Strange Behavior w/ a JD Gator CX

[nikdfish]

We've been having some odd behavior out of a 2010 Gator CX (the smallest of the 4x2's). On a number of recent occasions it will suddenly act like the gas is running out, slowing then dying even though the throttle is wide open & the tank is nearly full. It is generally happening after about 1/2 mile of travel from the initial start (I've been using it to run the 1/3 mile down to the mailbox lately). So far, it will restart & then continue without problem.

Any thoughts as to what may be happening? For what it's worth, ambient temps have typically been in the mid to high nineties (& hotter). The Gator has less than 25 hours on it.

Nick

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Sounds like a vapor lock or something? Is the choke hanging up and then turning off after it dies, thus letting you restart it?

After it dies and you get going again, how long can you go the 2nd time?

 

[nikdfish]

The choke is spring loaded, you can pull the knob out for starting but it returns to the off position on its own. Pulling the choke when it is dying only makes it rev a small amount before tapering off & dying anyway. I haven't run it enough after a restart to know if the problem repeats.

Considering the high temps (& the gator being stored in a hot garage), vapor lock was something I was wondering about myself ...

In the spring it was running for hours at a time while I used it for herbicide spraying, with no issues.

Nick

 

[aczlan]

Does it get better if you loosen the fuel tank cap?
After it restarts, does it repeat this behavior another 1/2 mile down the road?

Aaron Z

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

The fact that the choke pulled helps it run a bit longer, it tells me that it is starving for fuel. Now where to start. Try running the fuel cap loose as mentioned before. If that doesn't fix it, I'd call your dealer and talk to the service dept about warranty.

 

[Downeyfire]

Sounds odd but I have a 620 XUV. Bought it new but it sat on showroom floor for a year. When I went to pick it up I ran it around the lot a few times and it acted like it had no power and smoked a ton. They ran it in the shop real quick and changed the oil. Apparently sitting around gas can leak by the rings into the crankcase oil. Never had it happen again cause I use it daily but might be worth a shot. Good luck.

 

[topstoy]

Sounds to me like you either have a mostly plugged fuel filter and cannot supply enough fuel to keep the bowl on the carb full or a vent on the fuel tank restricted and creating a vacuum on your tank. I've seen both happen over the years and they bothact the same. You have enough fuel in the bowl of the carb to run for a bit and then it starves for fuel. Best of luck to you:thumbsup:.