John Deere lawnmower won’t start! Easy fix. Air in fuel lines.
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Published 2020-05-29
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When you run a tank to empty any dirt or trash that accumulated in the bottom can get into the main fuel line. This can create blockage that will prevent the fuel filter bowl from filling properly. First lets remove the hose and let some of the fuel leak out so it can expel some of that trash. See how the fuel flow slows down like that? That’s a sure sign there is air trapped in the fuel line that needs to be worked out. So first we will tip the fuel line up, wait until gas comes out, then reinstall it to the filter. I forgot my tripod so, you guys get to watch me struggle with this clamp one handed. WARNING! This next part isn’t OSHA approved, but I’ve been doing this for years. Just blow into the gas tank to try and work the air out of that fuel line. One important note, is that you slowly let the pressure off, otherwise you will get a gasoline splash to the face. See how the fuel level reaches the filter now? But we’re not done yet, I let off when I could feel air leaking out, so Ill give it one more puff while yall are watching the filter. See those air bubbles coming out? Those air pocket can get trapped in the bottom of the tank and fuel line and will give you a headache when trouble shooting. This will prevent the fuel pump from getting full suction because air can be expanded and compressed where liquids tend to retain there volume under pressure. So that’s it, there is a good troubleshooting method here too, which is to listen to your client. I usually start with the spark plug, but they told me it ran fine until that gas tank emptied and the engine shut off. That immediately made me think to check for air in the line. Thanks for watching!
All Comments (21)
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Dude! I just used this video to get my riding mower running again! And I'm a girl! LOL Thanks man!
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Thank you so much. Since my husband died I have had countless issues with all our gas powered equipment that he took care of. The John Deere L120 is the latest problem. I used my toilet plunger and a shot of starting fluid and it fired right up.
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I expect this mower will last several seasons with decent care. youtube.com/post/Ugkx1VWTrayKBdCKAjzAcZ_Eg4dhHTae3… also recommend Also, I ran across the problem with it not starting the 2nd time I used it. There is a safety switch which is pushed in by the chute or mulching piece being attached to the deck. I took the cover off and it wouldn't start. Put it back on, no problem. It takes only a minute with 2 easily accessible wingnuts and no tools. This mower starts up first crank each time and it is a joy to use. It also mows in reverse by putting the key to the reverse area after starting and pushing in the triangular button. It will stay in reverse mode until you turn it off. All in all, for my homeowner needs, I really like this mower-and at 70 bucks a cut here in Miami, it's already more than 1/3 paid for itself in a month.
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You sir are a HERO!!! For the life of me I couldn’t get it going after a winter of occasional start-ups. Turns out the fuel bled out of the line into the tank and it was hungry. Never would have thought about blowing air into the gas fill!
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worked like a charm , blew in tank till I saw those neat little sparkly things infront of my eyes , then jumped on and it fired right up . 100/100 would blow in gas tank again just for the head rush, and the strange smile that came after the head rush.
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Blowing in the fuel tank to clear air from the lines fixed my non start issue. Mower had been sitting for about 3 months & wouldn’t kick over. Noticed no fuel in the fuel filter & fuel not flowing thru. Blowing into the fuel tank got the fuel flowing again & back to mowing again 👍
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Dude! I tried everything that all the other tons of videos showed, but nothing worked, then I came across your video & was like, ok, one more thing to try. Ugh LOL So freaking glad I did because it was the exact problem!!! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and this fix with us. Very cool. No expensive service visit. Whew! I even found a "safer" method for blowing into the tank. I simply used a roll of paper towels. The rolls made a perfect seal & I was able to blow with no fear of splashback either. Ok, it was actually my wife that suggested this method. So thank her, but most of all, THANK YOU!!!
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This man deserves to have statue built in his honor! Thank YOU!!!
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Yes, too right!! Followed your advice even thought I had been doubtful of the outcome, two or three cranks over and the engine fired right up and "bobs your uncle". So simple and to the point video. Thank you for saving me the stress and anxiety of wondering what parts to replace on the John Deere.
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My Dad passed 2017 mower sat since probably 2014. Today I saw this video. I installed new battery, filled with gas removed gas line pre filter side blowed air by mouth lol like you said let gas flow with line off. Replaced line. Prayed and boom !!!!!!!!!! Started up like a new mower. Thank you so much! John Deere la 145 Briggs v twin
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My mouth and throat feel awful, but the mower is running:) Thank you very much.
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Bro…. Even after 3 years you’re still helping people with this video. Stressed out the past 2 weeks bc my d130 wasn’t starting. Noticed the fuel filter was empty after watching video. Tried blowing in the tank and BOOM! Thank you brother!
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We just saw your video,my husband and I are senior citizens, he is disable our riding lawnmower is up and running again THANK YOU!!!!
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My John Deere D160 wouldn't start, I had replaced the battery last summer so was pretty sure it wasn't the battery, and it was cranking good. Thought maybe a plugged fuel filter, so I replaced the fuel filter, no go, replaced both spark plugs, no go, checked all the sensors, they were good, kept asking myself why won't it start, I did notice the fuel filter seemed dry with no fuel in the fuel filter bowl, and no gas came out of the line when I changed the fuel filter. Did a quick google search and this video came up, sure enough, I blew in the line, filled up the fuel filter bowl,, gave it another try, and the tractor started up no problem. Wish I would have seen this video earlier, glad I seen it before calling a service tech in to look at it, thought I had tried everything. Thank you for making this video.
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I watched you blow into the tank and wondered what good that would do. Fuel into the carburetor helped it start, but it would quickly die. I tried your method and heard a “click”, either a valve in the fuel line or the air line. Cranked right up. Thanks for the help. Still can’t believe it worked.
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Dude! You saved me! Today is the first day of mowing this season. I have been in the habit of running the carb out of gas in the Fall to prevent build up in there. First time ever this Spring it wouldn't start. Plug was dry so I figured the fuel line must be plugged but I had no clue how to fix it -- until I saw your video! Brilliant !!! I had air or some debris blocking the flow. After a quick blowjob, she ran like a top! Thanks, buddy! You saved me a very costly an untimely service call !!! From now on, no more running the fuel out in the Fall. I'll just go with Stabil or Seafoam like I used to do with my motorcycle.
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You the man! Saved me from having to call my mechanic brother and hear all about how poorly I take care of my mower (even though I service my mower religiously). THANK YOU!
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Same as others. Did just about everything but after watching this I noticed my fuel filter bulb not filling. Did exactly what you did. Finally got this working. What a champ!
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I've been jacking with my mower for hours. This was an awesome trick! Had it running in 5 minutes.
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Just leaving a testimonial, this worked. LA145, tried everything with no luck. Found this video, thought 'no way', blew in the tank and it started in a few seconds. Thank you.
