John Deere 425 air restriction indicator

Iamblessed · Mar 21, 2015

I purchased a nice used 425 last fall to have a small loader tractor. I just recently installed a Buford Bucket mini loader that I got from Pete in Kentucky. I have nothing but praise for this setup if you have the need for such a unit.
It took between three and four months to get my loader as this is a small operation and Pete has had a hard winter this season. I bought an air restriction indicator used and a new fitting to install it on my 425 but I can't figure out where the vacuum tube connects to the intake. Anyone have a John Deere with the indicator installed? My manual indicates that it was an option on 425's and 445's. I think some gators with the Kawasaki engine also had the option.

mfreund · Mar 21, 2015

All I have seen go in to the air filter housing.

beenthere · Mar 21, 2015

I have that indicator on mine, and went out for a pic or two.
With the air filter cover off, the hose from the air restriction indicator comes in under the carb filter platform at the white arrow in the pic. There is a fitting, part # M117747 shown in jdparts.com that the hose attaches to, and wonder if that is the fitting you have.

That said, I've been watching the indicator and not getting any reading of a restriction. But when I looked tonight, appears the filter and the foam band was caked with dust. So I'm of the thinking that there is a leak in the vacuum line between the carb and the indicator. This 425 is what I have hooked to my MC519 cart and mainly only use it to pick up leaves and debris on the lawn. It is very dusty and I know now not to rely on that indicator for a filter cleaning/change. tks for causing me to take a closer look.

Iamblessed · Mar 22, 2015

Thanks, beenthere I have printed the photo and will take the housing off again and see if I can figure it out. Yes on the fitting, as I had to order it.There are threads on one end and the other end goes inside the vacuum hose. I will let you know. Thanks

Iamblessed · Mar 23, 2015

benthere, I got it figured out and never would have without the photo. The area you highlighted was not drilled on mine and was just a raised area. I never thought about drilling it out. Anyway it was just a matter of drilling the thick part and screwing the fitting in as it made it's own threads. I was a little concerned about whether or not it would make a good seal but it does and I figured out an easy way to check for suction. All you have to do is remove the left side panel start the engine and place one finger under the housing where the small slit is, covering up the slit and place your hand over the end of the main air cleaner tube. Mine immediately pulled the meter to the maxium. So I know it is working. The reason that I want a meter is because I don't think it is a good idea to open up the air cleaner all the time just to check condition of cleaners. Thanks a lot.

beenthere · Mar 23, 2015

Thanks for the check procedure. I was pondering how I'd check mine out... as it should have pulled to the red line as dirty as the filter was when I removed it.
Will be doing that today.

Gittyup · Mar 25, 2015

I had a 425 for nearly 20 years. It had that worthless thing. It never worked right. Always registered "no restriction". So, I wouldn't rely on it. Your best bet is to replace your air filter annually. Clean foam portion often during mowing season. And keep the motor area and screens clean using compressed air.