Engine stalls I'm in need of some advice on what to look for in order to get my ride-on tractor to stay on. Here is the whole story. * Tractor sat unused for 12+ months, including a new england winter. No fuel preservatives or winterizing was done. * When I went to start it, battery was dead. I had it recharged successfully. * After starting running for 10 minutes engine (without deck engaged), engine stalled. I was unsuccessful at getting it running again until I added engine starter fluid in the carburator. Also topped off fuel tank (about 4 gallons were put in) * Used the tractor for 1hr (without deck engaged). Tractor speed felt sluggish. It stalled a couple of times but I was able to restart it. * On another day, I started it and it stalled. Noticed the fuel filter was empty. I suspected a fuel problem so I changed the pump and put in a new filter. * Now when running (deck unengaged), the battery light sometimes stays on. When I engage the deck, the battery light always turns on. When a little bit of load is placed on the deck, the engine stalls. * After stalling, I can get it started but it won't stay on unless I push on the choke level all the way up. * The speed of the tractor, even deck ungaged, is noticeably slower. I think the key to finding the problem here is the battery light turning on and the slower speed. It is indicative to me of a fuel problem but I can't find the problem yet. The spark plugs were new before the tractor sat unused for 12+ months. I will probably replace those today as well. In the meantime, any more suggestions?? Thanks Roger

I'm sorry about the bad formatting for the initial post. I can't figure out how to edit it or delete it, so I'm adding the new formatted version here.



The tractor is a 2000 John Deere LX277



I'm in need of some advice on what to look for in order to get my ride-on tractor to stay on. Here is the whole story.



* Tractor sat unused for 12+ months, including a new england winter. No fuel preservatives or winterizing was done.



* When I went to start it, battery was dead. I had it recharged successfully.



* After starting running for 10 minutes engine (without deck engaged), engine stalled. I was unsuccessful at getting it running again until I added engine starter fluid in the carburator. Also topped off fuel tank (about 4 gallons were put in)



* Used the tractor for 1hr (without deck engaged). Tractor speed felt sluggish. It stalled a couple of times but I was able to restart it.



* On another day, I started it and it stalled. Noticed the fuel filter was empty. I suspected a fuel problem so I changed the pump and put in a new filter.



* Now when running (deck unengaged), the battery light sometimes stays on. When I engage the deck, the battery light always turns on. When a little bit of load is placed on the deck, the engine stalls.



* After stalling, I can get it started but it won't stay on unless I push on the choke level all the way up.



* The speed of the tractor, even deck ungaged, is noticeably slower.



I think the key to finding the problem here is the battery light turning on and the slower speed. It is indicative to me of a fuel problem but I can't find the problem yet. The spark plugs were new before the tractor sat unused for 12+ months. I will probably replace those today as well. In the meantime, any more suggestions??



Thanks
Roger I'm sorry about the bad formatting for the initial post. I can't figure out how to edit it or delete it, so I'm adding the new formatted version here.

The tractor is a 2000 John Deere LX277

I'm in need of some advice on what to look for in order to get my ride-on tractor to stay on. Here is the whole story.

* Tractor sat unused for 12+ months, including a new england winter. No fuel preservatives or winterizing was done.

* When I went to start it, battery was dead. I had it recharged successfully.

* After starting running for 10 minutes engine (without deck engaged), engine stalled. I was unsuccessful at getting it running again until I added engine starter fluid in the carburator. Also topped off fuel tank (about 4 gallons were put in)

* Used the tractor for 1hr (without deck engaged). Tractor speed felt sluggish. It stalled a couple of times but I was able to restart it.

* On another day, I started it and it stalled. Noticed the fuel filter was empty. I suspected a fuel problem so I changed the pump and put in a new filter.

* Now when running (deck unengaged), the battery light sometimes stays on. When I engage the deck, the battery light always turns on. When a little bit of load is placed on the deck, the engine stalls.

* After stalling, I can get it started but it won't stay on unless I push on the choke level all the way up.

* The speed of the tractor, even deck ungaged, is noticeably slower.

I think the key to finding the problem here is the battery light turning on and the slower speed. It is indicative to me of a fuel problem but I can't find the problem yet. The spark plugs were new before the tractor sat unused for 12+ months. I will probably replace those today as well. In the meantime, any more suggestions??

Thanks
Roger

Disassemble and clean the carb, particularly the jets. I suspect the charge light being on is a result of your destroyed battery, which needs to be replaced. Sta-bil over the winter and a smart trickle charger will prevent the problems you are having in the future.

Disassemble and clean the carb, particularly the jets. I suspect the charge light being on is a result of your destroyed battery, which needs to be replaced. Sta-bil over the winter and a smart trickle charger will prevent the problems you are having in the future.