If you have spark, your armature is good, and its likely you have an over-fueling carburetor issue (see below) usually caused by a faulty auto choke system. Drive pulley against engine PTO face. This electrode is set at a specific gap between it and the center electrode. Make sure you have a good ground on the engine. Remove the bottom hose to check and inspect this fuel filter. Your gas cap can become plugged and no longer work correctly. Even if you are not mechanically-inclined, it is not difficult to change out the spark plugs in your lawnmower. So you have good flow from the fuel line at the carburetor correct? As soon as you take it off, it should start flowing, so be careful. Sometime over the yrs of use the engine might become lose from the frame and rust builds up. Thoroughly scrub the tank until the smell of gasoline is undetectable. If you need extra help, its all covered in this video, Checking mower spark. Sometimes it will start after a few tries but most of the time I need to let the engine cools off for a couple of hours and then it does the same thing. Ive covered choke testing and carburetor replacing on this page; it contains several videos Choke testing. And, as an added bonus, when you're finished hosing off your cutting deck, engage the lawn mower blades and let them turn for a few minutes to induce drying and to re-heat the bearings. . June 06, 2015 07:46AM. Your engine requires clean air to run. When this happens, the fuel does not work properly and can lead to a lawn mower stalling shortly after you start it. If your lawn mower starts, runs for a while, then dies, check the ignition coil, gas cap, and spark plug. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time. Doesn't the gas cap just have a small tiny hole on the top? August 3, 2010. If there are no visible signs of wear and tear, reinstall the spark plug and restart your lawnmower. Ethanol in your gasoline along with the moisture it attracts can gum up the fuel system causing clogs. Before starting, it is always a good idea to see if the carburetor is, indeed, at the root of the problem. If, on the other hand, the mower still wont start, youll need to check the mower for spark. Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us, right fuel for your riding mower and the effects of ethanol here, negative results of too much engine oil here. A dirty carburetor must be cleaned to get it to work properly. You may find these videos useful also Spark testing video, Plug cleaning video, and Plug gapping video, theyre all in the video library. After which it chokes, sputters as if its not getting gas. No matter what the reason is for the fuel in your lawn mower to be degraded, fuel quality issues are generally the easiest to fix. Remove the carburetor bowl and clean all parts thoroughly. To get the carburetor bowl off, simply unscrew the bowl nut from the bottom of the bowl with a inch wrench. Have a good one. Let us know what you find. Too much oil in your resevoir. I unhooked the hose at the fuel filter. Sometimes the mud dobber wasp will plug off this vent hole if it has one, use paper clip or whatever to unplug it, or get a new cap or drill a hole in gas cap but keep in mind if you drill a hole in gas cap gas will slosh out and might become a fire hazard. To identify whether the fuel cap is the problem, inspect it carefully for cracks in the cap itself as well as any gaskets or seals. However, if after giving your lawnmower a good scrubbing, it still doesnt start, certain parts may need a closer inspection. Been using it for 4 months. It takes about 8 pulls to start and makes a lot of rattling noise - after about 10 min sputters and dies. If the lawn mower runs for a short while and then stops, it is likely that fuel flow is the issue. I have put in new plug, cleaned gas tank, and gas lines, checked coil, it sparks good and is set at 13 thousands, put in new oil filter and oil ,took carb off and flushed out with carb cleaner, checked the gas cap, has a hole in the top, and is free. When the mower dies, remove the gas cap and reinstall it. Help please!!! Inspect the device for damages or cracks in the porcelain. After about 10 or 15 minutes, the vacuum will become strong enough that fuel will stop flowing to the carburetor and the lawnmower will die. You may freely link to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. I bought a used simplicity Sunstar 1692135 year 1995. A fuel siphon works great for this. Did you actually take the carb apart and clean out the jets? Just have an approved gas container available for a place to drain old fuel. The vent is a check valve that allows air into the fuel tank but keeps gas fumes inside. Loosen the gas cap for a few seconds when the problem occurs. Once the bowl has been removed, check for debris and build up. The ideal time to work on your lawnmower would be on a dry, sunny day. The tractor ran perfectly. Full bag shuts off mower. Dont reuse the baster for cooking purposes. Make sure that the fuel cap is in good condition and has a vent that works properly. F725. Locate the source of the fuel or air loss to get your John Deere lawn . Remove solenoid, clip plunger, install fuel shut off valve. But dont panic, you are in the correct place, and very soon, youll know what the problem is and how to nail the repair. Examine the spark plug of the lawnmower. Ground Ground the plug wire on any bare metal, but youll need to use insulated pliers to hold it in place while the helper pulls on the starter cord. Remove the filter and remove a little oil. Keep the pressure at a minimum to ensure that the tank holds its form and shape. Alternatively, an air compressor also works very well. Loose bolts mean the carburetor is prone to pulling in too much air through the seams. social. Specs: Ryobi 48" Riding Mower. Sometimes the check valve will fail and no longer allow air to enter the tank. When it happens to you, frustration can build as you try to identify the cause of your mower quitting. Menu Ask a Question Share a Post Account Search. You should change lawnmower oil after every 50 hours of use or once every season, whichever comes first. I've worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars to grass machinery, and this site is where I share fluff-free hacks, tips, and insider know-how. It cant get the air or fuel needed to continue to run. Wouldn't it be great to save time, energy, and money every time you use your kitchen? However, expect your lawnmower to function optimally for only five years or less if you dont maintain it. Why not just copy/paste the original linked article. To check, simply start the lawn mower as you normally would and observe. 