[Akoz]

Hi, New to the forum and JD garden tractors. I acquired one from my father... but having some trouble. It won't start in cold weather. I turns over fine, but eventually backfires through the muffler like a shotgun. It ran fine in the summer, but once the cooler weather hit it won't start. I'm learning he had the same problem last year with it (but it was never fixed). I hit it with ether...that didn't work. Checked the spark, spark and gap look good. I'd assume it's a fuel issue, but if that were the case, why wouldn't ether at least fire it up? Any ideas why the temp is a factor and where to start? Thanks!

 

[mark65]

Check the choke to make sure it closes all the way. That would not explain why it wouldn't start on juice, but a choke not closing will make them harder to start in the cold.

 

[Akoz]

Thanks- Checked the choke, and it closes all the way. So after continued turning over and over, I put the throttle down low (no choke) and got it running. It ran well once it was warmed up. I ran it enough to put a tank of fresh fuel through it. A day later, cold weather, back to not starting and backfiring.

I have a spark, I have fuel... could it be an air or compression issue? maybe valves? cold weather causing parts to restrict..? any other suggestion? I appreciate the help.

 

[iouzilch]

Adam,
I have similiar issues with my GT275. See my post. http://www.wfmachines.com/discus/messages/60944/169092.html?1325685368

Take a look at this link
https://jdagccc.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/90/~/kawasaki-engines---hard-starting-in-cold-weather

 

[aartwmich]

Done a search.......can't find any tips or tricks.

It's sooo close, juuust hung up on the gear shifter threads.

So how do you do it?

 

[dogoco7]

Be sure your shifter is in reverse. Jim

 

[JDF/ SwampFox]

Tilt it forward with tail being high

 

[dd57chevy]

It's MUCH easier with rear wheels off .

 

[aartwmich]

I think the problem is the boss for the electric lift lever...if that boss wasn't there it would tip up enough to clear the shifter just fine.

Rear tires never really come into play.

I finally just ground a groove into the pan to clear the shifter tip. The plastic trim piece will cover the groove.

 

[dra2120]

I had to take the left side of the console off to get my deck off, and I put the shifter into 1st to make it as short as possible.

Never mind I see that you got it off.

 

[aartwmich]

Yeah, I thought about taking the left console off, grinding the groove was much faster/easier.

 

[aartwmich]

Well, I had to loosen the left console, 4 bolts including the one you have to lay in the floor to get out, to get it back on <rolleyes> Will do this right off the bat if I ever have to take it off again.