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buddy50_gw

John Deere LT160 lost power

buddy50
12 years ago

Was cutting Lawn tractor started to loose power then worked then lost power again. I turned it off. Checked everything. Oil was low added some after buying some. Went to start it again. It would crank but not turn over then when I turned key off it backfired. I let it sit overnight. Can I try it again or should I get someone to look at it. Backfires I'm not use to. Could it be a safety of some sort??

Comments (12)

  • tomplum
    12 years ago

    It may be good to clarify that the engine is physically cranking over- but not starting? Losing power and then going again could be as simple as a plugged vent in the fuel cap. How low was the oil? The backfire could be as simple as a failed spark plug, sheared flywheel key, coil etc.

  • buddy50
    Original Author
    12 years ago

    Just tried it. It started up alot of blue smoke came out and it sputtered a bit but then I panicked as it sputtered so turned it off. Tried to start again and it wouldn't. BUT it did start. had added more oil the other day but it appeared at a good level when I went to start it. If it did start what other reasons could there be. It costs so much to bring it in to someone and its the end of the season here in CT so perhaps I'll just wait till spring. Did put some stabil in as well but have not be able to really run it through. Should I just change the oil out now or do you think its something else? Had a new coil put in 2 years ago.

  • roadbike
    12 years ago

    How low was the oil when you added some.

  • buddy50
    Original Author
    12 years ago

    it was just at the bottom of the dipstick where it "V"s. But it had been running. Kept checking it and it seemed to have remained there so added some. Its at the full line now perhaps a spec above?

  • buddy50
    Original Author
    12 years ago

    to update. Its perfect (the oil)right on the mark.

  • roadbike
    12 years ago

    Your first description of running for a while then losing power makes me think of two possibilities.
    1. Plugged gas cap as previously mentioned.
    2. Overheating from either running without enough oil or insufficient airflow from a blocked cooling shroud.

  • tomplum
    12 years ago

    Remove the spark plug and let us know how much carbon is on the plug. Try a new plug anyways and report back. Any smell of fuel in the oil?

  • buddy50
    Original Author
    12 years ago

    Well I started it it started right up with no blue smoke but sputtered a little with a little black smoke coming out it kept running but figured I better shut it off. Never did spark plug work I know its easy but not for me.

  • roadbike
    12 years ago

    Rather than continuing to start the mower and shut it right off again you should take it to a good mechanic who will check out the numerous possibilities that have been suggested to you.

  • buddy50
    Original Author
    12 years ago

    I have a feeling its a clogged air filter. Will try that have yet to pick one up

  • bill_kapaun
    12 years ago

    Sputtering could be caused by bad fuel

    I'd probably be inclined to change the fuel filter (with the GENUINE Kohler replacement) more than the air filter.

    I'd also smell the oil for the presence of gasoline in the crank case.
    A bad carb needle & seat could cause somewhat similar problems to what you describe.
    The "blue smoke" bothers me, and can indicate the oil has been thinned out with gasoline fom the carb leaking through.
    Engine then gets ran for awhile and vaporizes the gas, resulting in a low oil level.

  • Fedboy
    10 years ago

    I have a JD LT 160 with a Kohler engine. After a standard replacement of oil, fuel filter and air filters last year it began quitting after applying the blades. As it was the end of the season, and being a procrastinator, I let it lie until this spring. Same power loss after applying the blades. Did the standard fuel change, fuel cap check, carb cleaning with no change. After reading this blog I found that the fuel filter was the type described in above messages that was made in Isreal. This fuel filter is from the John Deere kit purchased at a JD dealer. So I ordered the Kohler recommended part, made in India, and replaced the Israeli filter. Lo and behold, the tractor works as advertised. I will update to see if it lasts the summer.