John Deere wont stay running?

Question

have an old john deere rx73 ride on mower that i picked up a short time ago. was running great but now all of a sudden it starts fine stays running for about a min fine. then will only stay running if i keep it choked. i think its compression but does it make sense if it runs fine from the beginning?

Answer 1

When an engine needs to be choked to run, it means that the mixture is lean. Choking restricts the flow of air into the engine, decreases the amount of air in the mixture. It suggests a loss of fuel in the system.

A lean mixture is caused by too much air or too little fuel.

Since the engine runs fine for a while, then encounters the problem, the engine is probably starting with full bowl of fuel and consuming that fuel faster than it is replaced. Once the bowl is empty, the only way to keep the engine running is to reduce the amount of air entering the carborator.

A fuel filter could be clogged, or there could be a clog or restriction somewhere else.

I'm not familar with that model mower, but I have a JD 260 that has a fuel pump. Check the fuel pump if you have one. I also had problems with that machine where there was grass in the gas tank. The engine would start and run fine until enough grass accumulated at the fuel line inlet to restrict flow. I had to remove the gas tank and clean it to fix the problem.

If neither of these works, then check the spark plug for fouling. I wouldn't suspect this as much though since it starts easily. If you have a compression guage, check the compression. It should measure >100 lbs pressure.

Answer 2

Sounds like the carburetor needs to be cleaned. It should be removed, taken apart, soaked in a good parts cleaner and put back together with a rebuild kit. Also make sure the gas tank is clean. Low compression would more likely make it hard to start. I think that you have a fuel problem.

Answer 3

Check to see if you have a kill switch . under the seat some times they will get stuck still will start but only run for a few second,s if this does not work change the plug and check the needle valve in the little bowl in the bottom of the carburetor just turn it all the way in till it,s stop,s then turn it back out two and a half turn,s this will get you in the ball park. Good luck bob.

Answer 4

If it will only run while choked, then you have a fuel starvation problem. Change the fuel filter. If that doesn't help, then clean the carb. You could have a plugged jet.

Compression is definitely not the problem.

If you need to choke to run, then the mixture is TOO LEAN.
Choking reduces the air flow and increases the mixture.

Answer 5

If you need the choke on, the carb needs removal and a thorough cleaning - its not getting enough gas. It has nothing to do with compression. Gasoline striaght from the pump is dirty, then its put inna dirty gas can, then into the clean gas tank on your tractor - i suggest getting a decent fuel filter and possibly new fuel lines , since its an older tractor.

Answer 6

sounds like water in the gas try to drain out a little from the sediment bowl
careful to catch the gas and dispose before trying to start