JD 214 tractor engine stops running suddenly

steveinohio · May 19, 2011

My 1985 JD 214 tractor runs fine mowing grass for about 1/2 hour to an hour and suddenly starts sputtering and eventually stops running and will not restart. Removed spark plug and attached to hot wire and no spark is present. Changed coil, condenser, and ran for about 15-20 seconds and did the same thing when trying to restart-no spark. There is power from the hot wire from the points to the coil using a test light. The only thing I can think of is the points set. When taking of the points cover it appears the push pin that opens the points set is barely moving. Could I have burned points? Is the push pin an internal engine issue? This is the second time this has happened wherein it runs just fine for the previously stated amount of time and suddenly it sputters on it's own and stops and doesn't start. I have no spark at the plug even when grounding it out on the frame. My only thought now is to remove and install new points. Any information and assistance is greatly appreciated.

joe csuti · May 19, 2011

Try cleaning & regapping points,same may have oil on contacts or need a regap due to normal wear,if that doesn't cure problem,remove points & check that push pin not broken/sticking in hole,if you decide to replace points,kohler recommends you replace push pin at same time(pin may be worn)

oldironman · May 19, 2011

Sounds like the fuel filter or line is getting cloged. Common problem.

steveinohio · May 19, 2011

Thanks joe csuti for your response. I was thinking the push pin along with the points may be the problem. I hope it's not an internal engine problem.

big a · May 19, 2011

Is the replacement coil a 12v one? Seen coils replaced with a six volt one do this too.

steveinohio · May 19, 2011

Thanks for the responses thus far. The coil I replaced I purchased new last fall. Something I did not mention on my previous post when the ignition key is turned on and you take a screwdriver spreading the points apart there is some arcing.

joe csuti · May 20, 2011

Try going with point cleaning regap 1st,if you still have problem,then replace points/pushpin,some places (local dealer,ebay)sell a complete tuneup kit(points,condenser,plug & push pin)this may save you a few dollars over single part prices,the push pin is a pricey little item,$9-$10 from kohler,I don't know if it's avail as an after market item,one other thing you might check,look for oil on head/side of block in area by exhaust valve,you may have a head gasket that's starting to leak as eng starts to warm up,a lot of the K series develop this problem as they get older.

ShowMEguy · May 25, 2011

What kind of coil did you replace it with? A normal Automotive coil will not work... for very long before it burns up.. Need to be a small engine coil.

As others have said I'd reset the gap on the points and clean them up. You could have a bad condensor as well.... It's a 5-10 buck part.. cheap thing to swap out and have a spare handy as well.

ShowMeGuy

JD 214 tractor engine stops running suddenly

steveinohio

Member

joe csuti

Well-known Member

oldironman

Member

steveinohio

Member

big a

Member

steveinohio

Member

joe csuti

Well-known Member

ShowMEguy

Member

Similar threads