About Jason Place Expertise I can help with fuel issues as well as spark issues and various other minor issues people may have with just about any small engine
Experience I have been servicing small engines for ten years now and plan on continuing!
Education/Credentials I have been an apprentice to three other professionals in the field and have since went on my own.
Question Hi, Jason. I own a John Deere L100 lawn tractor (42 inch deck, 17 HP), which I bought new in July 2005. I haven't been very satisfied with this equipment, as I've had many problems with it from the beginning. At present, I'm having starting issues with this machine. Two days ago, it started up just fine, I mowed for about 30 minutes, turned the machine off, but it wouldn't start again. The starter cranks, but the engine won't turn over. Therefore, I started checking the obvious and in accordance with the owner's manual troubleshooting guide. The battery was bad after having it tested, so I purchased a new one and installed it, I changed the spark plug, replaced the fuel filter, checked connections, ensured the PTO was not engaged, ensured I was engaging the clutch properly, etc. Tractor still would not start. As I was getting ready to make an appointment to have service performed, I tried to start the mower one last time, and it started right up! I turned it off/on several times, and it worked just fine. I mowed for about 30 minutes, then it stopped in the middle of the job and wouldn't start again. The machine acts like it isn't getting fuel when there's plenty of gas in the tank or enough spark to turn over the engine. This is why I changed the fuel filter and spark plug to begin with. Tomorrow I'm going to drain the fuel tank and try fresh gas (the fuel I'm using I bought 2 months ago) to see if this helps. I'm at a loss about what more I can check/do here at home without actually getting into the engine (everything I've checked/changed so far is outside the engine housing itself). I do have some automotive engine repair knowledge/experience, so I'm not completely at a loss about how engines operate, but no experience with small engines. I'm trying to decide whether to just purchase a new tractor, considering all the problems I've had with this one the past 4 years, or whether to have this one repaired.
Thanks for any assistance you can provide.
Chrys
Answer hello,
Well it sounds like a very frustrating tractor to say the least!From what I gather,I would suggest that you change the oil in it. It sounds like it may be low on oil and could be on the verge of seizing! New gas is always a good bet too.When you say and I quote....The starter cranks, but the engine won't turn over.... Do you mean that the starter is spinning but the top of the engine is not? If so,it could be that the starter is not grabbing the flywheel or that you really need to get some oil in it! But check the oil and the starter to see if it actually grabs and spins the flywheel. John Deere make a pretty durable engine so I would defiantly fix what you have! Well give these ideas a go and hopefully you will be mowing for years to come with it!
