john deere lx176 tractor problem

[tstein]

I have a JOHN DEERE LX176 with a 14hp Kawasaki engine that i bought new 11 years ago. Lately im having a problem. The tractor starts right up and i can mow my lawn but if i shut it off it wont restart. It only has to run for 5-10 minutes and it wont restart for an hour or so. (cooling off i guess). Ive replaced the oil and filter, air and fuel filters, spark plug, fuel line and cleaned out the gas tank. Ive also sprayed gumout into the carb. Any ideas?

[1993lx172]

Try replacing the ignition module. it's a little bigger than a postage stamp and has a wire leading from the bottom of it. here's a link to deere's parts catalog it's number 19.

http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/c...ageServlet_Alt

also there is a solenoid on the carb that might also be the problem.
if not ask your dealer because ours was doing something similar last year and the ignition module was the problem

[1993lx172]

sorry that link doesn't show what I was talking about just type in your model and go to the alphebetical index and click on ignitor and like i said it's #19 sorry that link didn't work.

[blfc81]

I have LX176 with Kohler 14OHV engine. I turn the key on & have nothing. I have headlights with key in on position. I replaced the starter solenoid & replaced the switch module, still nothing. I took a jumper wire from positive side of battery & solenoid & it clicks. What's next??

[mnglocker]

If the motor isn't frozen up, take the battery and have it load tested, if that passes, replace the starter.

[blfc81]

battery is good.

[1993lx172]

You may have a poor connection somewhere but more than likely you are going to have to replace your starter. Once in a while I'll hit the key and it will just click (that is the starter gear rising up to meet the teeth on the flywheel which is under that screen on top) it will engage after a few tries.

When this series of mowers gets to be this age the electrical system starts to act up. The major components: engine, transmission, ect rarely have trouble. I talked to my dealer the other day and he said that most of the time when they see these old Lx's in its for electrical issues. Worst case you have to take it to your dealer.

In the off chance you decide to get rid of it rather than fix it, what size deck does it have? I've had to have my 38" welded on twice and i can't find a 48" in the right price range or within 350 miles. I may want to make you an offer if you go that route.

[blfc81]

Thanks, I'll keep the deck offer in mind. It is a 38 in. deck & is in good shape for 17 years of service. I have a few other avenues to explore on fixing it first, though. I don't want to put too much more into it since it is that old

[1993lx172]

Originally Posted by blfc81

Thanks, I'll keep the deck offer in mind. It is a 38 in. deck & is in good shape for 17 years of service. I have a few other avenues to explore on fixing it first, though. I don't want to put too much more into it since it is that old

You may want to rethink that last line lol. I have been offered over $800 for mine a few times, the LX series has held onto its re-sale value very well over the years. Back in 05 when transmission on my 172 (which just turned 20 this year) went out we were offered $400 in trade, I can't touch a good used one anywhere for less than $600. And the upper Lx series with the 48's and hydro drives routinely bring in at least double that unless they have been all beat to hell.

But I digress, try the starter or just take it in and let your dealer fix it. Once you get that done it should last you another few decades or so.

Just a few things you want to be watching for at this point in time:

Your front axle pivot may be about worn out, not a big deal or expense to replace. Unless you have big hands then you will lose some skin off your knuckles, if you have a younger child this is a great bonding activity.

Check the pin that holds the tension system (right next to the double stacked pulleys) on the deck for cracks or fractures, a good bead of weld around the pin will fix it.

Then the usual belts, bearings, and wear parts.

[Brad]

Try a Starter Assist Relay prior to swapping out the starter. Probably a low voltage issue at the wire leading from the switch to the solenoid (usually purple).

PM or E-mail me for schematic and info if you have any questions. Probably about a $7.50 fix.