UTV – CrankFix

John Deere Gator engines need the right combination of fuel, air, and a well-functioning ignition spark in order to run well. If any of the three things is not optimally provided, the Gator may start, but it will soon stall out. Fortunately, much of the problems related to the Gators' stalling and fixing it can be tackled by the owners of the Gator themselves. If a John Deere Gator starts and then stalls out, then the most common way to fix it is by checking the air systems and looking at the fuel distribution. Clogged up air pipes generally lead to stalling soon after starting. Remove the clog, and the Gator will start running in no time. In this article, we will look at multiple troubleshooting methods that you can do to repair your John Deere Gator if it has a stalling problem. We will also explain in detail the reasons behind each of these fixes, how it will impact the performance of your John Deere Gator, and how you can prevent any of the common problems from occurring. Keep on reading to find out more. Remove Excess Water From the Fuel Tank The accumulation of water hampers the smooth functioning of your John Deere Gator engine. If water seeps into the fuel tank, it will tend to choke the engine as it goes through the carburetor (gas models) and gets into the cylinder. Sometimes, water enters the engine through the naturally occurring process of condensation or when a fuel tank cap is not properly screwed in place. It is important to drain the fuel tank and let it dry. Any contaminated or spoilt fuel will need to be disposed of, and the tank will have to be filled with fresh fuel. Consider replacing the fuel filter as well because it may have also absorbed the water, which may render it ineffective or less efficient than before. Screw-in the tank cap and check for a vent hole at the top of this cap. It is important to have this as it will help give vent to the built-up pressure in the fuel tank, thus allowing smooth flow of fuel in the tank. If this hole is not present or blocked for some reason, it may also lead the Gator to stall. Check if the Spark Plug Is Functioning Properly Check the spark plug after removing it from the engine. It is often the reason why a Gator may not start or starts and stalls immediately thereafter due to worn-out spark plugs. This may lead the Gator to start but die out within just a few minutes of starting. Usually, as the engine starts, it produces heat, which may lead to cause or further aggravate an existing flaw in the plug. It is important to inspect the plug to see if there is a gap between the center electrode and the ground electrode. The center electrode is the metal that protrudes from the firing end, while the ground electrode is the metal that bends around the center electrode of the plug. In case the gap is too much or too less, you will need to adjust it so that there is a spark. Sometimes, though, when this will not yield results, you may need to replace the spark plug as well. Related Reading: What to Do When Your John Deere Gator Has No Spark? Ensure Proper Airflow in the Carburetor An optimum level of air is necessary for the gas to ignite and make the Gator function properly. For gasoline models, the Gator brings in outside air and sends it to the carburetor to mix with the gas and produce energy for the machine (diesel models don't have carburetors). Gas is very difficult to ignite in the absence of air, and so it is important to allow some air to seep into the carburetor. Having said that, too much air in the carburetor is also not good for the Gator, as it will come in the way of the proper functioning of the engine. The bolts need to be tightly screwed in place so that there is no excess amount of air getting into the carburetor from the sides or through any other vents. Clean Up Any Residual Matters From the Carburetor Make sure that there are no clogged components in the carburetor, as it will directly impact the performance of the Gator. A carburetor has many components and parts—spray jets, floats, needle valves, and springs, to name a few. Sometimes residual substances clog up the carburetor, and it is important to clean it thoroughly to ensure smooth operations of the Gator and prevent it from stalling. Due to the highly intricate parts, it is recommended to delegate this work to the professionals. Maintain Consistent Fuel Pressure The fuel system must maintain optimum pressure throughout so that the fuel can pass through from the tank to the carburetor and over the cylinder. This pressure is created by pumping the crankshaft, and as the fuel heats, the heat generates more pressure. If this pressure does not find a pathway to escape from the tank, the engine will begin to stall. Therefore, it is important to clean up the fuel tank cap regularly and check to ensure that the vent hole is not blocked. Clean Out Any Blocked Fuel Passages In the course of its functioning, a lot of grass and other things may get stuck inside the machine. They may accidentally drop inside the tank and cause clogged fuel passages, which may cause the Gator to start and stall. Clean the tank thoroughly and replace the fuel filter as well in order to remove any residual dirt from the fuel tank. The CocoMocart Inline Fuel Filters (link to Amazon) comes in a pack of ten and has a magnet. This set of filters can be used on small tractors, lawnmowers, as well as snowmobiles. Remove Any Build-Up in the Air Passages Air is critical for the proper functioning of the Gator. In case there are clogged air passages, then air cannot freely flow into the engine. This will result in difficulty in igniting the gasoline and keeping the engine cool by giving vent to the hot gas build-up inside. Clearing out the air passages by removing any dirt or any sort of carbon build-up will help resolve the stalling problem. Fix the Carburetor Screws Properly in Place The carburetor has three screws—the idle, low, and high-speed ones. They control the flow of the gas to the engine. If the carburetor cannot draw sufficient gas, then the engine will begin to stall. It is important to make sure that each of the screws is correctly set. In case you are unfamiliar with how to fix it the proper way, seek the help of a mechanic for the first instance in order to learn how to fix them correctly. Here is a video that shows how to fix the idle screw in a John Deere Gator: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtEBNBUC5A0 Conclusion The fix is often easier than we think. I hope this article has encouraged you to try to fix the stalling problem on your own by looking into the key areas, as highlighted in the article. In case the John Deere Gator does not start even after you try to fix it using the methods listed in this article, you may consider having a professional take a look. It is quite likely though that you will be able to solve the stalling problems by following the pointers provided in this article. Related Reading: John Deere Gator Won’t Stay Charged: Troubleshooting Guide