John Deere STX 38- won't start

13 years ago

My husband bought a used John Deere STX 38. It was running when we got it but needed a new clutch. He replaced it but when he got it all back together... now it won't start! Any ideas??

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

mownie
13 years ago
***"now it won't start!"***
Not much of a description there.
I will guess that when you turn the key now, you get no sound at all.
If that is what you mean, first check the position of the PTO switch. if it is ON, the starter is inhibited from engaging.
If the PTO switch is OFF, check for a blown fuse.
No blown fuse? Try boost starting from another vehicle with jumper cables.
If that is fruitless, check and clean ALL battery cables on the mower, that means ALL cable ends on both the negative and positive cables, and the cable between solenoid and starter too.
If none of these apply to your case, try posting a bit more descriptive version of exactly what is, or is not happening when you turn the key to start.
akfuller
Original Author
13 years ago
no it turns over but wont start sounds like it want to start but just wont checked all cable pto not engaged brake depressed choke on key on fully charged battery ?????
Related Discussions
jd stx38 won't start
Q
Comments (1)
You may want to determine if the engine seems to have compression. if so, actually replace the spark plug if you haven't already. Still nothing? I would pull the flywheel and check the key. It is possible to have spark and a bad coil btw.
...See More
john deere stx38 pto wont engage
Q
Comments (32)
Hey folks, so I'm posting this follow up in my original thread because I think I have a related problem. Last year, I replaced the PTO drive belt and the mower blade drive belts on my inherited JD STX 38 Yellow Deck. Today I took the mower out (NOT the first time this season) and had some serious issues. First of all, the grass is tall - 18-24 inches. I had the mower height set to the tallest height. The grass may have also been slightly damp - although not wet. I was able to cut basically one path, then I realized that although the PTO was engaged, the blades weren't cutting the grass. I was going at the slowest speed (first gear) and even tried cutting using only 1/2 of the mower deck width at a time - no help. I took the mower back to my driveway, cleared out lots of old clumped grass from the blades, and started the mower and the PTO. The blades were definitely turning. I turned off the mower again, and noticed that the PTO drive belt is looking terrible - it's all pitted and slack - it's not tight around the PTO shaft! So, my theory is this: the PTO drive belt is shot again (Although not broken yet) - so the blade spin when I'm not trying to cut anything, but when I come in contact with any sort of grass of substance, the slack belt is "slipping" and resulting in the blades not cutting? Does this make sense? Solution: replace the belt AGAIN???? A few more things to note: 1) I tried cutting shorter grass and drier grass and had very little luck. 2) why would my PTO drive belt, just replaced a year ago, be so shredded already? That's worrisome... any advice would be appreciated. thanks.
...See More
John Deere STX38 Stalls after fuel in filter is gone.
Q
Comments (14)
Josh, there are any number of things that can cause your problem. A few of the more obvious, and easily-dealt with, problems are: Carb problem, as addressed by ewalk above. Dirty, clogged air filter Clogged fuel filter Bad spark plug I suggest that you replace your air filter, then disconnect the fuel line where it attaches to carburetor; if you don't get a flow of fuel, then clean out the gas tank and replace the fuel filter (use ONLY Kohler PN 25050007S - DO NOT use any other filter.) Clean the carb as ewalk suggested. Replace the spark plug (RC12YC), after gauging it to the correct gap (0.040). Get a can of fresh gasoline and add a double shot of Stabil or Seafoam to it. Fill the tank and give it a try; I suspect that these steps will get you back in the saddle again.
...See More
JD STX38 Won't Start...Odd
Q
Comments (1)
Could the engine have flooded? Sometimes after sitting for an extended period, the fuel line may deteriorate and a small "chunk" could work its way into the carb needle & seat and prevent it from closing. DO check for spark. IF none, make sure the seat switch connector is fully plugged in. You might also try manually moving the seat switch to see if it's hanging up or feels "crunchy" inside. I don't have a schematic, so this is off the top of my head.
...See More
mownie
13 years ago
2 things to check right off.
Check for spark at the plug. You can do this by removing the spark plug, connecting the plug back to the spark cable, then lay the plug on a metal part of the engine where you can see the spark end of the plug. Watch for spark while someone sits in the seat and cranks the engine.
If you do not have spark, post back stating that.
If you have spark, put the plug back in and go to the next step.
Remove the air cleaner and spray a burst of spray carb cleaner into the carb, or drop a couple of teaspoons of gasoline into the carb and immediately try to start the engine. If the engine runs for a second or 2, there is a problem with the fuel system not delivering fuel to the engine. DO NOT use "ether starting fluid" in a small, air cooled engine.
Do this and post back.
akfuller
Original Author
13 years ago
we have spark and fuel going to carb new plug and new fuel filter new fuel line oil change and filter also
mownie
13 years ago
Fuel getting to the carb does not equal fuel making its way through the carb and into the engine. That is why the part about dribbling a couple spoons of gas, or a shot of carb cleaner into the throat of the carb is significant.
What happened when you did that?

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES You Won't Believe What These Homeowners Found in Their Walls

By Mitchell Parker

From the banal to the downright bizarre, these uncovered artifacts may get you wondering what may be hidden in your own home

Full Story

285

TREES 7 Deer-Resistant Flowering Trees to Plant this Fall

By Brian Barth

If you live in a neighborhood with roaming deer, consider these beautiful trees that won't tempt hungry guests

Full Story

By Marianne Lipanovich

Late summer and late winter are good times to plan and plant cool-season crops like salad greens, spinach, beets, carrots and peas

Full Story

CONTRACTOR TIPS 10 Things to Discuss With Your Contractor Before Work Starts

By Ventana Construction LLC

Have a meeting a week before hammers and shovels fly to make sure everyone’s on the same page

Full Story

126

GARDENING GUIDES Oh, Deer! 10 Native Flowers That Stand Up to the Herds

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Keeping a garden amid hungry deer can be hard, but these plants should fare well

Full Story

By Laura Gaskill

Don’t let this catch-all space get the better of you. These baby steps can get you started

Full Story

115

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Unsung Bulbs for Fall Planting

By LuAnn Brandsen

Don't hang up your spade after summer — plant these unusual bulbs in fall for a spectacular spring show

Full Story

BATHROOM DESIGN How to Choose the Best Drain for Your Shower

By By Any Design Ltd.

Don't settle for a cheap fix when you can pick a shower drain that suits your style preferences and renovation codes alike

Full Story

KITCHEN DESIGN 15 Farmhouse Kitchens That Made Us Swoon This Month

By Mitchell Parker

Raw wood, natural light, shiplap siding — we just couldn’t get enough of these farmhouse-style kitchens uploaded to Houzz in January

Full Story

172

KITCHEN DESIGN The Kitchen Counter Goes to New Heights

By Tiffany Carboni

Varying counter heights can make cooking, cleaning and eating easier — and enhance your kitchen's design

Full Story

John Deere STX 38- won't start

Comments (5)

mownie

akfuller
Original Author

Related Discussions

mownie

akfuller
Original Author

mownie

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

John Deere STX 38- won't start

Comments (5)

mownie

akfullerOriginal Author

Related Discussions

mownie

akfullerOriginal Author

mownie

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

akfuller
Original Author

akfuller
Original Author