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I have a John Deere L120 riding mower which is about 6 years old. Recently we have noticed it will run fine for a little over a hour but then begin to sputter and act like it’s running out of gas when it is not out. If I put the choke on it may run a little longer but eventually die. I am then unable to restart it and keep it running until I try again the next day. I have replaced the gasoline in the tank, the fuel filter, spark plugs and air filter but this has not helped. If mower sits over night it will run again but only for a hour or so.
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This is the most common problem with the L120 I’m told. The pin hole in the gas cap needs cleaning (top and underneath as well). I have replaced mine twice already and have only 140 hrs. on it. Starts right up after cleaning. (My symptoms were identical to yours)
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The most likely cause of a no-start mower after running out of gas is dirt in the carburetor, but other possible causes include: Air locked gas system. Faulty carburetor. Contaminated gas.
An airlock is one of the common causes why your mower won`t start after running out of fuel. An Airlock occurs when air replaces fuel in the fuel lines. As you refill your fuel tank, you could push the air towards your mower`s carburetor, which keeps the new fuel from reaching the engine.
Carburetor leaks can be caused by bad gaskets, an sticking float and other defects. If fuel is leaking from the bottom of the carburetor, the float bowl gasket might be dried out or missing. Check the connections to the fuel filter and to the filter housing. If any of the fuel lines are dry or cracked, replace them.
Common causes include a dirty air filter, spark plug, and carburetor. To fix these issues, replace the fuel filter, clean the carburetor and spark plug, and replace the fuel if it is old as illustrated below.
Even if no debris or sediment gets into your fuel line when you run out of gas there is the likelihood that if your fuel pump is drawing from an empty tank. That means air will get into the fuel line, and that needs to be bled off before your car will start and run properly again.
The most common cause of a mower that runs for thirty minutes and then dies is a faulty armature. A faulty gas cap is the second most likely cause.
Check the Fuel Filter
To start, tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. If that doesn`t work, you might have a clogged filter. Not all lawn mowers have a fuel filter, but for the ones that do, it`s usually located in the fuel line or the fuel tank.
The symptoms that indicate a bad solenoid on a riding mower are difficulty starting the engine, engine stalls or shuts off suddenly, reduced engine power and performance. Moreover, it would also go through a decrease in fuel efficiency, and an unsteadiness in idling, lastly, the engine cranks but doesn`t start.
One of the more common questions we get concerns either the overwhelming smell of gas coming from the carburetor or fuel leaking out of the bowl or overflow. Both conditions are typically caused by a stuck or worn float needle valve.
How long can gas sit in a lawn mower? Depending on the gasoline formula it can degrade in as little of 30 days. Properly treated gasoline can stay good for up to a year. To prevent this from happening, you have two choices: empty the gas tank or add a fuel stabilizer.
What are the symptoms of bad gas? If your lawn mower is difficult to start, idles roughly, stalls out, or makes a “pinging” sound, you may have a case of “bad gas”.
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