Hard start JD Gator TS

[stl]

I have a new (<1 hr) Gator TS, and have a really hard time starting it. I use the choke, and crank for 30 to 45 seconds before it will catch. (Most of the time I can't stand cranking for more than 10 to 15 seconds, stop and try again). The weather is cool, gas if from the dealer.

Ideas?

 

[bullbreaker]

I have a new (<1 hr) Gator TS, and have a really hard time starting it. I use the choke, and crank for 30 to 45 seconds before it will catch. (Most of the time I can't stand cranking for more than 10 to 15 seconds, stop and try again). The weather is cool, gas if from the dealer.
Ideas?

As crazy as it might sound try starting it with fuel cap off and see if it cranks right up.

Boone

 

[stl]

I will try that. The dealer said that TS's are very cold blooded, and that this is normal. (30 seconds of cranking, really??)

 

[MrChris]

I have a TH. It starts almost instantly in the morning when you use the choke. Something is not right. Make sure the choke cable is actually working at the carb end.

 

[stl]

Removing the gas cap made no difference. What does is cranking it with the choke pulled out, and while still cranking, pushing the choke back in. Can a choke, choke too much? I thought it just enriched the fuel ratio by cutting some of the air intake.

 

[MrChris]

The owner's manual says you will cause damage to the starter if you let it crank for more than 20 seconds. I really think the dealer needs to check this since it is so new. But, if for whatever reason you want to investigate further, I would pull the spark plug and see if it's wet (poor spark or too much fuel) after you have cranked it for awhile and before it starts. My choke knob under the driver's seat has to be held out until it starts and then you release it. Some TS have the choke knob on the dash and will stay out and must be pushed in after starting. Either way the choke must be out until the engine starts. Another way to check if the choke is working is once you start the engine and let it warm up for a minute or two, if you pull out on the choke knob the engine should run rough.

 

[stl]

Don't know what it means, but it starts easily by,
1. choke out
2. pump gas couple of times.
3. crank ignition for a couple of seconds
4. push in choke while doing that.

I guess I'll live with that.

 

[prosumequipment]

I wonder if we're so used to fuel injection on our cars and trucks we forget what it was like to pump the gas pedal a couple times before starting! :thumbsup:

 

[WH401]

I'd take it back to the dealer being as that it's so new. Having to do all that to start it is ridiculous. My 8 year old 6x4 starts after only a few turnovers even in below freezing weather. Sometimes it'll sit for a month at a time.