Hi all, I have a JD L118 with 200 or so hours. I bought it second hand and it was well taken care of by the first owner. I have about an acre, and maintenance includes yearly oil and filter changes, lubrication, yearly blade sharpening, etc. Nothing too technical with the engine, just basic stuff.
My first question is that the engine has always hesitated when starting. You turn the key, the engine catches for a second, then pauses (I can often hear a high pitched noise at this time). After a couple of seconds, the engine starts turning again, and will usually take a couple of seconds until it turns over. I've never not been able to get it to start, and it's always done this. Any reason? Is there something I should do about this or just leave it?
Second question is about the mower deck, and at the end of last season I noticed some rust on the top of the deck near the bag chute, and when I looked underneath there is a sizable patch. Maybe 12" x 6" from what I could see of flaking paint and rust. What's the best way to fix this before spring? I've used Rustoleum rust fixer on some metal furniture before, but wasn't sure if it was durable enough for the mower. And what kind of paint is best?
Thanks for all the help!
My first question is that the engine has always hesitated when starting. You turn the key, the engine catches for a second, then pauses (I can often hear a high pitched noise at this time). After a couple of seconds, the engine starts turning again, and will usually take a couple of seconds until it turns over. I've never not been able to get it to start, and it's always done this. Any reason? Is there something I should do about this or just leave it?
Second question is about the mower deck, and at the end of last season I noticed some rust on the top of the deck near the bag chute, and when I looked underneath there is a sizable patch. Maybe 12" x 6" from what I could see of flaking paint and rust. What's the best way to fix this before spring? I've used Rustoleum rust fixer on some metal furniture before, but wasn't sure if it was durable enough for the mower. And what kind of paint is best?
Thanks for all the help!