john deere z425 only starts with starter fluid

ohioriverman · Jan 1, 2015

john deere z425 only starts with starter fluid.
Once started and running will start up fine.
If it sits overnight then needs starting fluid to get started.

Any ideas?
Thanks

Dave M7040 · Jan 1, 2015

I see that it has the common throttle and choke on one lever.
I would remove the air filter and make certain the choke is coming on blocking the air intake.
These engines run close to the line on being lean for emission reasons that with no choke they wont start especially if cold.
The engine is likely a Kohler or Briggs in spite of the John Deere label so looking on their web sites for trouble shooting tips would be the next place to go.
Dave M7040

Coyote machine · Jan 1, 2015

Welcome to TBN.
Sounds like lack of fuel being delivered to start the engine when cold. Is there fuel delivery?
What made you start using 'starting fluid'? It's not something you want to continue doing. You need to determine why it won't start normally. You need combustion, from spark, in time with fuel delivery and adequate compression in the engine.

pmsmechanic · Jan 1, 2015

Try turning the engine over by hand. If it's an air cooled motor than just put your hand flat on the screen on top of the motor and try to turn it over. If you can do this then I would check the valve clearances. If the valves are open just a bit they won't let the engine develop enough compression to start. Once the engine is warm the clearances close up and it will start untill you try to start a cold engine again.

gkm · Jan 1, 2015

I fixed my neighbor's z425 that had the same problem. It's the throttle linkage that doesn't open the choke enough for starting. A simple adjustment of the cable should cure the problem.

ohioriverman · Jan 2, 2015

Thanks to all who responded!
Adjusted the throttle /choke cable to the right and problem solved!

Someone asked why I thought to try starter fluid?
My SOP with starting problems is to:
1. jumper to my 12v trolling marine battery (proves that problem is not battery)
2. give a small squirt of starter fluid or wd40
If engine doesn't try to start, then I know that I have to work backward from the spark plug
If engine does try to start then I know to work backward from the carburetor to fuel tank