Export thread

JD LA175 running erratic

#1

F

Fracture

So my JD LA 175 ("26 HP" B&S w/ 54" deck) lawn tractor has ~ 60 hrs on it and this year after changing oil, oil filter & air filter, I found it was running irregular. The RPMs are surging up and down mildly and, also not infrequently, it's misfiring.

Following the manual troubleshooting, I then changed the sparks and fuel filter but no change.

At idol it doesn't really run irregular and never misfires, only under load- driving and cutting. Strangely it seams to misfire more when driving down a slope. The power doesn't feel to affected because I only appreciate a very minor perceptible surge or lag in ground speed.

I'm using fuel I stored with "Sta-Bil" over winter and added a "Star Tron" enzyme fuel treatment prior to starting. Can fuel really be a factor?

No problems last year and I ran it monthly through the winter but didn't drive it. Also, it starts just fine.

I'm not sure where to go from here. I'm really hoping I don't have to bring it to the dealer.

Thanks for any help.

Gino


#2

EngineMan

EngineMan

It maybe running a bit too lean, have you cleaned out the carb..?


#3

F

Fracture

Hi EngineMan,

Do you mean with a carb cleaner spray or dis-assembly? I didn't think @ 60 hrs I'd have to tear down the carb yet, but I'll consider any option at this point.


#4

EngineMan

EngineMan

Hi EngineMan,

Do you mean with a carb cleaner spray or dis-assembly? I didn't think @ 60 hrs I'd have to tear down the carb yet, but I'll consider any option at this point.

It does'nt make any difference if you have 60 or 6 hours on the clock, if you have uncleaned fuel, you ask a question, and I give you an answer, you don't have to do anything with it.


#5

F

Fracture

So this really sounds like a fuel problem? If so, how should I clean the carb? Carb cleaner an option, or should I tear down. Sorry EngineMan, I wasn't challenging you, I'm just trying to understand my options and the process. Thanks for your patience to "teach a man to fish" and all that.

Thanx


#6

EngineMan

EngineMan

Post up all of the numbers that you will find on the B&S engine.


#7

P

pile81

Drain the fuel lines, tank.....clean the carb, and possibly sea foam the engine while its runnin to clean up the valves and valve stems.....fuel starts to carmelize after like 30 days, stabil gives you another 15 or so days on that, disregard the label. Old/bad gas kills these small engines and carbs they aren't built like they used to be EPA squeezing down on emissions rules leaning everything out...


#8

F

Fracture

Thanx guys,

@EngineMan, Found 2 groups of #'s:

Engraved On head cover: model 44P77; type 0164 B1; code 100222YG

On sticker: model 44P7770164 B1; serial 100222YG 18504

more or less similar but arranged differently.

@pile81, Run w/ covers off the head and valves exposed? Sounds like an accident waiting to happen. If you think it's safe I'll try it. Also what is sea foam?

Thanks again guys


#9

F

Fracture

@pile81, sorry for my ignorance.

Looked up sea foam and it looks like you mean for me to spray into carb when running. Is that right? Also I see people say to put in oil and fuel, but mostly the instructions are referring to auto engines. Do you use it like this in your small engines?


#10

EngineMan

EngineMan

You do need to read #7 again, because I don't think you did...!. do what the member has told you to do, and if it does'nt work come back here. I will look up engine number which is 44P777. and not 44P77


"Run w/ covers off the head and valves exposed?" can't see that line anywhere in #7.


#11

F

Fracture

Yah, I misinterpreted his post to mean spray sea foam directly into valves when engine running. Didn't sound good to me either, hence my foolish question to him later. Live and learn, right?

Any thoughts on procedure? Should I put product into NEW fuel, And oil, AND spray/ pour into carb intake when running? All think all techniques are given by manufacture of sea foam.

Thanx for your time


#12

P

pile81

Yeah spray in carb while running....


#13

F

Fracture

Just wanted to thank pile81 and EngineMan. The sea foam seams to have done the trick:thumbsup:. After pouring into the 1st tank & carb it was improved. Now today, on the second tank, second mowing, it's gone. Really good to have your help. Thanks again guys.


#14

EngineMan

EngineMan

You are welcome, always nice to have a little feed back...!:thumbsup:


#15

P

pile81

You're welcome!


Top