L111 - random stalling

[lano]

Any advice is appreciated.

I have an L111 which is only a few years old.

15-20 or so minutes into operation (regardless of if mower is engaged or not), the engine will stall out and will not start back up.

I thought it was a due to the fuel filter, so I replaced it and still have the same issue. I thought it could be the fuel line (clog) so I took it off and blew air through it back into the tank and there seems to be no clog. In fact, after I blow air through the line and hook the line back up to the engine, the machine starts and will run for another 15-20 mins... then will stall again.

Anyone know what this could be?

Thanks
Lano

 

[kennyd]

Welcome to TBN

I would suspect your gas cap believe it or not...It's vented (or supposed to be) and often the vent gets clogged up. When this happens your pump can't draw fuel anymore (like holding water in a straw with your finger over the end)

After it stalls or while it's stalling, loosen the cap...if you hear a inrush of air then you found your problem.

 

[lano]

Thanks Kenny -

I will give this a try tonight. I also read similar comments today from others with stalling issues, so hopefully this is all.

I do notice a suction sound lately when I open the gas tank to fill it with gas lately., so maybe this is why!? Who would've thought the gas cap could cause this!

Lano

 

[kennyd]

I hope that is your problem...it's a cheap fix

 

[turbo36]

Welcome to TBN

I would suspect your gas cap believe it or not...It's vented (or supposed to be) and often the vent gets clogged up. When this happens your pump can't draw fuel anymore (like holding water in a straw with your finger over the end)

After it stalls or while it's stalling, loosen the cap...if you hear a inrush of air then you found your problem.

That just happened to my neighbor last weekend, he loosened the cap and it ran fine.

 

[mnoles]

That is awesome! I was just freaking out that it was going to cost me a couple hundred bucks to have my JDL111 picked up by the local shop and worked on. I changed the fuel filter, changed the plug, fished a dead fly out of the fuel tank, then fished his wings out, then poured in some gas stabilizer, and ran out of options (for a rookie)
I read some other forums, and they were talking coils, and points, and armatures, and some other gut wrenching thoughts for a guy who doesn't have a clue.
I just checked my cap and the little hole in the middle was plugged with some gunk. It was easily cleaned with a toothpick. Who would have thunk it? THANKS KennyD. You da man!

 

[kennyd]

Glad to help:thumbsup:

 

[Molerj]

Sounds like it is the gas cap, but if that doesn't solve it, it may be the fuel solenoid, if so equipped. I won't go into it, unless the cap doesn't fix it.