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.

Break-in:

· Improper break-in or incomplete break-in time. Repeat break-in following proper procedures, or extend break-in time 5 hours before suspecting machine problems.

Engine Will Not Start

Brake is not pushed down.

PTO lever switch is in ON position.

Fuse is blown.

Spark plug wire is loose or disconnected.

Spark plug not gapped correctly.

Water in fuel tank.

Engine Is Hard To Start

Fuel filter is gummed or plugged.

Spark plug is fouled.

Faulty spark plug or wire.

Spark plug is not gapped correctly.

Loose or corroded electrical connections.

Stale fuel.

Choke adjusted incorrectly.

Water in fuel tank.

Engine Misses Under Load

Faulty spark plug.

Stale fuel.

Engine Vapor Locks

Fuel tank vent plugged.

Dirt in fuel filter.

Seasonally-blended fuel with incorrect specifications.

Engine Runs Unevenly

Engine not broken-in.

Cooling fins plugged.

Loose electrical connections.

Choke or throttle cable sticking.

Water in fuel tank.

Engine Overheats

Air cleaner element plugged.

Engine air intake screen plugged.

Engine oil low.

Model GX345 - Radiator cooling fins plugged.

Engine operated too long at slow engine speed.

Engine Will Not Idle

Spark plug not gapped correctly.

Faulty spark plug.

Engine Has Low Power or Compression

Engine not broken-in.

Engine overheating.

Too much oil in engine.

Dirty air cleaner.

Faulty spark plug.

Travel speed is too fast for conditions.

Engine Knocks

Low engine speed.

Stale or low octane fuel.

Engine overloaded.

Engine Backfires

Faulty spark plug.

High Oil Consumption

Engine not broken-in.

Blue or White Exhaust Smoke

Engine not broken-in.

Spark Plugs Foul

Engine not broken-in.

Fuel in the Engine Oil

Engine not broken-in.

Machine Vibrates Too Much

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 oil level low.

Machine Moves With Engine Running And Foot Pedals In Neutral

Linkage out of adjustment.

Machine Rolls Or Freewheels On An Incline With Engine On Or Off And Pedals In Neutral

Normal situation. Always set parking brake.

Cruise Control Lever Creeps Or Requires High Effort To Move

Cruise control lever not adjusted properly.

Starter Does Not Work Or Will Not Turn Engine

Brake pedal not down.

PTO lever switch is in on position.

Battery terminals corroded.

Battery dead or low charge.

Fusible link in starting circuit is blown. See your John Deere dealer.

Battery Will Not Charge

Dead cell in battery.

Low engine speed or excessive idling.

Battery cables and terminals dirty.

Lights Do Not Operate

Light plug disconnected.

Loose or burned out bulb.

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.

Mower deck needs cleaning.

Mower blades are dull or damaged.

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 Machine

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 dull.

Mower wheels not adjusted correctly.

Tire pressure unequal.

Uneven Clipping Distribution

Cutting height set too low.

Travel speed too fast.

Grass is too wet.

42 Inch Mulching Mower - Right and left blades may be interchanged.

Mower Makes Unusual Noise (42 Inch Mulching Mower Only)

Timing belt out of adjustment.

Mower Deck Is Difficult To Lift

Lift assist spring not adjusted properly for deck size.

Grass Tips Are Jagged And Turn Grayish Brown After Mowing

Dull mower blades.

Mower deck not leveled properly.

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

Normal operation of Reverse Implement Option.