JD 5105 not staying primed

[Birddog Dave]

Hello, I have a 2004 Jd 5105. Lately it has not been holding a prime. Requiring starting fluid when I first try to start it. after sitting longer than a couple days. Today, are you starting fluid? It took longer than usual to prime. When it did run on its own. It was running a little rough. So my bright idea was to pump the primer a few times. To see if it just needed some help priming. It puffed a big bowl of white smoke and died. Now it will not prime at all. It’ll only run on the starting fluid. Which I know is not great for it. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Harry in Ky]

https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/sidebyside/equipment/4367/referrer/navigation/pgId/3011063

Does this look like what you have? If so, a few things come to mind. Filter (item 29) first on the list. Next, how full is the tank when this is happening? The hand primer pump? Have you opened that up and cleaned out any obstructions? Your tractor has no supply pump so the injection pump has to pull fuel up from the tank, through the filter and up to the engine so it doesn't take much interference to cause problems. Fuel supply is always in question with that type system. An inline check valve down near the filter will help keep fuel from draining back when fuel level is low. Also and electric fuel pump can do wonders with that sort of problem. I've installed dozens of them for that very reason.

 

[Quebecguy]

The filter, item 29 mentioned in the previous post, is located just behind the valve cover at the rear of the motor (at least it is on my 5205).