JD 165 Started Then Died

[BobOB1775]

This morning I went to the shop to start the Deere so I could plow the snow. It has fired up each time without a problem. When I started the motor this morning it fired right up. I pulled it out of the garage and throttled back to idle. The engine died and I can't start it. I pulled the plug and cleaned it (its only a few months old and properly gapped). I checked the fuel pump and filter and both are fine. Tried starter fluid and can't get a pop. I'm scratching my head to see what else might be wrong. I thought I flooded the engine, but used an air hose to blow out the carburetor and spark plug.

What else should I look for?

 

[Richard001]

Bob,

I'm guessing frozen water in the gas line.

OK - what check did you perform on the fuel pump to determine that is was working?

Richard

 

[BobOB1775]

Bob,

I'm guessing frozen water in the gas line.

OK - what check did you perform on the fuel pump to determine that is was working?

Richard

The garage is at 50 degrees. I pulled the fuel line off the fuel pump and it is working fine. Fuel is new and without water or sediment. I pulled the spark plug and cleaned it. It was replaced last spring. The battery is fully charged and cranking normal. What is puzzling me is that after it ran flawless yesterday, I can't even get it to pop. Is there another electrical component in the system that I should be checking?

The original motor had lost compression and was replaced by the current motor. This one has not shown any signs similar to the previous motor.

 

[Kish318420]

Check for spark!

It takes - Air (checked)
It takes - Fuel (checked)
It takes - Spark (unknown, cleaned plug, but does it spark?

 

[BobOB1775]

I pulled the plug again and its clean. Cranked the motor and it is sparking. Just tried starter fluid in the carburetor and it will not start. Can you think of anything else that I should check? I'm wondering if the motor has lost compression like my original motor.

 

[Richard001]

Check for spark!

It takes - Air (checked)
It takes - Fuel (checked)
It takes - Spark (unknown, cleaned plug, but does it spark?

Kish - you left one thing out, compression.

 

[Kish318420]

No I didn't forget, was waiting to hear back on spark. Then its time to check compression, then a leak down test for the valves.

 

[BobOB1775]

No I didn't forget, was waiting to hear back on spark. Then its time to check compression, then a leak down test for the valves.

I'll have to pick up a compression gage to check it out. If the compression is good, is there anything else to consider?

I have the original motor sitting in the shop. It needs an overhaul. Being so old and not wanting to get rid of the tractor since it is in excellent shape, I'm either going to have to re-build the motor or try to find a replacement. The last time I checked with the John Deere shop near me, they didn't know if there was a motor out there that could be retro fitted to place in the 165. Does anyone know if there is another motor available that might fit without a major hassle? Very frustrating.

I'd consider purchasing a new JD but they just don't build them like they used to. The 165 is perfect for my property. I've looked at the 100 series and they don't look very sturdy. I've looked at the 300 series and they seem better.