IF

CHECK

ENGINE WILL NOT START

Check fuel level.

Open Fuel shut-off valve.

Depress brake pedal or engage park brake.

Put hydrostatic control lever in N (neutral).

Fuel is dirty.

Replace fuel filter.

Tighten spark plug wires.

Check spark plug gap.

Battery low - charge battery.

Battery cables loose or corroded - tighten and clean battery cables.

ENGINE MISSES UNDER LOAD

Spark plug not gapped correctly.

Failed spark plug - replace spark plug.

Fuel is dirty.

Clean air filter element.

Replace fuel filter.

Check choke cable for binding.

Check electrical connections.

ENGINE HARD TO START

Clean carburetor. (See your technical manual or your John Deere distributor).

Fuel is dirty.

Check/replace failing spark plug.

Check spark plug gap.

Check/clean electrical connections.

Check for air lock in fuel line. Disconnect fuel line from fuel filter. Fuel should flow.

ENGINE OVERHEATS

Air filter plugged/ clean or replace filter element.

Clean radiator screen and cooling fins.

Check engine oil level - add oil.

Operate engine at MAXIMUM speed not SLOW idle.

ENGINE WILL NOT SLOW IDLE

Clean carburetor. (See your technical manual or your John Deere distributor.)

Spark plug not gapped correctly.

Failed spark plug - replace spark plug.

Fuel is dirty.

Plugged fuel line - clean fuel line.

Valves not seating correctly - adjust valves. (See your technical manual or your John Deere distributor.)

ENGINE BACKFIRES

Failed spark plug - replace spark plug.

Intake valve sticking - adjust valves. (See your technical manual or your John Deere distributor.)

ENGINE VAPOR LOCKS

Replace fuel filter.

ENGINE RUNS ERRATICALLY

Plugged fuel line - clean fuel line.

Fuel is dirty.

Check/clean electrical connections.

Replace failed governor. (See TM1527 or your John Deere distributor.

Clean carburetor. (See your technical manual or your John Deere distributor.)

ENGINE LOSES POWER

Wrong or stale fuel - change fuel and filter.

Too much oil in engine - drain to correct level.

Clean air cleaner.

Engine overload - reduce load.

Replace failed spark plug.

Replace dirty fuel filter.

ENGINE KNOCKS

Stale or low octane fuel - change to a good grade of fuel.

Loose connecting rod. (See your technical manual or your John Deere distributor.)

Carbon in combustion chamber. (See your technical manual or your John Deere distributor.)

Engine overload - reduce load.

Low engine speed - raise engine RPM.

Low engine oil level - check and add oil.

STARTER DOES NOT WORK OR WILL NOT TURN ENGINE

Clean and tighten all electrical connections.

Charge battery.

Clean corroded battery terminals.

Failed key switch or starter motor. (See your technical manual or your John Deere distributor.)

BATTERY WILL NOT CHARGE

Test and replace rectifier/regulator. (See your technical manual or your John Deere distributor.)

Clean and tighten all connections.

Dead cell in battery - replace battery.

Improper engine speed - run engine at rated rpm. Do not idle engine for long periods of time.

CANNOT STEER

Check tire inflation pressure.

Lubricate steering linkage.

Too much play. (See your technical manual or your John Deere distributor.)

Repair or replace bent steering linkage. (See your technical manual or your John Deere distributor.)

STEERING IS DIFFICULT

Check and align toe-in adjustment. (See your technical manual or your John Deere distributor.)

BRAKES NOT WORKING

Adjust brakes. (See your technical manual or your John Deere distributor.)

Replace worn brake shoes. (See your technical manual or your John Deere distributor.))

Oil or grease on shoes/drums - clean/replace as necessary. (See your technical manual or your John Deere distributor.)

Repair/replace worn or damaged brake linkage. (See your technical manual or your John Deere distributor.)