John Deere 5500 Tractor

[karensue52]

I own a JD 5500 tractor and am not sure of year. We have had it for 11 years and it was a little used then. Today I was out brushhogging and it just died on me. It did start back up but died again...did that several times. Checked fluid levels and all seemed fine. Any ideas on where to start looking? Thank you........Karen

 

[JD5210]

Tractordata.com indicates it is a 1996 or 1997. Start with the simple things when was the last time you replaced the fuel filter. I suggest you fill the filter before putting on. Make sure you know how to bleed it before replacing the fuel filter, just in case it does not start-up. If you do not know the part number for the filter, I have included a link to JDparts. How does the air cleaner look? Try removing the fuel cap, to make sure the tank is venting.

Here is some other URLs to look at.

TractorData.com John Deere 5500 tractor information
John Deere - Parts Catalog
Instrument Panel Fogs Up : Fog forms inside instrument panel on some 5000 series tractors, making it hard to read gauges
Clutch Slip on 5000 Series Tractors : Learn the importance of checking and maintaining proper clutch alignment
Transmission Creep : Tractor
http://www.deere.com/en_US/ag/servicesupport/tips/augusta/5000/leakfuelcap.html

 

[karensue52]

Thanks for your input. I was also thinking fuel filter and that will be the first thing to check. I'll look at the air filter too once it is daylight. I "play" with this most of the time by myself so am hoping the oldest son will check it out for me next time he is around. Otherwise, I'll have to get JD or other mechanic to see about it. Notice I'm a gal and not so young anymore either. Thanks......Karen

Tractordata.com indicates it is a 1996 or 1997. Start with the simple things when was the last time you replaced the fuel filter. I suggest you fill the filter before putting on. Make sure you know how to bleed it before replacing the fuel filter, just in case it does not start-up. If you do not know the part number for the filter, I have included a link to JDparts. How does the air cleaner look? Try removing the fuel cap, to make sure the tank is venting.

Here is some other URLs to look at.

TractorData.com John Deere 5500 tractor information
John Deere - Parts Catalog
Instrument Panel Fogs Up : Fog forms inside instrument panel on some 5000 series tractors, making it hard to read gauges
Clutch Slip on 5000 Series Tractors : Learn the importance of checking and maintaining proper clutch alignment
Transmission Creep : Tractor
http://www.deere.com/en_US/ag/servicesupport/tips/augusta/5000/leakfuelcap.html

 

[Tx Jim]

If after fuel filter change and it still won't run correctly then it's possible fuel inj pump fitting(parts key 8) which is a valve is plugged. Engine dying then starting running a short while then dying then starting is a typical symptom/

 

[karensue52]

I never done one of these forums.....so helpful. Thanks to all. It may be sometime before I let anyone know what the "fix" was.

 

[karensue52]

What kind of hick am I....I never done. I meant "I have never done"

 

[masalser]

You may also want to check the condition of your fuel lines. My 5510 had problems due to cracks in the rubber fuel lines and it was of about that age. When the fuel tank was completely full it ran fine but when it got to half full it would die because of air getting sucked in through the cracks. The cracks I found were in the hose near the engine probably caused by the engine heat over time

 

[karensue52]

You may also want to check the condition of your fuel lines. My 5510 had problems due to cracks in the rubber fuel lines and it was of about that age. When the fuel tank was completely full it ran fine but when it got to half full it would die because of air getting sucked in through the cracks. The cracks I found were in the hose near the engine probably caused by the engine heat over time

I'm happy to report it apparently just needed a new fuel filter. After 15 minutes of work, it started right up and seems to be running! Thanks for everyone's suggestions, etc. We did fill the filter with fuel before putting it on and we pumped it MANY times also.

 

[beenthere]

Nice to hear back when things are up and running, and TBN may have helped out a bit.

Keep an eye out for possibility of bad fuel in the tank that may have some debris or algae in it. If so, it may plug up your new fuel filter quickly.
I so, then a good tank cleaning may be in order.
Some may know of fuel cleaners that could prevent this from happening.