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After home tune-up, JD L120 won't start. Just one click, once.

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

After watching multiple videos, I felt confident enough to do a home tune-up on my John Deere L120 lawn tractor.

I got the home tune-up kit from my local dealer. I had changed the fuel filter less than a month before, and it had run well since. So I didn't need to change the fuel filter during this tuneup. I saved the kit's fuel filter for later in the year.

For the tune-up, I drained the oil and changed out the air filter. Then when all the oil was out, I changed the oil filter. Then I tackled the spark plugs.

I did not have a spark plug gap tool, but assumed that the plugs in the kit were set for my model. (This may be where the problem is).

When I reset the new plugs (no cross-threading or over-tightening) and the cap wires clicked back in place, I tried to crank the engine. All I heard was ONE CLICK. Then nothing. Every subsequent time I tried to turn the engine, there were NO CLICKS. Nothing.

The brake is engaged. All is ready for a start. Nothing.

I did not disconnect the battery to change out the plugs. Could something have shorted?

I did not have a spark plug gap tool. But even if the gap was wrong, wouldn't it at least TRY to start and not just be silent?

Just in case I had actually overtightened and done some damage to the end of the spark plug, I pulled them back out to inspect. Both seemed fine.

I am at a loss, and no YouTube or Google search has been able to help me.
Besides some slight sputtering, the engine was running fine before the tune-up.

Any thoughts on what to do differently? What to check from here? Thanks so much!

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Comments (5)

yt125
6 years ago
I hope you remembered to fill it with oil. Did you check the new plugs and old plugs to make sure they are the same?
Dale Suffridge thanked yt125
wprice23
6 years ago
How old is the battery?
Dale Suffridge thanked wprice23
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krnuttle
6 years ago
When I do the service on my lawn tractor, I frequently have no response when I first try to start it. It seems that the one thing I forget in the service is to reconnect the spark plug wire.

PS I get the JD tune up kit for my LT155, most of the time the plug gap is the correct gap. However you can get a gauge from for less the 10 bucks at Walmart or similar store. I have what is called a Spark plug guage, with the calibrated wire loops, and the feeler gauge with the blades. Both can be used, however I prefer the Spark plug gauge. If you are going to do your own service routinely, you should go ahead and get the gauge.
Dale Suffridge thanked krnuttle
tomplum
6 years ago
I would rock the flywheel screen back and forth to see if then you can turn the engine over by hand. Then what happens?
Dale Suffridge thanked tomplum
Dale Suffridge
Original Author
6 years ago
It was a dead battery. It had enough to power the headlights the first time. That's why I thought the battery was OK. But it died shortly thereafter. Problem solved. She's purring niclely now.

Thanks for all your feedback!
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