasaki FH601V engine. It appears it is not getting fuel. The fuel filter had just a tiny amount of gas in it. Is it likely the fuel pump has frozen up. I'm not sure how the fuel pump operates but it appears to be air driven. Is this correct and would the best bet be to replace the filter and pump?
ANSWER: Hello James:
Check the Fuel Shut Off Solenoid in the Carburetor Bowl First. Make Sure the Fuel Pump is Primed Also. Check the Gas Tank Cap and Ensure it is Venting the Tank. You can View a Breakdown/IPL at this Addy http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H. The Solenoid is # 16. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require moe Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
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QUESTION: John,
Thanks for the quick response. I put some gas in the carb and the mower started right up, so it is definitely a fuel problem. It has to be either the pump or the solenoid. How do I verify if the solenoid is working?
Thanks!
ANSWER: Hello James:
Remove the Solenoid and take it with you to the Hardware Store. Purchase a Bolt the Same Diameter and Thread Count as the Solenoid. It should be About 1/2" to 3/4" Long. Put the Bolt in the Carburetor in Place of the Solenoid. If the Engine Starts and Runs Properly, then the Solenoid is Bad. If Not, then Remove the Gas Line from the Inlet Port of the Carburetor and Turn the Engine. If the Pump is Pumping Gas, then Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air and Install New Kit. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
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QUESTION: John,
Thanks for the advice. I had my son help me by turning the switch on and off and I could hear the solenoid clicking when the switch was turned on. I then got a syringe and injected enough gas down the fuel line to make sure the pump was primed. The mower cranked up and ran fine so I then hooked the fuel line back up and cranked again and so far so good, so apparently the pump just needed sufficient priming. Thanks for all your help and tips. Happy Mowing !!
Answer Hello James:
LOL Great!! If the Pump is Losing Prime, then Check the Hose for Cracks and the Hose Clamps; Tighten or Replace Them. If the Hose and the Clamps are Good, then The Pump is Allowing the Gas to Leak Back. Install a Cut Off Valve in the Gas Line to the Pump and Turn Off when the Engine is Not in Use. Even though the Pump is the Cause for Losing Prime, the Pump May Still Last 3 or 4 Years. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Till Next Time. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours and May All your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES. Thanks Again, Im Glad I Could Help.
Respectfully
John
