ugh...Had her running 3 weeks ago...now she won't start

[daisydukers]

1975 JD 300

Started 3 weeks ago, 5th pull after sitting all summer, had it up on the stand, gave her a bit of a rev...shut her down.

Now I can't get it started.....Fuel ok, got spark...plugs are fine...

Why start nice 3 weeks ago...and no joy now....

[Deere Daze]

Check valve in the tank might be stuck letting the gas drain back into the tank.

[SpitfireKing]

You can see or smell fuel when you pull? Strong spark? Did you try some fuel in the cyls or straight down the carb?

[daisydukers]

Tried dribbling a bit in the carb, going to try cylinders next.

Tried the old "burn the gas outta the cylinder" trick by just lightly seating plugs and turning over...

Might try disconnecting the line that goes to the carb and giving it a suck to make sure the fuel is flowing, buddy reminded me that I had to do that last time...

Fuel stabalizer at the end of winter....Just wierd that she started sooo nice now is dead as a door nail

And yes the ignition is on...never touched that..

OK finally....just so I am not going crazy...

Kill button....should be out right....ie hour glass shaped, vs swished in.

[harleysportster]

As stated before, check the "check-valve" in the tank. When you pull over the engine you should see fuel moving in a clear hose. Spray premixed gas in the opening of the carb and try and start it.

[daisydukers]

Must have a air leak somewhere, got it running first pull, but had to prime it about 10-15 times to get the fuel flowing up the tube and into the carb....

Normally I only have to do that 1once a season after it sitting all summer....

On the upside the old girl was roaring like a champ once she started (first pull even..lol)....

Thanks for everyone's help.

Now to order some replacement fuel line and do a complete swap.

[JD600]

Its also very possible that you have a bad crank seal as that will can cause an issue such as this. If they haven't been changed, it would be a good idea to replace them regardless. Check your impulse line for cracks as well. Good luck.

DE

[daisydukers]

Took a closer look last night...
one of the lines running from the primer was cracked and "repaired" with black electrical tape...I suspect the FIL's handywork...lol

Perhaps the culprit?

[JDT]

I would say you have found the problem.

Any point that the system will suck air it will not suck fuel.

[daisydukers]

It seems to suck fuel, but has a tiny leak so it loses prime....am I on the right track

[JD600]

Yep, however, if the crank seals have not been replaced, or the history of the machine is unknown, i would still advise changing the crank seals. I've never worked on a Kohler, but i know the seals can be replaced in the rest of the mid mount sleds without removing the engine if you so desire. $10 and a few hours now could save you from an expensive rebuild in the future.

DE

[JDT]

Probably the easiest engine to change seals on that Deere ever used.

Very easy compaired to some others.