ZTR Mower Engine Surging and Dying

[ky8t]

My John Deere ZTR mower, which has less than 10 hours on it, has started acting up. After mowing for maybe 10-15 minutes, the engine starts surging like it is gasping for fuel. Then it dies. After I wait 10 minutes or so, it starts back up and after another 10-15 minutes surges and dies again. Any ideas what the problem might be?

 

[J_J]

My John Deere ZTR mower, which has less than 10 hours on it, has started acting up. After mowing for maybe 10-15 minutes, the engine starts surging like it is gasping for fuel. Then it dies. After I wait 10 minutes or so, it starts back up and after another 10-15 minutes surges and dies again. Any ideas what the problem might be?

What kind of engine, make/model, HP, etc.

 

[mark1]

Take the gas cap off and see if it still surges and dies?

 

[ky8t]

What kind of engine, make/model, HP, etc.

Briggs & Stratton V Twin 23 HP.

 

[ky8t]

Take the gas cap off and see if it still surges and dies?

That seems to fix the problem. What would cause that? I assume leaving the gas cap loose is not a permanent fix.

 

[J_J]

There is supposed to be a hole or some kind of relief to let air in so fuel can flow. It may be a hole in the cap. or a slit in the thread area. or a small rubber plug . The hole may have rusted shut.

 

[ky8t]

There is supposed to be a hole or some kind of relief to let air in so fuel can flow. It may be a hole in the cap. or a slit in the thread area. or a small rubber plug . The hole may have rusted shut.

I'll check that out. Hope I don't have a mud dauber wasp nest on it somewhere. My barn is filled with them.

 

[shot_gun]

There is a little rubber flap in the top of the cap that lets in air but doesn't let it escape to the atmosphere. This is likeley your culpret. Clean with a non alcohol base cleaner and you should be good. Worse case replace the fuel cap. You should be able to blow through the little hole in the top center of the gas cap. Good luck!

 

[ky8t]

There is a little rubber flap in the top of the cap that lets in air but doesn't let it escape to the atmosphere. This is likeley your culpret. Clean with a non alcohol base cleaner and you should be good. Worse case replace the fuel cap. You should be able to blow through the little hole in the top center of the gas cap. Good luck!

I am mowing a new lawn, and there is a lot of dust. I bet that dust was sucked into the vent hole. Thanks for the tip.

 

[shot_gun]

No problem hope that gets you mowing again.

 

[J_J]

No problem hope that gets you mowing again.

One thing on those caps with the hole in the center. They will suck in water when the tank is warm and a cool rain shower comes along. As the tank cools, a vacuum pulls water into the tank. I finally went to a side vent cap. They also have those caps with the thumb screw that you release when using and close when finished. When my Kohler's would not run, I just knew there was water in the gas.

 

[ky8t]

One thing on those caps with the hole in the center. They will suck in water when the tank is warm and a cool rain shower comes along. As the tank cools, a vacuum pulls water into the tank. I finally went to a side vent cap. They also have those caps with the thumb screw that you release when using and close when finished. When my Kohler's would not run, I just knew there was water in the gas.

Where did you find the replacement caps?

 

[J_J]

Where did you find the replacement caps?

Most of the larger machines use the 2 in caps, and just about anyplace will have a cap for the models they sell, or you could look on-line. I bought things when I found something I wanted, and needed. Take your cap with you when you are shopping, and tell the guy at the counter exactly what you want, He may give you different options.

 

[IXLR8]

There was some discussion over on Lawnsite.com that this was a common issue with some of the JD ZTR's. I didn't have a JD at the time and didn't pay too much attention to it. I think the recommended solution was to replace the cap. If I come across the thread I will post it.