John Deere X485 cold starting issues

[D Michael]

Hoping that someone can help me with my issue surrounding the cold start issue with my X485 tractor. It takes probably 8-10 cranks to get it to start whereas prior years it was only 1-2 cranks. I keep this tractor meticulously tuned up and garaged at all times. Each year I change oil & filter, air filter, spark plugs, fuel filter, etc.. It's not a matter of it being out of tune since once it starts, it runs perfectly will all the power it should have. The electric fuel pump kicks on and runs while starting so don't think it's a fuel delivery issue. I've got to believe it is some sensor that has possibly failed that creates a richer air/fuel mixture while cold. Can anyone provide me with some technical solutions? Many thanks in advance.

 

[davesl708]

I would suggest running some Seafoam through it. Will clean out the fuel system all the way though.

Also, are you using ethanol fuel? If so how old is it?

 

[buickanddeere]

Choke properly adjusted ?

 

[davesl708]

Also, Welcome to TBN

 

[oldnslo]

Do you have a carburetor or fuel injected model? On both models there is a solenoid that opens and allows fuel to to flow. There is an air temperature sensor on the fuel injected model.

 

[D Michael]

Do you have a carburetor or fuel injected model? On both models there is a solenoid that opens and allows fuel to to flow. There is an air temperature sensor on the fuel injected model.

It is carburetor model.

 

[D Michael]

I would suggest running some Seafoam through it. Will clean out the fuel system all the way though.

Also, are you using ethanol fuel? If so how old is it?

The gasoline is an ethanol added fuel, however I add an ethanol treatment each time. The fuel is fresh and is less than one month old. Again, it runs perfectly after it finally starts. I can give Seafoam a try though

 

[D Michael]

Looking down the carb throat, I don't see any form of a conventional choke plate so I'm thinking the JD takes a different approach ?? (e.g. allow more fuel to enter carb versus the conventional approach of choking back airflow...?) Only a guess on my part at this time

 

[oldnslo]

Do you have the engine model FD711D? If yes this is fuel injected. I think this is the only engine used in the X485 but not 100% positive of that. My service manual covers the X475, X485, X575 & X585 but it is unclear which models use which engines.

 

[Dutch445]

the X475/575 would have the manual choke.
the X485/585 is fuel injected, but not multi port,
it's a throttle body injector. there is a cold start
aid within the control module, but i'm not sure
if that's serviceable other than replacing the module..

 

[Dutch445]

upon further review i may be confusing this with my old 445,
there are 2 injectors for the X485.
but the seafoam is a good idea to try, will take a few
hours of running to see if it helps..

 

[D Michael]

You are correct after a more detailed review of my tractor, itt is in fact fuel injected (I misspoke yesterday about it having a carburetor so sorry for the confusion..). I will try the Seafoam approach.
Also, I'm at 6,600' elevation whereas when I had the tractor a sea level, it always started on first or second crank. Could this be the cause? I would think the injection system would adjust for elevation differences??

 

[D Michael]

Thank you Dutch for the great information. I will pursue that

 

[oldnslo]

D Michael,
We are at around 1000 feet here and my sons X485 is very slow and difficult to get stasted in cold weather. Almost worse than his X749 diesel. His has around 2300 hrs on it so that could be partially to blame.

His 425 carburated unit started much better.

My X540 also sucks t starting in cold weather .I suspect that the EPA regs have these running so lean makes them cold blooded.