Hydro 185

[toph2o]

Hi all,
I have an 88-89 John Deere Hydro 185 with 38" deck and snow thrower attachment. This winter I replaced the belt for the snow thrower and worked great. Started it several times and tested the thrower. Now as soon as it snows the tractor will not start. It has fuel, spark and air. It turns over but will not fire. If I move the throttle from choke to slow it sounds like it wants to fire but still wont. Have what seems to be good compression. Ran fine then stuck shoveling Any ideas?

Thank you

Jon

 

[exotion]

Hi all,
I have an 88-89 John Deere Hydro 185 with 38" deck and snow thrower attachment. This winter I replaced the belt for the snow thrower and worked great. Started it several times and tested the thrower. Now as soon as it snows the tractor will not start. It has fuel, spark and air. It turns over but will not fire. If I move the throttle from choke to slow it sounds like it wants to fire but still wont. Have what seems to be good compression. Ran fine then stuck shoveling Any ideas?

Thank you

Jon

Try some starting fluid carb might need cleaned

 

[toph2o]

Try some starting fluid carb might need cleaned

Hi and thanks for the reply. I did try some starting fluid with no results. I did also dig in past the air filter and checked the choke valve and butterfly behind it. Both seem to operate fine and look clean.

Thank you

Jon

 

[Carscw]

Check and see if you have spark.
If no start with starting fluid then most times will be no spark

 

[redfish9]

If I was up in that cold I wouldn't start ether

 

[gottschaldj]

I had the exact same issue with my 185 Hydro. It stumped me as well. The issue was weak spark attributed to a failing ignitor, OEM part number AM132770. It retails for $73, but I'm sure if you look around you can find it cheaper online. It is mounted on the right hand side of the block, is affixed by one screw, and has one wire attached. The total repair time is however long to takes to back out and replace the screw. Immediately started and ran like new. Good luck to any one else with similar trouble.