Any John Deere experts? Or someone who can diagnose a riding mower problem?

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  • Frank_N_Stein

    Grandmaster
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    79   0   0
    Nov 24, 2008
    10,206
    77
    Beech Grove, IN
    I have a JD170 that my dad bought new in 1991. Lately it has been shutting itself off after about an hour of use, more quickly if it is a warm or hot day. I will be mowing or picking up leaves with it at full power and it will suddenly lose power and the engine will die. If I catch it quick enough I can lower the throttle lever and keep it from shutting down completely. It will start right back up but will shut off again after I start mowing again. I have a suspicion that it has something to do with the mower PTO switch but I don't have enough mechanical knowledge to say for sure. The manual doesn't address that specific malfunction. Any help is appreciated.
     

    dvd1955

    Expert
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    Apr 10, 2013
    783
    63
    Howard County
    I agree with cm, might be fuel related. I'd start with the filter in the fuel line. I had a John Deere mower and the tiny hole in the bottom of the gas tank was restricted with gunk. It would ruin for a while but eventually starve for fuel, run rough for a little bit then stop. After a while it would start and run again. You could pull the fuel line off the carb and see if you get a good stream of gas into a container. If the fuel is just barely coming out, and the filter seems okay, you could take a small stiff wire and poke around the bottom of the tank to find the drain hole and push the gunk out (into a container, not the carb).
     

    Frank_N_Stein

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    Nov 24, 2008
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    Beech Grove, IN
    I agree with cm, might be fuel related. I'd start with the filter in the fuel line. I had a John Deere mower and the tiny hole in the bottom of the gas tank was restricted with gunk. It would ruin for a while but eventually starve for fuel, run rough for a little bit then stop. After a while it would start and run again. You could pull the fuel line off the carb and see if you get a good stream of gas into a container. If the fuel is just barely coming out, and the filter seems okay, you could take a small stiff wire and poke around the bottom of the tank to find the drain hole and push the gunk out (into a container, not the carb).

    I replaced the fuel filter in the fall but that didn't solve the problem.
     

    dwh79

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    Feb 20, 2008
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    Wanamaker/ Acton
    I have a newer John Deere but it was doing the same thing. I found that it was the air hole in the top of the gas cap was plugged and would air lock the fuel tank and starve it for fuel. Once I ran a piece of wire into the hole to open it up then it worked fine again and have not had any other issues.
     

    lonehoosier

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    May 3, 2011
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    NWI
    Next time it starts to stop loosen the fuel cap to the point that it comes off. Sounds like to me that the tank is creating a vacuum.
     

    lonehoosier

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    May 3, 2011
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    I have a newer John Deere but it was doing the same thing. I found that it was the air hole in the top of the gas cap was plugged and would air lock the fuel tank and starve it for fuel. Once I ran a piece of wire into the hole to open it up then it worked fine again and have not had any other issues.
    ^^^^^^^ THIS^^^^^^^
     

    grasshopperlegs

    Marksman
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    2   0   0
    Oct 17, 2012
    166
    16
    Cartersburg.
    I would change the coil. The coil after a few years get week. I am a certified small engine mechanic with over 40 years of working on all types of small engines and coils are some of the things I have changed even in brand new equipment.
     

    Frank_N_Stein

    Grandmaster
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    79   0   0
    Nov 24, 2008
    10,206
    77
    Beech Grove, IN
    I have a newer John Deere but it was doing the same thing. I found that it was the air hole in the top of the gas cap was plugged and would air lock the fuel tank and starve it for fuel. Once I ran a piece of wire into the hole to open it up then it worked fine again and have not had any other issues.

    Next time it starts to stop loosen the fuel cap to the point that it comes off. Sounds like to me that the tank is creating a vacuum.

    I read about that online. I'll try it.
     

    Frank_N_Stein

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 100%
    79   0   0
    Nov 24, 2008
    10,206
    77
    Beech Grove, IN
    I have a newer John Deere but it was doing the same thing. I found that it was the air hole in the top of the gas cap was plugged and would air lock the fuel tank and starve it for fuel. Once I ran a piece of wire into the hole to open it up then it worked fine again and have not had any other issues.

    How about the safety switch on your seat when the blades are engaged. Could it be faulty/corroded? Sometimes it's the simplest of things....just a thought

    Thats what I thought was happening, but i can't confirm it. I need to investigate it in case it isn't the fuel cap vent.
     

    churchmouse

    I still care....Really
    Emeritus
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    187   0   0
    Dec 7, 2011
    191,809
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    Speedway area
    How difficult is that?

    Track the plug wire back to its origination point. If you engine has an externally mounted coil that would be it. If the wire goes in the engine it is a different set up. Might be a Mag style ignition and in or under the flywheel.
    Take a pic of the engine and shoot it to me when you get a chance.
     

    Jsomerset

    Sharpshooter
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    2   0   0
    Jan 31, 2016
    585
    93
    Somerset
    I have a 1993 gt265 and I've had the same proble 3 times. #1, vent hole gas cap but only did it mowing side ditch. #2 cracked spark plug only happened during high humidity. #3 there is a fuel cut off switch mounted on the bottom of the carb. Has a single black wire that slides onto a spade connecter. It is a selonoid that pushes a needle into the supply galley of the carb when electrical system is denergized so fuel won't siphone from tank when sitting idle. Hang on to your wallet if it's that, it was a $75 item. My fix was to remove it and replaced with a short screw and fiber gasket both of which I got at the tractor store. Don't use pipe plug as it's just a standard threaded hole and pipe plug will likely cause damage. Do the ole pull spark plug ground against engine block- no spark= elec problem likely, have spark, likely a fuel problem. If you don't want to pull plug just pull wire insert bolt in wire and have your stepkid make connection between bolt and s.plug nipple. They are always happy to help and bond with step papa. Not only lets you know if there is current but the intensity. If he lets go before you turn lose the key you my have a weak coil. !Caution! Make sure he only uses one hand because if he uses both it may cause heart attack and that may anger momma and then you've lost your cheap help.
     
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