Took delivery of a used 425 on Friday (I should say, the dealer dropped it off Friday. Could have used a lesson on how to remove the powerflow... still can't figure it out, but that's another thread). It has 867 hours and they rebuilt the motor, since it had the camshaft issue and was broken. They did a water pump and various other things while they were in there, so I felt confident. Started right up and sounded pretty good.
Well, 1 hour into mowing yesterday, the tractor started to sound as if it were running out of fuel (like an empty tank). So, I headed right toward the garage and backed off the throttle. It stalled at mid-throttle, so I figured it was out of fuel. Filled it up. Started it. Kept running the same. Revving up and down. Stalls at mid-throttle.
So, the only thing I can come up with in my head is that the fuel filter must be plugged. Or there was bad gas? Not sure how long it sat with the previous owner before the motor was rebuilt.
Now, the second question. What do I do about it? Meaning, do I complain and have the dealer come out to fix the problem? I don't want to drain the tank, change the filter and not solve the problem - but at the same time, I don't feel like I should have to. It's my 6th tractor from this dealer. And I'm none too pleased so far, since the headlights didn't work (fixed that problem myself) and the wrong seat arrived on it (specifically said three times I was looking for the high-back seat from the later 425s - it came with something so low, I don't even recognize it. Maybe from an early 80s 111?). Sort of feel like they've let me down.
But, if it is a fuel filter issue/bad gas/water in the tank, then what should I expect? Should they have let it run for an hour before delivering? I'm looking for advice on what the problem might be so that I can at least try a solution before complaining... if it is a fuel filter, no biggie. If something more problematic, well, I'm sure they'll make it right.
Final thought: I've had two dogs in 10 years. They always get sick (i.e. actually NEED veterinarian services) on Sunday. Meaning, I have to take them to the emergency vet at 3x the cost. Never do they get sick Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm. Same is true of my tractors. I'm always looking for parts after noon on Satuday, through Sunday night. Recognizing that I'm a working stiff and only play with my tractors on the weekend, it's no less frustrating that it'll be another week before I can get to this... especially when I'm housebound during a storm like Irene. And the promise of perfect weather after the storm moves out means the grass will grow another week (I'm 5 weeks into no mower, waiting on this to arrive)... oh well. On the bright side, it sure did perform well for an hour! I do like the model a lot!
Well, 1 hour into mowing yesterday, the tractor started to sound as if it were running out of fuel (like an empty tank). So, I headed right toward the garage and backed off the throttle. It stalled at mid-throttle, so I figured it was out of fuel. Filled it up. Started it. Kept running the same. Revving up and down. Stalls at mid-throttle.
So, the only thing I can come up with in my head is that the fuel filter must be plugged. Or there was bad gas? Not sure how long it sat with the previous owner before the motor was rebuilt.
Now, the second question. What do I do about it? Meaning, do I complain and have the dealer come out to fix the problem? I don't want to drain the tank, change the filter and not solve the problem - but at the same time, I don't feel like I should have to. It's my 6th tractor from this dealer. And I'm none too pleased so far, since the headlights didn't work (fixed that problem myself) and the wrong seat arrived on it (specifically said three times I was looking for the high-back seat from the later 425s - it came with something so low, I don't even recognize it. Maybe from an early 80s 111?). Sort of feel like they've let me down.
But, if it is a fuel filter issue/bad gas/water in the tank, then what should I expect? Should they have let it run for an hour before delivering? I'm looking for advice on what the problem might be so that I can at least try a solution before complaining... if it is a fuel filter, no biggie. If something more problematic, well, I'm sure they'll make it right.
Final thought: I've had two dogs in 10 years. They always get sick (i.e. actually NEED veterinarian services) on Sunday. Meaning, I have to take them to the emergency vet at 3x the cost. Never do they get sick Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm. Same is true of my tractors. I'm always looking for parts after noon on Satuday, through Sunday night. Recognizing that I'm a working stiff and only play with my tractors on the weekend, it's no less frustrating that it'll be another week before I can get to this... especially when I'm housebound during a storm like Irene. And the promise of perfect weather after the storm moves out means the grass will grow another week (I'm 5 weeks into no mower, waiting on this to arrive)... oh well. On the bright side, it sure did perform well for an hour! I do like the model a lot!