1.2 Step 2: Check and clean the carburetor. Slowly fill the tank and be careful not to overfill. I actually prefer this method because its an expensive kitchen tool and not too messy. This smoke can clog the air filter and cause the mower to quit because it can no longer get air. All trademarks appearing on this page are the property of their respective owners. Clip the positive (+) lead of the volt meter to either one of the wire harness connector metal tabs (it doesn't matter which tab). Ensure that nothing is lose and then unclamp the gas line. It is obviously a fuel problem and this video will help explain what coul. I bought it from a buddy who bought it from his uncle and the for the first season and almost all of the second it ran great. 10. The filter shows no fuel in the chamber when it dies. If your mower starts and doesnt continue to run, you must take your carburetor apart to clean it. Gasoline can begin to break down and become less effective as soon as 30 days after purchase. Johnss fluff-free How-to guides help homeowners fix lawnmowers, tractor mowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, power washers, generators, snow blowers, and more. Always a plus! There is a vent in the cap, and when it gets blocked, air can't displace the volume of gas that exits tank, and a vacuum develops. Once the resting period is over, return the mower to its upright position and start the mower again. Sometimes the fuel lines can swell up and restrict fuel flow. I tried to write to you and thank you, But I guess I didn't do it right. Water, oil, and other liquids can mix with the fuel affecting the fuels ability to combust efficiently. Replace the oil filter. The root cause is a defective auto choke; its causing the engine to flood with too much gas. Prepare the appropriate container for the old oil. Drive belt wedged between idler pulley. With the dawn of spring comes sunshine, the return of birds chirping in the warm breeze, and new growth everywhere. Prepare Your Lawn Mower For Spring (Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist). LawnMowerGuru.com, All Rights Reserved. When the spark plug heats again the expansion from the heat can cause the internal electrode to lose continuity and the mower will die. Thoroughly wipe down the spark plug with a dry washcloth, and brush with a stiff bristle brush. We are a team of passionate homeowners, home improvement pros, and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and more with other homeowners! Can you help me? Here were my steps to fix it: Mower is 8 years old. Inspect your spark plug or pay attention to rumbling during operation and replace it if your mower stops running. A dirty air filter is another common problem when dealing with a stalling and sputtering lawnmower. There was no gas in it. denny. First, dont mow in wet conditions. Mostly around 2. It shuts down and then takes a few minutes to slowly equalize the pressure before it'll start again. Sometimes it will start after a few tries but most of the time I need to let the engine cools off for a couple of hours and then it does the same thing. If the mower starts and runs as normal, your gas cap is faulty, go ahead and replace it. It's FREE to check! If your lawn more typically starts after it has been stored a while but then stalls after a few minutes you may find this helpful Remain in this tilt position and drain the oil into the container until the flow turns into a slow drip. A tool known as a feeler gauge is used to set the air gap; a typical armature air gap clearance is .010 .014in. . The apparently becomes loose. Clean accordingly. The vent is a check valve that allows air into the fuel tank but keeps gas fumes inside. I just bought the mower this afternoon used. How did I know? After a few minutes, turn off the engine and remove the spark plug wire as a safety precaution. Is the hole open??? Take the lawnmower to a certified repair center for a thorough clean and inspection. . Remove the fuel if you will not use the mower for a continuous 30 days. The mower is a 2006 Simplicity Javelin RZT2044 with about 125 hours on it. Taking apart the carburetor is a task with multiple steps. To fix a lawn mower that wont stay running, you must first identify the problem. A carburetor is not an easy fix due to being made up of an assortment of springs, valves, and jets. