Engine JD 265

[Black Bart]

An update to this thread; I found the small heat shield located behind the carb was missing. I am assuming this could be the source of my problem, allowing the heat from the muffler to get to the carb vaporizing the fuel when it gets too hot?/ Thanks to Bart, I never would have noticed this without his mention. Hopefully this resolves my issue. Now, finding a heat shield that will work with this specific application, any suggestions?
I did locate what is called "thermaflect shield" a 5" x 7" pad that might work. Thanks again!

Check with local JD dealer it should not be too expensive.
Just for added measure you could add the thermal piece under the heat shield.

My son in-law has a 265 I'm going to drive out to his farm and take a look at his and see if it has the same shield as my 180.
If it is the same and I think it probably is then you may find an old mower that has been scrapped and get the shield from it.

Mine is bolted to the frame and slopes upward over the muffler and directs air flow down and away from the carb.

 

[jlloyd]

There is a heat shield over the muffler but nothing additional protecting the carb or fuel line; I don't know if there is suppose to be an additional heat shield there.
I am also wondering about the carburetor, could that be the problem? Although it was cleaned it did not get a kit replacement. Could these symptoms be caused by the carb? The last time I tried cutting grass it only worked for 10 minutes before it started sputtering and died. It started right up but ran poorly and died again. The problem seems to be getting steadily worse even after installing all these new parts.

Someone mentioned the possibility of a switch? It's really getting frustrating not to mention the fact that my lawn it out of control! Suggestions are most appreciated.

 

[Black Bart]

There is a heat shield over the muffler but nothing additional protecting the carb or fuel line; I don't know if there is suppose to be an additional heat shield there.
I am also wondering about the carburetor, could that be the problem? Although it was cleaned it did not get a kit replacement. Could these symptoms be caused by the carb? The last time I tried cutting grass it only worked for 10 minutes before it started sputtering and died. It started right up but ran poorly and died again. The problem seems to be getting steadily worse even after installing all these new parts.

Someone mentioned the possibility of a switch? It's really getting frustrating not to mention the fact that my lawn it out of control! Suggestions are most appreciated.

The fact that it runs then stops but starts after sitting for a while is classic vapor lock.
Add the thermal stuff do what ever it takes to block that heat from the carb.

The fact that it restarts shows it has no mechanical problem it is heat.

I had a similar problem when I put header on my Corvette, When I shut it off and let it set for 10 minutes it would not start.

The heat was going into the starter and it would not work.
I wrapped it with a thermal wrap and no problem since and that was 10 years ago.

It could be a coil breaking down from heat but my money is on a vapor lock.

How long did the tractor run after you bought it till this problem started.
Did it ever run in hot weather for an hour or more.

This info is needed for accurate diagnosis.

 

[jlloyd]

Thanks for the info Bart! I owned the tractor only a short time before the problem started but the time interval between starting and stopping is getting shorter; initially it would run for nearly 45 min before it started to show signs of a power loss and then die, now it is like 10 minutes or less. Upon starting the JD surges unless I put ii in "choke" and then it run a little better. This symptom just started because it always ran well previously,until today that is. This is why I was wondering about the carburetor.

I really do appreciate your help.

 

[Black Bart]

Thanks for the info Bart! I owned the tractor only a short time before the problem started but the time interval between starting and stopping is getting shorter; initially it would run for nearly 45 min before it started to show signs of a power loss and then die, now it is like 10 minutes or less. Upon starting the JD surges unless I put ii in "choke" and then it run a little better. This symptom just started because it always ran well previously,until today that is. This is why I was wondering about the carburetor.

I really do appreciate your help.

Next time you try to mow have a good spark plug in your pocket and when it stops pull the plug wire and put it on the other plug, Lay it on the engine were it is clean and can ground.
Crank the engine and look for a good spark.

If no spark remove the coil and have it checked.

If it has good spark try spraying a little starting fluid into the intake and crank it.
If it starts then your problem is fuel.

 

[hotshoe]

hi new member here name is karl and came across this topic that really hit home. I have a 260 model JD and have been fighting the same battle all summer long with the same results. Problem is this post hasn't an answer on if the problem was resolved or not. Maybe jlloyd could post his findings if possible? thanks and this is a great site! Hotshoe:anyone:

 

[Sammy the Red]

My JD 275 had the same problem. Just mowing along and she would just die.
Cool down and start back up again......It was the coil.

 

[Black Bart]

hi new member here name is karl and came across this topic that really hit home. I have a 260 model JD and have been fighting the same battle all summer long with the same results. Problem is this post hasn't an answer on if the problem was resolved or not. Maybe jlloyd could post his findings if possible? thanks and this is a great site! Hotshoe:anyone:

He sent me a PM thanking me for the info he said it fixed it.

Whenever they run for a while and stop it is usually vapor lock or coil.
Since his had the heat shield missing it was a heat problem.

 

[jlloyd]

I haven't been around lately but to update my original issue with the "heat/coil" problem. Both problems were addressed, I changed the coil first, that did not solve the problem so then put heat tape around the fuel line and even added more to the shield (thinking it was the vapor lock). It worked or so I thought. The problem is back again but now only occurs when the mower is running, shut the mower off and it runs w/o a problem.

All I have is guesses which include the carb (maybe needs a kit) or possibly the electric clutch ??? Time to think about trading this in since it is a 1988 that has given 820 hrs. of mowing life but, lately, too many hours of frustration; I can't bear thinking of going through another year with this reoccurring problem.

JL

 

[jlloyd]

I haven't been around lately but to update my original issue with the "heat/coil" problem. Both problems were addressed, I changed the coil first, that did not solve the problem so then put heat tape around the fuel line and even added more to the shield (thinking it was the vapor lock). It worked or so I thought. The problem is back again but now only occurs when the mower is running, shut the mower off and it runs w/o a problem.

All I have is guesses which include the carb (maybe needs a kit) or possibly the electric clutch ??? Time to think about trading this in since it is a 1988 that has given 820 hrs. of mowing life but, lately, too many hours of frustration; I can't bear thinking of going through another year with this reoccurring problem.

JL

One knows more and more about less and less until you know everything about nothing!