Garden Tractor Engine Problem

Aug 19, 2009 23 Replies

Before you buy expensive electronic modules, coils, stators, carbs, pumps and such, CHANGE the spark plug. Don't check to see if it is getting spark because many times they can show spark and run fine, only to fail a minute later and then work fine after another few seconds.

2 days ago a guy brought me a John Deere Gator 4X2 to fix. It would start and run great for a minute or two, then die, then start right back up for a minute or two. It would idle forever. AFter checking the fuel delivery system ( it was fine), I replaced the spark plug and it ran fine for my test drive of a few miles. $3 part and $35 labor and he was on his way.

Hank

Good idea. Champion had a run of bad CJ8 plugs, I remember from way back.

Well, today's the day for me to get serious about diagnosing the problem. If I determine it is in the electronics, I will start with replacing the cheaper parts like plugs first and move on.

I will report what I find.

Thanks, David

Let me know what you discover. I'll try to help.

Hank

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