Starting problem Mine is a 1981 750 that was given to me. I replaced a rusted gas tank and cleaned the carbs. I have had it running , but I shut it off to change the oil. It was cranking slow so I checked the battery and it was low so I got a new one. It still cranks really slow and mostly it just makes a wierd noise. I pulled the starter and the brushes and commutator look fine. I put it back in and it still does the same thing. Is it possible that the timing is stuck in the full advanced position and the starter can't deal with the excess load? I don't have the manual yet but any help would be appreciated. Thanks Ron

Some John Deere models have a selinoid inside the carb float bowl. Try removing it and gravity feed the carb by using a small fuel tank...(zip lock baggie or a plastic water bottle with a hole drilled into it for the gas-line.) I actually removed mine from the carb and left it out. When that part goes bad it blocks the fuel from going in the main jet.

The float bowl are probably flooding over because of bad needle/float, incorrect float settings, or rust in the tank. If the tank has rust in it, a tank liner kit (like"Kreem" brand)should be installed. If the rust issue is not resolved, the carbs will continue to flood over.

1. If it has a metal tank, then it may have rust in the tank which is getting into the carb(s). Look in the tank and see if there is any rust at all. If it has rust then a tank liner kit should be installed like "Kreem". "Kreem" or other brand liner kits are sold at most motorcycle shops.

2. The carb could have trash or rust in it. Remove the carb inlet line and blow litely into the inlet hose.

3. It most likely hydrolocked because the carb bowl overflowed when the trash or rust made the needle and seat stick open. The rubber breather tube shot out most likely because the vapors in the crankcase ignited or there is to much oil and gas in the crankcase now. Once the carb overflowing is stopped, the oil should be changed.

1. remove the hose from the carb and see if the petcock is shutting off the gas and if not clean, repair or replace the petcock.
2. look in the tank and see if it has rust in the tank even a small haze of rust as rust will cause the needle and seat to stick in the carb and make the gas leak. If the gas tank has a lot of rust it may need a tank rubber liner kit added or even a new tank to stop the leaking.
3. if the bike has been sitting for a while it may have trash in the fuel system(carb/petcock/tank). Rust or any trash can cause a leak. Properly clean out the carb and fuel system and add a new filter when done.
4. Improperly adjusted or bad needle/seat or float in the carb will cause continual leaking. Replace the needle/seat/float and adjust the new one when installed. Check your service manual for float adjustments.

You need to clean all fuel pipes, and flush out the fuel tank, running it out of fuel does no engine of any size any good, all the rust and rubbish in the tank is drawn into the fuel delivery systems , all need to be cleaned out, use a high pressure air source ! ps get your husband to sort it out, he caused the problem to start with? good luck.

cylinder head is getting red hot because it's running lean. Check to see if there is an aftermarket fuel filter in the fuel line somewhere, also the float hight in the carbs are set right. Also drain the fuel tank and apply fresh fuel. Check to see if the tank is rusted, also if it has a device at the bottom of the gas tank that turns on and shuts off the fuel (petcock) it's possible it has a fuel flilter in there as well.

*Note if you take the petcock off you will more than likely have to replace agasket for it. Given the age of the bike it will be hard to find a gasket.

pull carb. and clean thoughly change all fluids including brake fluid

without knowing if its a briggs and straton or tecumseh engine ( I assume Briggs) the carb is where the throttle and gas line connect to. carb will need to be rebuilt most likely and tank will have to be removed to be cleaned. you can email me and I could do it for you I am in wisconsin kerryjonjon at yahoo.com I am the most reasonable in this area. I could do carb and tank if you want.

For the corrosion in the fuel tank get a liquid tank liner. It lines the fuel tank walls then hardens to seal the tank from rust. Google “ kreem fuel tank liner “ or go to www.http://www.4secondsflat.com/Fuel_Tank_Sealer.html

For the hard starting, clean the carburetors. (unfamiliar with your bike, I assume it has carburetors and not fuel injection).
ALWAYS have a fire extinguisher on hand when working on carburetors.
Remove the water trap bowl at the bottom of the petcock, (gas valve). Is there any water or trash in the bowl? Drain a cup of gas from the tank. Is there any water or trash in the cup? Dump it, clean it and re-mount it, ( not all bikes have a water trap bowl ).

Drain the carburetors. There should be a screw on the lower side or bottom of the CARB float bowls. Remove the drain screw then replace it after the fuel drains. Turn the gas back on and wait a minute for the carbs to fill with gas. Install new stock NGK spark plugs and try to start the engine. If the bike doesn't start and run properly then shut off the gas and remove the carburetor from the engine.

FOR EACH CARB > Remove the float bowl and clean the entire CARB with a spray CARB cleaner from the auto parts store. Wear protective goggles to avoid getting spray in your eyes. Spray into all the little airways and fittings in the CARB. Remove the idle screw and the air screw on the outside throat of the CARB and spray into the screw holes as well.
< < READ CLOSELY > >
Be sure to put these two screws back in the same hole they came out of. IMPORTANT > do not tighten these two adjusters down. Only screw these in until they LIGHTLY seat. Now turn each adjuster one and one half turns outward. Put the rest of the CARB back together, clean the air filter and install the CARB. Let the float bowl fill then start the engine. This process should get you back on the road.

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Probably a plugged up filter screen in the gas tank petcock (gas valve). Drain the gas then remove the petcock and clean the wire mesh filter. Your bike is getting old and rust accumulates in the tank. You may want to get a liquid tank liner to lock the rust in place and so the tank won't rust anymore. Install an in-line fuel filter as well. A site for the tank liner is below.

Google “ kreem fuel tank liner “ or go to www.http://www.4secondsflat.com/Fuel_Tank_Sealer.html

Remove the water trap bowl at the bottom of the petcock, (gas valve). Is there any water or trash in the bowl? Drain a cup of gas from the tank. Is there any water or trash in the cup? Dump it, clean it and re-mount it, ( not all bikes have a water trap bowl ).

Drain the carburetor. There should be a screw on the lower side of the carb float bowl. Remove the screw then replace it after the fuel drains. Turn the gas back on and wait a minute for the carb to fill with gas. If the bike doesn't start and run properly then shut off the gas and remove the carburetor from the engine.

Remove the float bowl and clean the entire carb with a spray carb cleaner from the auto parts store. Wear protective goggles to avoid getting spray in your eyes. Spray into all the little airways and fittings in the carb. Remove the idle screw and the air screw on the outside throat of the carb and spray into the screw holes as well.
< < READ CLOSELY > >
Be sure to put these two screws back in the same hole they came out of. IMPORTANT > do not tighten these two screws down. Only screw these in until they LIGHTLY seat. Now turn each screw one and one half turns outward. Put the rest of the carb back together, clean the air filter and install the carb. Let the float bowl fill then start the engine. This process should get you back on the road.

Please rate this solution. Thanks!