Poor Engine Performance

Fuel:

• Dirt in fuel system or fuel is old. Replace fuel with fresh stabilized fuel. Obtain fuel from another supplier before suspecting machine problems. Suppliers blend fuels differently and changing suppliers will generally solve any performance problems

• Fuel blended with alcohol or ether may contribute to performance problems by causing gum and varnish deposits, especially if fuel is stored for several weeks or more. Obtain fresh fuel.

Engine Will Not Start - No Crank

• Brake pedal not depressed.

• Mower/PTO is engaged.

• Defective brake, mower engagement, or key switch.

• Electrical problem - See Electrical Troubleshooting Section

Engine Cranks But Will Not Start

• Spark plug wire is loose or disconnected.

• Improper fuel.

• Plugged fuel filter.

• Electrical problem - See Electrical Troubleshooting Section

Engine Is Hard To Start

• Carburetor is not adjusted properly or dirty.

• Plugged fuel filter.

• Faulty spark plug.

• Stale or improper fuel.

• Loose or corroded electrical connections.

• Engine oil viscosity.

Engine Runs Unevenly

• Cooling fins plugged.

• Loose electrical connections.

• Choke or throttle cable sticking.

• Fuel line or fuel filter plugged.

• Stale or dirty fuel.

• Improper fuel.

• Air cleaner element plugged.

Engine Misses Under Load

• Faulty spark plug.

• Stale or dirty fuel.

• Plugged fuel filter.

Engine Vapor Locks

• Fuel tank vent plugged.

• Dirt in fuel filter.

• Cooling fins plugged.

• Loose hose connection at fuel filter or fuel pump.

Engine Overheats

• Engine air intake screen plugged.

• Cooling fins plugged.

• Engine oil low or too high.

• Engine operated too long at a slow idle speed.

Engine Will Not Idle

• Spark plug not gapped correctly.

• Faulty spark plug.

• Operator raising off the seat.

Engine Knocks

• Stale or low octane fuel.

• Engine overloaded.

• Low engine speed.

• Oil level low.

Engine Stops Or Misses When Operating On Hillsides

• Fuel tank less than half full of fuel.

• Operator raising off of the seat.

Engine Backfires

• Faulty spark plug.

• Operator raising off of the seat.

Engine Loses Power

• Engine overheating.

• Too much oil in engine.

• Dirty air cleaner.

• Faulty spark plug.

• Travel speed is too fast for conditions.

• Improper fuel.

Excessive Fuel Consumption

• Choke is not fully open.

Black Exhaust Smoke

• Air filter is dirty or oil soaked.

Starter Does Not Work Or Will Not Turn Engine

• Brake pedal is not depressed.

• Mower Engagement Lever is in ENGAGED position.

• Battery terminals are corroded.

• Battery not charged.

• Blown fuse.

• Defective key switch

• Fusible Link is blown - See your John Deere Dealer.

Battery Will Not Charge

• Dead cell in the battery.

• Battery cables and terminals are dirty.

• Low engine speed or excessive idling.

Lights Do Not Work

• Light plug disconnected.

• Loose or burned out bulb.

Machine Vibrates Too Much or Rattles Excessively

• Attachment drive belts worn or damaged.

• Traction drive belt damaged or worn.

• Dirt on drive sheaves.

Machine Will Not Move With Engine Running

• Parking brake locked.

• Transmission hydraulic oil level low.

• Free-wheeling lever is engaged.

Machine Moves With Engine Running And Hydrostatic Control In Neutral

• Linkage out of adjustment.

Mower Lift Will Not Latch in Transport

Deck is adjusted to high. Move the deck leveling knob to the next higher position and level deck.

Discharge Chute Plugged

• Travel speed too fast.

• Grass too long.

• Grass too wet.

• Engine rpm not at wide open throttle.

• Restricted air flow.

• Belt installed incorrectly.

Patches Of Grass Uncut

• Travel speed too fast.

• Engine rpm not at wide open throttle.

• Dull blades.

• Mower deck needs cleaning.

Belt Slipping

• Debris in sheaves.

• Worn belt.

Too Much Vibration

• Debris on mower deck or in sheaves.

• Damaged drive belt.

• Damaged sheaves or sheaves out of alignment.

• Blades out of balance.

Blades Scalping Grass

• Cutting too low.

• Mower wheels not adjusted correctly.

• Turning speed too fast.

• Ridges in terrain.

• Rough or uneven terrain.

• Low tire pressure.

Mower Loads Down Tractor

• Engine rpm too low.

• Travel speed too fast.

• Debris wrapped around mower spindles.

Uneven Cut

• Mower deck not leveled properly.

• Travel speed too fast.

• Blades are dull.

• Mower wheels not adjusted correctly.

• Tire pressure unequal.

Mower (Or Other Attachment) Stops When Reverse Foot Pedal Is Depressed And Attachment Is Engaged

• Normal condition. (See Using Reverse Implement Position in the Operating section.)