[j_hackman]

I have a John Deere 322 that only runs with choke on. Compression is good (160 PSI), has good spark, new plugs. I had carb apart twice and gave a good cleaning. And still runs decent with choke all the way and as soon as taking choke off it dies. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[j_hackman]

Also while gas hose was off carb I turned key on and it pumped gas out fine.

Jeff

 

[doug_cartwright]

Just a shot in the dark... low float level,or maybe a hole in the float?

 

[chuckv]

Jeff,

For any engine, needing choke applied to run when up to temperature indicates that the mixture is too lean. Usually this is only true at low speed, not at full governed speed...does your 322 behave OK at high speed with the choke off?

If so, there is something wrong with the low speed jet/circuit in the carburetor. The illustration below shows how to clean the slow idle jet -- pay particular attention to the cautions abut *not using any wire or drill* to clear any blockage...

Chuck

 

[boblin]

Jeff,
I just had this problem a few months ago on my 322. The answer was to remove the slow idle jet and clean it out as Chuck mentions above. Mine was clogged with some sediment inside at the bottom. Use a carb cleaner with the small straw attached.
Bob

 

[j_hackman]

Thanks everyone....after cleaning the 3rd time it runs much better. It would only run at idle before now runs good no matter where but if you go from idle to full throttle it still hesitates at first a little. Maybe giving a 4th cleaning will take care of it.

Thanks again,

 

[chuckv]

Jeff,

As these small engines and their carburetors do not have accelerator pumps...all of them do not take kindly to rapid changes in throttle. How slowly are you advancing the throttle??

Chuck

 

[shivelyt]

Jeff,
I would give the fuel a good dose of sea foam and see if that helps.
Tom

 

[j_hackman]

Chuck,
Good point....if I advance slowly it seems to be pretty good. I only notice if I take throttle from idle straight to full throttle. Tom will give that a try.

Thanks again

 

[gzec]

Some of those idle jets have a hole in the bottom that gets clogged. If you didn't know it was there, you wouldn't think it was. I use fishing line, in a round and round back and forth motion, along with soaking in carb cleaner.

 

[j_hackman]

Glenn holes were open.

Yesterday once I got running decent I left run for about 30 minutes before putting away. Went out this evening and wont run without choke again!

 

[gzec]

Your getting particles in your fuel. Consider fuel line breakdown. Have your fuel lines been replaced in the last 10+ yrs?

 

[chuckv]

Jeff,

Another thing to look for is a clear jelly-like contamination that comes from absorbed moisture in ethanol bearing fuels. For my 322 tractors, I try to buy gas with no alcohol in it at all, and Deere recommended a limit of 10% for these machines of this vintage. Water condensation and absorption are your enemies here, so heed the precautions on fuel storage as well.

Chuck

 

[Hammerdown-7]

Hello Jeff
Did you make Sure that the Main Hole down through the Idle Jet was open and clear ? I Missed that in Mine Three time's of checking it out. It has to be open and clear as well as the side Tube holes or your engine will be starving for fuel. I Hope this help's, Kurt

 

[doug_cartwright]

Glenn brings up a good point. If you have never dumped out your tank and replaced the fuel pick up hose,this would be a good time to do it. Start at the source,if you haven't already.Also starting with fresh fuel would rule out freezing water causing your lean condition.

 

[j_hackman]

This evening I cleaned the carb again and before putting fuel line on I turned key on and very little gas came out. So then looked in tank and all kinds of stuff was floating in gas. Took tank off and emptied......pick up tube was packed full of grab and was all cracked. So now got a clean tank with new fuel line. Got to get a new fuel filter yet and fresh gas.

Thanks again for all the help.