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John Deere L118 Troubleshooting

John Deere L118 Engine Problems

Engine doesn't start

Empty gas tank - Fill it up.
Wrong grade of gasoline - Use correct fuel grade.
Stale gasoline - Drain fuel and replace with fresh fuel.
Dirty fuel lines - Inspect and clean.
Plug connection defective - Install new spark plug wires.
Spark plug damaged - Replace as required.
Plugged fuel filter - Change fuel filter.
Brake pedal not pushed down - Push the brake pedal down.
Carburetor is clogged - Clean the carburetor.
Check starter cranking RPM. Compression problems.

Gas engine hard to start

Spark plug fail - Check the spark and change defective spark.
Carburetor not adjusted - Adjust according to instructions.
Fuel lines are clogged - Servicing fuel system.
Throttle cable is not adjusted correctly - Check and adjust.
Stale or incorrect gasoline - Pour quality fuel.
Electrical wiring worn out - Inspect and replace.
Failing starter - Inspect the starter and change defective parts.

Engine runs unevenly

Plugged cooling fins - Clean cooling fins.
Electrical contacts are damaged - Check and restore damaged connections.
Ignition adjust incorrect - Check ignition and adjust if necessary.
Choke cable sticks - Check and repair.
Air cleaner dirty - Change air cleaner.

Engine runs but misses

Spark plug fail - Check spark plug wire for wet or deteriorated condition.
Carburetor malfunction - Inspect and overhaul.
Ignition coil not working - Replace defective component.

JD L118 Engine overheating

Excessive engine load - Reduce the load.
Air intake screen clogged - Clean and wash dirty components.
Engine oil high or too low - Add or drain oil.
Poor quality oil - Change engine oil.
Check internal bearing clearance.
Fast idle speed - Adjusting fast idle speed.

Engine will not idle

Spark plug is loose - Tighten the spark plug correctly.
Spark plug wear - Check the spark and change defective spark.

Engine knocks

Low octane gasoline - Use proper fuel.
Excessive engine load - Reduce the load.
Lack of engine oil - Add to required level.
Low engine speed - Adjust the required speed.
Piston rings and cylinder bore are wear - Check cylinder bore and rings for wear.
Check for engine overheating from plugged cooling fins.
Checking and adjusting valve clearance.
Check for loose or worn connecting rods.

Engine backfires

Check spark plug and replace if necessary.
Adjust or replace throttle.
Checking and adjusting carburetor.
Check and adjust ignition coil air gap.
Check inlet and outlet valves.
Checking and adjusting valve clearance.
Inspecting flywheel key.

Loss of power

Engine temperature too high - Air cleaner element plugged.
High engine oil - Excess oil needs to be drained.
Fuel pump problems - Testing fuel pump output.
Defective governor - Checking and adjusting governor.
Check carburetor float adjustment.
Checking engine compression.

Engine gets too much gas

Choke didn't open fully - Inspect choke cable.
Incorrect carburetor adjustment - Check carburetor float adjustment.

Black smoke is emitted during operation

Air cleaner element clogged - Inspect and clean.
Throttle not fully engaged - Check and repair throttle.
Check for correct main jet for elevation.

John Deere L118 Electrical System Troubleshooting

Starter does not function

Main fuse malfunction - Check and change.
Terminals are severely corroded and heat up - Clean terminals.
Battery discharged - Battery charging required.
Ignition lock defective - Installing new lock.
Damaged starter - Replace or repair.
Wiring disconnected - Replace wiring.

Battery will not charge

Dead cell in the battery - Fit new battery.
Poor contact between cable and battery pole - Inspect and Clean.

Lighting does not function

Light connector defective.
Loose or burned out bulb.
Inspect electrical wires for short- circuit.

JD L118 Machine Problems

The machine vibrates

Attachment driven belt worn or damaged - Check and change worn belt.
Traction drive belt worn - Install new belt.
Drive sheaves malfunction - Fit new pulley.
Mower blades malfunction - Change as needed.

Tractor doesn't move when engine runs

parking brake blocks the tractor - Release the park brake.
Bypass lever is on - Disengage the bypass valve lever.
Mower blade could be loose - Inspect and fasten securely if necessary.
Incorrect blade balance - Balance the mower blades correctly.
Lack of oil in transmission - Check transmission oil lever.

John Deere L118 Mower Deck Troubleshooting

Discharge Chute Clogged

Operating at a faster ground speed - Use slower speed.
Grass has grown too long - try operating a short cutting height.
Wet grass - Do not use the mower if grass is wet.
Engine speed reduced - The throttle is not fully open.
Restricted air flow - Check engine speed.
Low cutting height - Change cutting height.
Incorrect belt installation - Reinstall the belt properly.

Patches of grass uncut

Debris in mower deck - Clean mower deck.
Blade wornout - Install new blade.
Mower deck low - Deck leveling required.
Grass bagger overfilled - Empty bagger.
Speed is very fast - Do not use high speed.

Belt Slipping

Dirt in the sheaves - Pulley cleaning required.
Belt is worn out - Inspect and replace worn belt.
Belt tension is incorrect - Install the belt correctly.

Mower vibrates

Debris in sheaves or on mower deck - Remove clogging from sheaves or mower deck.
Worn belt or sheave - Replace worn components.
Pulley or belt out of alignment - Check and align.
Incorrect blade balancing - Adjust blade balance.

Blades scalping grass

Cutting height improper - Set the proper cutting height.
Mower wheels not adjusted correctly - Adjust front or back wheel height.
Tires inflated insufficient - Need to inflate tires.
High blade speed during mowing - Blade speed required.
Bent blades during operation - Remove bent blade and install new one.

Uneven cutting results

Mower deck not level - Leveling the mower deck.
Low tire inflation - Tire pressure required.
Wrong rollers position - Check rollers adjustment.
Operating at a faster ground speed - Choose recommended speed.
Mower blades dull - Check for blade damage and replace if necessary.

JOHN DEERE TRACTORS ATTACHMENTS
420	430	455	790	990
X300	X320	X330	X350	X475
X485	X500	X540	X570	X590
X700	X720	X738	X758	1023E
2025R	2210	2520	3025E	3032E
3038E	3038R	3039R	3046R	3203
3320	3520	4052R	4066R	4100
4105	4115	4200	4310	4320
4400	4410	4520	4600	4720

JD TRACTORS TROUBLESHOOTING
2640	3040	3310	3650	4100
5050D	5090R	5410	6105R	7200R
E130	L111	LA110	LT155	X300R