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 (PTO) Lever is in ENGAGED position.

Shift lever not in N (neutral) position.

Fuel shut-off valve in closed 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

Air intake screen plugged.

Loose electrical connections.

Choke or throttle cable sticking.

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.

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 shift lever is moved to the R (REVERSE) position and Attachment Is Engaged

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

Clutch And/Or Shift Levers Vibrate

Replace drive belt.

Replace damaged sheaves.

SX85: Replace damaged variator.

Riding Mower Makes Clattering Noise

Adjust belt guides.

Brake Pedal Has Too Much Free-play

Tighten brake linkage.

Mowing Unevenly

Inflate tires.

Slow down. Mow in a lower speed.

Adjust mower gauge wheels.

Slow down when turning.

Level mower.

Change mowing pattern.

Riding Mower Will Not Move; Especially In Cold Weather

SX85: Start engine. Move shift lever completely forward. Push accelerator pedal in slowly several times.

Riding Mower Losing Ground-speed

SX85: Adjust idler arm.

Riding Mower Slips In 3rd Gear Or Less Up A Slope

GX85: Replace drive belt.

GX85: Alternate spring hook-up point. (See your John Deere dealer.)

GX85: Use lower gear for bagging on slopes.

Starter Does Not Work Or Will Not Turn Engine

Brake pedal is not depressed.

Mower Engagement (PTO) 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.

Too Much Vibration

Debris on mower deck or in sheaves.

Belt guides need adjustment.

Damaged belt.

Damaged sheaves or sheaves out of alignment.

Blades out of balance.

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

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