JD 425 Smoking Heavily

jd425 · Nov 19, 2010

I just picked up what appeared to be fairly well kept JD 425 for right around $2000. when i initially started the motor it spewed thick black smoke and then seemed to level of will normal emissions. Upon getting it home i realized the oil had been over filled by about 1 quart so i drained from the plug and filter. I installed a new JD filter and put in 1.5 quarts of 10w 30 Castrol. Upon starting the engine, it's smoking thick white smoke so heavily i have to wear a face mask running it down the driveway. What could be wrong and what should i check first?

Many thanks from new JD 425 owner.

joes_427_vette · Nov 19, 2010

I'm not a fan of the liquid cooled Kawasaki engines. After running it a while you might want to check the oil level. It seems at times the oil level is increased by added gasoline. I am familiar with a Gator the dealer could not repair ( above problem ) and deere bought it back. Sounds like the tractor was bought at a very fair price. What attachments did it come with ?

jd425 · Nov 19, 2010

No attachments and i've dropped additional $250 in new tires. One thing forgot to mention when i pulled the oil Cap there was a white milky residue inside the tube and around the inside of the Cap. Is this moisture buildup inside the cyclinders? Possibly a blown thermostat and waterpump?

beenthere · Nov 19, 2010

Am wondering why you bought it on just looks ??
Seems a test drive would have been a warning that there was a problem.

How many hours have you put on the engine since the oil/filter change? And did the white exhaust clear up when the engine had a couple hours on it, and did the oil level in the crankcase change any?

Maybe a compression check, and some other evals to focus in on if the engine is bad.
My original 425 had a radiator/oil cooler problem that was a fix under warranty.
Keep a check on the oil level to see that it isn't gaining fluid from either antifreeze or fuel.

Wish you the best finding a solution. Hope someone here can help you find it.

jd425 · Nov 19, 2010

I tested it out and drove it hard for at least 15-20 minutes and nothing out of the norm. It spewed a little black smoke on initial startup until i put the back down and then drove it around the fella's property and everything seemed good. Just my luck, it only started showing these signs after i got it home and fired it up.