Hello from Central PA. Due to deteriorating mental clarity it was decided that my grandfather is better off not having a lawn mower. So I find myself in possession of a 2005 John Deere 115 Automatic with a bagger. It looks brand new and he was meticulous as far as maintenance was concerned.
Aside from a dead battery it moves just fine under its own power. It had been sitting for a few years and due to the mentioned health issues, he is unable to answer any questions about recent maintenance.
I did the following as general tune up:
-Drained and refilled fuel tank.
-Fuel filter.
-Oil and filter change.
-Air Filter.
-Spark Plug.
-Dissembled, cleaned, painted(rusted badly underneath) and greased deck.
-New deck belt.
-Greased other fittings.
Upon initial mowing attempt the tractor ran at high rpm and drove around perfectly. It also ran at high rpm with deck engaged just fine. About 2 seconds into moving and running the deck it suddenly belched white smoke. Idled down and disengage deck, all is well. Tried again, same result.
Upon further inspection I found that the fuel pump was cracked.
I then replaced:
-Fuel Pump.
-Fuel cap.
-Breather reed valve.
-Cleaned & blew out all associated hoses.
Next mowing attempt had no smoke and ran perfectly until I began up the slightest of grades (really, barely an incline). The tractor immediately stalled. Back on the level it runs great.
I then did a compression check and got 120psi. Also, I pulled the fuel line off of the side of the carburetor and started the tractor. It pumped fuel out just fine.(Perhaps I should try this test jacked up to simulate the incline and at high rpm?).
Also, the electrode area of the new plug is pretty black while the bottom of the body (below the threads) is still bright silver.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm a car guy, not really a small engine guy. Point me in the right direction and I can probably figure out how to get there.
As the mower has been well kept and is in good condition it would be worthwhile you getting the maintenance manual from John Deere .
White smoke = oil burning and I would hazard a guess that you have a blown / leaking head gasket.
We need to know which engine the mower has in it and that includes the model numbers.