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Just out of curiosity, why did you completely change the question? The mower is a 2006 Simplicity Javelin RZT2044 with about 125 hours on it. Has happend to me about 10 yrs ago with a different tractor. A faulty gas cap is, as you know, the second most common cause of a mower stalling after thirty minutes. Reattach the dipstick, and let the lawnmower sit for a few minutes before starting the engine back up. You may be using old fuel or the gas has water in it. Using vice grips or a clamp works very well for this. Using a thin wire to clean the metering holes works well. Gas tank had a smidge I debri in it. When the carburetor becomes dirty from old fuel deposits and gummy substances, the carburetor can fail to work causing your mower to die. If correcting the oil level and replacing a plugged filter doesnt resolve your running problem, have a small engine mechanic look at your riding mower to look for engine damage that could have occurred from running too much oil. Let completely cool off, then runs for another 15-20 minutes. A few replies indicate that the gas tank vent may be blocked and therefore, it creates a vacuum and gas won't flow. Website operating problems contact Webmaster. When this hole is not clear, fuel cannot flow correctly. I have the manuals in hand. Finally it shuts off and refuse to start until it cools down. If the problem is related to the spark plug, repairs and replacements are easy to do. Will not start right back up. Trying to engage the blades in tall or wet grass can also cause the mower to die. If you find a break, replace the coil. One or more of these parts could be causing your problem. Wait one minute. My engine was lose so I re-bolted it down. Remove the old armature, check the part number and order its replacement by part number, not by mower model. Also the coil could be getting hot and shutting down,,check for spark as soon as it shuts down. 1.4 Step 4. It has a Briggs and Stratton 20 HP V-Twin model number 441577 - 0118B1 . The fuel cap is an issue that is often overlooked. And we make it easy! When the cap is unable to vent allowing the fuel tank to maintain the correct pressure, your riding mower can die after it has been running. Have to wait 30 minutes and can start again, but the outcome will be the same. Occasionally a cracked ceramic insulator can allow the center electrode to ground to the engines frame, also causing the mower to die. Yep, I agree. When too much oil is added it is possible for the oil to bleed into the carburetor. Tilt the mower in the opposite direction of the engine air filter to avoid oil contamination to start draining. Lets get testing so. My wife, as is her wont, was mowing while I was out of town for the week. This electrode is set at a specific gap between it and the center electrode. No spark means the armature has failed; go ahead and order a replacement. @deser. I was too caught up in looking over the engine and just the fact that the blades would engage that I didn't pay much attention to the actual deck. When the problems are more severe, mowers often stall as a result. An improperly gapped spark plug or one where the spark plug wires can become loose can cause your riding mower to die after running. When the engine can't vent the heated gasses from the internal combustion or take cool air in for the next stage of combustion, stalling can occur. It will refill again after about 20 minute of rest and then the mower runs again for another 10-15 minutes.I have cleaned out the tank and checked the few line . Replace the air filter and spark plug after every 50 hours of use or as recommended by the manufacturer. If the lawn mower is stalling almost immediately after being started, the problem is most likely caused be a fuel flow issue. I started to adjust the leveling nut on the left side, only side to side adjustment apparently, and now the left side is off the ground at level 3 but the right side of the deck is still on the ground even at 5. This can cause the mower to run for a few seconds and shut off. Once the bowl has been removed, check for debris and build up. Checking spark isnt difficult, and its all covered below. The substance left behind by old fuel can get stuck in your fuel lines and prevent fuel from moving through the lines and to your engine. Then you could restart for another 2-3 min then it would stop. When I called to let her know that I had arrived, she told me the John Deere rider had stopped after about 15 minutes and she had to get the neighbors to help push it back to the house. Step Four - Remove the Carburetor Bowl for Cleaning. As we are chasing an intermittent failure (fails when the mower is hot), checking the spark when the engine is cold wont be useful (we expect it works great then). Your engine must work harder when it must turn blades through debris with every revolution. The battery is new, but it seems to be a fuel issue. Keep reading for additional items that can prevent your riding mower from continuously mowing. I have a John Deere LX178 with a 15HP Kohler-John Deere engine. The base also has a second electrode attached to it. After taking a look at the air filter, the next place I would investigate is the fuel cap. With the dawn of spring comes sunshine, the return of birds chirping in the warm breeze, and new growth everywhere. All trademarks appearing on this page are the property of their respective owners. To confirm you have a dirty carburetor so you dont take it apart when you dont need to, follow these quick steps: Solution: Cleaning your riding mower carburetor isnt a very complicated procedure. Have a good one. A plugged filter cannot only cause your mower to run sluggishly and shut down, but it can also cause costly internal engine damage. Several other possible things might be . The choke spring was broken and I replaced it. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time. This can cause your engine to overheat and shut down after it has been running for a while. Overfilling the engine crankcase with oil will cause pressure to build in the crankcase. The rotating flywheel and the armature work together to produce a voltage strong enough to allow the spark plug to fire. Robert Booth, You should mark the question as solved, Robert ;-), Jun 3, 2010 by Fortunately, the issue is easier to fix than you might think. 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Apart the carburetor bowl and clean all parts thoroughly a dirty air filter and cause the mower to quit it. Apart the carburetor bowl for Cleaning sputters as if its not getting gas start the mower for short... Works very well for this be using old fuel and replacements are easy to do can build you! Need a closer inspection repairs and replacements are easy to do would investigate is the issue loss...