John Deere Z225 Zero Turn Will Not Start - Complicated Problem Driving Me Crazy.

[EdGallop]

You are no spring chicken but not old. Getting close though. :smile: I was 70 before I realized I was old. I was raised on a dairy/crop farm in coastal VA. Moved to Alaska where I retired and now enjoy my final years as self sufficient as possible on my mini farm in VA. You live a life I have always admired, especially there in Canada.

I have tracked and diagramed every wire I can find. I'm building a resource of knowledge but haven't solved the problem. Suspicion #1: There is no positive leading into the PTO switch, on or off, but that may be normal without the engine running. Suspicion #2: There is a box attached to the engine cowling, could be a voltage regulator, but didn't think the engine would run if it was bad (engine does run). There is a 12v power wire going into the box from the ignition. A wire comes out of the box and goes under the cowling where I can't see, but continuity shows it is grounded. Another ground wire is connected to the bolt holding the box cover on. Why is there only one 12v wire attached and nothing else but two grounds coming out? I will make the 3 hour trip to the city on Monday (JD Shop) and take the PTO switch with me to compare with a new one. If I can get the unknown box off I'll take it too. They are not very helpful there because they want business. Let me know if you have any suggestions and I will let you know what I find out.

I ain't exactly a spring chicken anymore either if that is what you think, i'm 64 :laughing:
As for capabilities I am proud to be a jack of all trades and a real DIYourselfer.
I have not needed a mechanic welder machinist plumber electrician carpenter for 40 odd years and i farm full time to boot and by my lonesome.

 

[Bison]

You are no spring chicken but not old. Getting close though. :smile: I was 70 before I realized I was old. I was raised on a dairy/crop farm in coastal VA. Moved to Alaska where I retired and now enjoy my final years as self sufficient as possible on my mini farm in VA. You live a life I have always admired, especially there in Canada.

I have tracked and diagramed every wire I can find. I'm building a resource of knowledge but haven't solved the problem. Suspicion #1: There is no positive leading into the PTO switch, on or off, but that may be normal without the engine running. Suspicion #2: There is a box attached to the engine cowling, could be a voltage regulator, but didn't think the engine would run if it was bad (engine does run). There is a 12v power wire going into the box from the ignition. A wire comes out of the box and goes under the cowling where I can't see, but continuity shows it is grounded. Another ground wire is connected to the bolt holding the box cover on. Why is there only one 12v wire attached and nothing else but two grounds coming out? I will make the 3 hour trip to the city on Monday (JD Shop) and take the PTO switch with me to compare with a new one. If I can get the unknown box off I'll take it too. They are not very helpful there because they want business. Let me know if you have any suggestions and I will let you know what I find out.

First off i am not familiar with your model mower so i don't know if they use relays in the electricals on your machine.
Maybe best for you to buy a repair/service manual for your machine, it'll have a trouble shooting section and wiring diagrams.( i have repair manuals for all my equipment,..it takes a lot of guess work out trying to trace or pin point a problem.

#1,.... there might be our problem, there should be power to the PTO switch with the key on.
It could be that either the neutral safety switch in the tranny or under the seat are defect or the wiring is broken.( jump one or both of these switches and see if that gives you power to the PTO switch.
#2,.....that box,..does it have a removable cover? ..could you post a pic?( ask your dealer what it is for)
1 positive in and 2 grounds out is not normal. The wire going under the cowling could be chafed or pinched and might be shorted out intermittent or permanent,...i don't know!

 

[jmurray01]

I have moved your thread to the John Deere Forum.

 

[EdGallop]

Does anyone here have JD Technical Manuals? Does the basic one show how to change an alternator? My conclusion is... In that the 12v power seems to end at the voltage regulator that tested output is 1v by unplugged from the alternator, and the alternator wire is grounded, I assume the alternator is shorted to ground (bad). The flywheel needs to be removed to replace it so I am going to make arrangements to take the mower to the shop unless I get a manual. I do not know how the alternator feeds power to the carb solenoid and PTO switch but it must if that is the problem. Service technical manual cost $35 (basic) to $100 (component) and I do not know if the $30 one shows me how to change the alternator (mail order only). Thanks for all the help from members of this forum.

