6x4 Gator Idle Problem

[BFET529]

Hi Everyoby!

I am new here as a member, but have used a lot of info from this site in the past and finally decided to join. I posted this in the John deere area, but after clicking around, I realized it should probably have gone here!

Anyways, I have acquired an early to mid 90's 6X4 Gas Gator, (for free!) that has been sitting for a couple years. When I picked this up about a week and a half ago, there was nearly no motor oil, low coolant, and more dirt, mud, hay, ect. stuck in the engine compartment. Also, only 2 of the tires hold air. As bad as this thing sounds, and as hard as it has probably been run, after topping the trans axle oil, adding coolant, changing the oil, and cleaning out some debris, she started right up! Right at first, all I got was a light on the dash when I turned the key, but after a little jiggle of wires that run along the inside of the passenger side under the dump box, it started like it was new! (I'm guessing there may be a short in there) It ran and idled great for a minute or two, but once it was warmed up, it started to continuously idle up and down. If I get on the gas at all, it runs fine, without any problems. It is only at idle that it revs up and down. If I pull the choke out just a bit and hold it there, or barely depress the gas, it idles great. Thinking it may be the couple year old gas, I drained all the gas from the tank, added new gas with the a dose of seafoam, hoping that would solve my problem. I ran it for about an hour or so at idle, half throtle, and full throttle, all at different intervals, but noticed no improvement... I left it idle for another 30 minutes or so after that as well but still is surging. Although it doesn't idle evenly, the motor won't die, and stays running at idle, no matter how long you leave it run. My thought was maybe the carb needs more than the seafoam treatment, new fuel filter, or new fuel pump??? I am in no way a mechanic, but more so a weekend guy that is learning his way around the shop as problems arise...

Any Ideas??? Sorry for the long story!! Any Help is Appreciated!!

[MrChris]

Does it run smoother if you pull out the choke. Sounds like a fuel issue, more likely clogged jets in the carb. Sometimes you get air leaks where the carb mounts to the engine. Spray some wd40 in this area to test. You more than likely will have to pull the carb to clean thoroughly, at that point you'll be able to see the condition of that gasket too.

[BFET529]

MChris, It does run completely smooth with the choke pulled out a bit... and it runs fine at all points when on the throttle. It just jumps up and down at idle. You think a good carb cleaning, and new gasket if needed will solve the poblem?

[MrChris]

MChris, It does run completely smooth with the choke pulled out a bit... and it runs fine at all points when on the throttle. It just jumps up and down at idle. You think a good carb cleaning, and new gasket if needed will solve the poblem?

The choke test lets you know its running too lean. Not getting enough fuel. The surging tells you the carb jets are partially clogged. Some people even have to replace the jets if they can not be cleaned enough. Hopefully you don't have that issue. When engines sit for an extended perod of time with fuel sitting in them, gunked up carbs are common. Just talk to any small engine repair shop. Sometimes sea foam loosens gunk that then gets stuck in the smaller jet openings.

[BFET529]

So I swapped out the fuel filter... Low and behold it seems to be running great! It is running strong and no more up and down idle. I'm thinking I still may tear down the carb though, as I am sure it probably needs it. The only other major issue, besides needing some new plastic, seats, and tires, is electrical. Sometimes when you turn the key just a light comes on... you have to reach back and give the wires on the passenger side a jiggle and she starts right up. Think it's a short? Or maybe I have a loose connection somewhere? The other electrical issue is that the wires for the electric lift are cut, and you have to hold/touch them direcly to the batter to raise it, and flip them around and touch them to get it to lower... Unfortunately I hate electric issues!

I'm thinking about making a new thread with the electrical issues...