JD 4100 won't start

[4310]

I just read a thread in the John Deere owning/operating forum about a 4400 I think not starting. Someone said to check the thermistor. It's behind the fuse box in the mess of wires somewhere. Should look something like this




Also do a search for thermistor on here. I've read a couple different threads talking about it and I think it caused the problems you're describing. I'm not sure how to check it when you find it. Might need a voltmeter or something. Might be able to tell just by looking at it, I don't know.

Anyway I'd look there before I starting shooting ether.

 

[4310]

I remember them saying the thermistor is small, about the size of your fingernail so you might have to look for it a little bit.

Ok I did a little looking and there was another thread on here about a 4200 not starting. They replaced the thermistor and it took care of the problem. Said the part # was LVU10323. Cost $4

 

[Xjdigger]

Thanks but I had trouble with the fuel shut off and had to remove it until I can figure out how to fix it. I've read about the Thermister also.

The Tractor seems to be getting fuel because it is producing smoke (exhaust)

QUESTION: Can I be having a fuel pump problem? How would I check if the fuel pump is pumping right.

 

[pat32rf]

Those three cylinder engines have a heater in the intake manifold. This is why the instructions warn against ether. The relay for my heater didn't work from day one but at the 1000hr check the dealer fixed it. I seldom use it, preferring to plug in the tractor when the temp drops below -10C. Make sure that you do not have the preheat turned on when you use ether as the resulting fire will be in the manifold, not the cylinders...
How do you control the fuel valve with the solenoid removed? Any chance that something in there has changed?
When my solenoid burnt up I made a cover with a threaded hole for a bolt that would hold the valve open, just needed a screwdriver to shut things down. Since then I have run a wire so i can bypass my thermister if it doesn't fire on the first turnover. This normally only happens on the first cold start of the day.

 

[Xjdigger]

Its the fuel solenoid I had to remove in order to start it. I need to explore this thermister for this problem.

Does anyone know how to check the fuel pump. I'd take it to a service shop but we don't have one in this area that works on diesel tractors.