First off i am not familiar with your model mower so i don't know if they use relays in the electricals on your machine.
Maybe best for you to buy a repair/service manual for your machine, it'll have a trouble shooting section and wiring diagrams.( i have repair manuals for all my equipment,..it takes a lot of guess work out trying to trace or pin point a problem.

#1,.... there might be our problem, there should be power to the PTO switch with the key on.
It could be that either the neutral safety switch in the tranny or under the seat are defect or the wiring is broken.( jump one or both of these switches and see if that gives you power to the PTO switch.
#2,.....that box,..does it have a removable cover? ..could you post a pic?( ask your dealer what it is for)
1 positive in and 2 grounds out is not normal. The wire going under the cowling could be chafed or pinched and might be shorted out intermittent or permanent,...i don't know!

 

[gfp55]

Maybe you could go to a John Deere forum were there are JD fans. They have a manual there. But thats just me.

 

[Bison]

Does anyone here have JD Technical Manuals? Does the basic one show how to change an alternator? My conclusion is... In that the 12v power seems to end at the voltage regulator that tested output is 1v by unplugged from the alternator, and the alternator wire is grounded, I assume the alternator is shorted to ground (bad). The flywheel needs to be removed to replace it so I am going to make arrangements to take the mower to the shop unless I get a manual. I do not know how the alternator feeds power to the carb solenoid and PTO switch but it must if that is the problem. Service technical manual cost $35 (basic) to $100 (component) and I do not know if the $30 one shows me how to change the alternator (mail order only). Thanks for all the help from members of this forum.

That is not to bad a price.
A trip into the dealers shop is gonna be at least twice that,...and you still won't have a manual.

PS, try Ebay, i got a few used manuals from there

 

[EdGallop]

Thanks all... I tried the John Deere forums and resources and they said it would be illegal to have the manuals on line because of copyright laws. Had no results on Ebay search for Z225 manual either. I would buy a manual for $30 but do not know if it will show how to replace the alternator. The $100 manual likely would but I don't want to spend the extra money if the other manual would work. Thought someone here might know.

 

[Bison]

Thanks all... I tried the John Deere forums and resources and they said it would be illegal to have the manuals on line because of copyright laws. Had no results on Ebay search for Z225 manual either. I would buy a manual for $30 but do not know if it will show how to replace the alternator. The $100 manual likely would but I don't want to spend the extra money if the other manual would work. Thought someone here might know.

Ask the dealer and/or buy a manual from them.

 

[EdGallop]

The dealer "thinks" the $30 is more like an owner's manual with technical information but not a detailed service manual. Ordering the $100 manual today. No used ones or a better price could be found. If anyone wants info from the manual let me know. You are right... If I take it in for repairs it will be at least $100 to $150 labor. I just hope the manual is technical enough. By the way... The yellow wire from the regulator is supposed to be grounded to feed voltage to the ground. Who woulda thought? So the problem is not likely the regulator or alternator. Thanks to all.

Ask the dealer and/or buy a manual from them.

 

[mechanic mark]

Fixing Electric Clutches
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aN2Q9G3Wq-M
Adjust valves on engine to B&S specifications. Compression release on camshaft will not function properly if valves are loose.

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=adjusting valves b&s

My son & I adjusted valves on 20 hp vanguard a week ago friday, .005, runs better than ever. Engine cold, we removed hood, clean dirt etc. from around valve covers, we used cheap paint brushes & compressed air, remove valve covers, remove both plugs, carefully & gently insert long screwdriver inside left, drivers left, spark plug hole touching top of piston, looking for compression stroke, with other hand rotate blower screen top of engine counterclockwise to 1/4" past tdc, both valves should be loose if on compression stroke, insert feeler gauge between rocker arm & push rod, loosen locknut & turn screw in gently until you feel a slight drag with gauge, hold set screw in position and tighten nut, recheck with gauge, repeat on each valve, install rocker covers etc.