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

· Brake pedal not depressed.

· Mower Engagement Lever is in ENGAGED position.

· 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.

· Choke adjusted incorrectly.

· 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.

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.

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.

Engine Stops When REVERSE foot pedal is depressed and Attachment Is Engaged (Hydrostatic)

· Normal condition. (See Using Reverse Implement Option in the OPERATING section.)

Engine Stops When gear shift lever is moved to the R (REVERSE) position and Attachment Is Engaged (Gear)

· Normal condition. (See Using Reverse Implement Option in the OPERATING section.)

Excessive Fuel Consumption

· Choke is not fully open. (Not available on all models.)

Black Exhaust Smoke

· Air filter is dirty or oil soaked.

Transmission problems are suspected

· The transmission is a sealed component. See your John Deere dealer for maintenance.

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.

· Fusible Link in starting circuit 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.

Tractor Vibrates Too Much or Rattles Excessively

· Attachment drive belts worn or damaged.

· Traction drive belt damaged or worn.

Tractor Will Not Move With Engine Running

· Parking brake locked.

· Traction drive belt needs adjustment. (See your John Deere dealer.)

· Free-wheeling lever not pushed in completely. (Not available on all models.)

Discharge Chute Plugged

· Belt installed incorrectly.

· Grass too wet.

· Grass too long.

· Engine should be at full throttle.

· Rear of deck too low.

Patches Of Grass Uncut

· Travel speed too fast.

· Engine should be at full throttle.

· Dull blades.

· Cutting height set too high.

· Freedom42: Blades should be assembled on correct spindle, (left or right identification).

Belt Slipping

· Debris in sheaves.

· Worn belt.

· Mower blade engagement rod needs adjustment.

Mower Blades Do Not Stop

· Belt routed incorrectly.

· Mower blade engagement rod needs adjustment.

· Spindle brake needs adjustment.

Too Much Vibration

· Debris on mower deck or in sheaves.

· Damaged drive belt.

· Damaged sheaves or sheaves out of alignment.

· Blades out of balance.

Mower Makes Unusual Noise

· Freedom42: Check blade timing and adjust timing belt tension if necessary.

Uneven Cut

· Check procedures on Adjusting Mower Level Side-to-Side and Front-to-Rear.

· Travel speed too fast.

· Blades are dull.

· Check tire pressure.

· Adjust mower wheels.

· Freedom42: Blades should be assembled on correct spindle, (left or right identification).

Blades Scalping Grass

· Turning speed too fast.

· Ridges in terrain.

· Rough or uneven terrain.

· Low tire pressure.

· Cutting too low.

· Bent blade(s).

· Adjust mower wheels.

Mower Loads Down Tractor

· Engine should be at full throttle.

· Travel speed too fast.

· Debris wrapped around mower spindles.

· Check procedure on Adjusting Mower Level Front-to-Rear.

· Grass conditions.

· Cutting height set too low.

Uneven Clipping Distribution

· Cutting height set too low.

· Mowing too fast.

· Grass too wet.

· Freedom42: Blades should be assembled on correct spindle, (left or right identification).

Mower (or other attachment) Stops When REVERSE foot pedal is depressed and Attachment Is Engaged (Hydrostatic)

· Normal condition. (See Using Reverse Implement Position in the OPERATING Section.)

Mower (or other attachment) Stops When gear shift lever is moved to the R (REVERSE) position and Attachment Is Engaged (Gear)

· Normal condition. (See Using Reverse Implement Option in the OPERATING section.)