GT275 died

[Krusey1011]

Hi, first time on TBN. I bought a used 1998 John Deere GT275 with a 48" deck from the original owner. Routine maintenance was performed and logged. It needed a few parts replaced, but I ran it for a few weeks until it would overheat going up and down hills. I removed all covers and shrouds. The cooling fins were packed with dirt and grease. Long story short, I cleaned the old girl up from top to bottom, replaced the starter coil that was bad, replaced a worn clutch, changed oil and filter for engine and transmission, and put everything back together. Mower was running good on a 2 minute test run, then died. It started back up, ran for 30 seconds and died. It wouldn't start after that. Oil light is illuminated. Maybe water in the gas tank or carb from pressure washing?

 

[tomplum]

I would think that the oil light would be on if the engine is not running. If it was on with it running and the engine sounds good, unhook the sensor by the oil filter to do a test run.I'm not sure if this has an oil safe system or just a light. You could drain the carb bowl into small pan to see if you had picked up water. Starter coil = solenoid?

 

[Krusey1011]

Selenoid, yes. I'm not sure it has an oil safe system. I'm hoping it's just water in the fuel from pressure washing, and not something damaged from overheating.

 

[Spanner]

No 'Oil-safe' Tom. Just a pressure switch and a bulb. Single cyl. Kawasaki FC540V.

How much water did you apply and to where Krusey?

 

[Krusey1011]

I pressure washed just about everything, except the carberator. I was spraying the fuel tank before I had realized I was hitting the breather on the tank lid.

 

[Spanner]

Well purge all the fuel system asap. You don't ever want any water in the carb at all. Corrosion is swift. (and bad news).

Are you capable of cleaning the carb and the fuel tank and the rubber hose etc?

 

[Krusey1011]

I'm no mechanic, but I tinker with things and make due. If by clean, you mean, disassemble, clean with a carb cleaner, and reassemble, then yes. I don't know what water in the fuel system sounds or behaves like, but I hope this is the issue. It'd be better than a shot engine.

 

[Spanner]

Ok, go ahead and clean the carb. You can remove the bowl in-situ by undoing the 10mm bolt under the centre. lower the bowl with a catch-pan underneath to assess the contents. You will see any water as 'globules' in the petrol. You may have to remove the carb completely to clean the main jet etc. if so, re-install the bowl first so you can manipulate the carb assembly without damaging the float etc.

Take a picture and note the order of the control rods for throttle & choke before moving the carb. You only have to disconnect them at the carb end. Do not adjust the throttle cable or choke at the control plate end.

Note the long hair-spring on the throttle rod as well as the rod itself.

Remove the fuel hose from the pump and drain all the fuel from the tank into an open can. Again, look for the water 'globules'.

You may have to remove the fuel tank to clean it out completely.

 

[Krusey1011]

Sounds like a plan, thanks. I'll post results.

 

[whizdbiz2]

Krusey, what "worn clutch" did you replace? The one for the mower deck? I have a '97 GT275, it's been a great machine. Bought mine used and just pressed it into service to replace a Husqvarna that crapped out on me. I had to do the full front and rear service on it as the previous owner hadn't done it recently, other than change the oil.