JD 318 Turns over will not start

[PastorStack318]

I have an 87ish John Deere 318 given to me. The previous owner had its engine rebuilt 3 years ago. It was very cold out but my son (25) got the tractor going, had it running but then stopped abruptly. now will turn over but will not start, getting spark to both cylinders yet, fuel getting to carb but cylinders seem dry. have used starter fluid but no ignition.

 

[oldnslo]

Does this have the Onan engine? If yes check the compression. Some of these engines had problems with spinning the cam bearings which caused the timing to jump or the valves to not open fully. Even saw some where the cam gear teeth were broken so the valves didn't move.

 

[Trevj]

Find the wiring diagram and sort out the electrical system.

Stuff like the seat safety switch, and usually the PTO switch will stop the engine from firing or sometimes from turning over. Check fuses as well. If all seems well on that front, start looking for broken wires or loose connectors.

Cheers
Trev

 

[PastorStack318]

Thanks guy for the input!