Carburetor problem, I think....John Deere D125

16 days ago

Hello, I have a 12 year old John Deere D125, 20 HP, 42" cut. Thing runs, but ROUGH, like it's coughing. If I were a kid working on cars it would seem the thing needed the timing adjusted.

The problem started last year; I replaced both plugs, gas filter, drained all the gas and tried to run the thing on starting fluid to try top clean the carb. No luck.

Any suggestions? I'm thinking I have to take it apart to get the carb out and clean it, but on this machine that seems to be a pain. Haven't dug into that.....yet.

Thank you for any input!

Chris

Featured Answer

dan1888

16 days ago

last modified: 16 days ago

Joe shows carb work on lots of small engines, especially bikes. But also a JD tractor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY6r5KMT-DI Link.

Or this may help. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmKSrkHjojc Mechanic in a Bottle.

Valve clearances could need adjustment. Joe does that.

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Comments (9)

KR Nuttle
14 days ago
Some years ago my John Deer lt155 was acting up. The dealer thought he had fixed but it turned out it was the ignition coil. New Coil problem resolved. Check the connection in the ignition circuit, Make sure all parts. Check all connection for corrosion and if clear make sure they are tight.
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Chris Stillman
Original Author
12 days ago
Like it, I will check that out. I'd rather that than the carb for sure. The plan keeps being; soon, tomorrow, this weekend, etc. ha ha. I'll keep you guys filled in. Thank you !
PRO
beesneeds
12 days ago
You said you checked the fuel side, but didn't mention if you did the air side. If you have a clogged air intake or filter, or a cracked intake case or gaskets, that could also cause rough running.
Chris Stillman
Original Author
12 days ago
Thank you. The air filter seems pretty clean, I take it out pretty regularly, but for the cost of it, I may just pick one up. I'm digging in now about the other possibilities you and KR mentioned. THANK YOU.
Kim Wilson
10 days ago
Try putting a couple of tablespoons of STP in the fuel. Use engine starter spray and give one good spray on the air filter.
Chris Stillman
Original Author
8 days ago
Kevin and Kim thank you. I’ll give that a shot. This weekend I took it apart and inspected coils and the wiring from them to the plugs. I had some heat issues in there a while ago so iI was hoping one of those cables got damaged after someone mentioned the coils. I also checked the fuel lines and they look pretty clear from what I was willing to inspect.

And you’re right-as close as iI got to the carb I don’t want to take that out unless I really need to.
Chris Stillman
Original Author
2 days ago
Hey folks,

ok, so iI took this apart down to the barn carb in hand but didn’t take the carb apart. I tried most of what we discussed here and I’m coming up frustrated. Here’s where I’m at. I put it all back together and cut the front lawn, Was still running poorly but running. Suddenly the RPMs went way the heck up, crazy high. I figured I messed up one of the linkages. Sure enough when i pushed it back to garage the linkage in the right (throttle linkage) came off. I popped it back on. But still after i popped it on the RPMs are crazy high.

What the heck did I do!?
dan1888
2 days ago
Buy the Mechanic in a Bottle like shown in the video. Follow the instructions. Should make it run great after you solve the throttle linkage. Always take pictures before your take something apart.