Starting your John Deere lawn mower on a cool morning can be a frustrating experience if you can’t find the choke. Many lawn mower users, especially newer ones, may struggle to locate this crucial component. This article will guide you through the process of identifying the choke on your John Deere lawn mower, covering different types of chokes, their locations, and how to use them effectively.
In essence, the choke on a lawn mower enriches the fuel-air mixture, making it easier to start the engine when it’s cold. It does this by restricting the amount of air entering the carburetor, leading to a richer fuel mixture. Once the engine warms up, you can disengage the choke to allow normal air intake.
Identifying Your John Deere’s Choke: The First Step
Before embarking on a hunt for the elusive choke, it’s crucial to understand that John Deere lawn mowers come in various models, each potentially featuring a different choke system. The most common types are:
1. Manual Choke Lever:
This is the most traditional choke mechanism. You’ll usually find it on the side of the carburetor, sometimes near the engine’s air intake. It’s typically a lever that you push or pull to engage or disengage the choke.
2. Automatic Choke:
This type of choke is self-adjusting, eliminating the need for manual engagement. It’s often found on newer John Deere lawn mowers. The automatic choke system utilizes a bimetallic strip that bends due to temperature changes, controlling the air intake. You’ll rarely need to interact with it directly.
3. Electric Choke:
Some models feature an electric choke, which is activated through a button on the control panel or a switch on the dashboard. The electric choke system uses a solenoid to control the choke mechanism.
Locating the Choke on Your John Deere: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Consult Your Owner’s Manual:
The first and most reliable resource for identifying the choke location is your John Deere lawn mower’s owner’s manual. It will often include clear illustrations and explanations of the choke system. You can download a digital copy of the manual from the John Deere website or contact their customer service for assistance.
Step 2: Visual Inspection:
If you don’t have access to the manual, a visual inspection can often lead you to the choke.
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Look for a lever: If you see a lever connected to the carburetor, especially near the air intake, it’s highly likely a manual choke lever.
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Inspect the air intake: The choke often controls the air flow to the carburetor, so look for a mechanism that appears to restrict the air intake when engaged.
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Check the control panel: If you have a newer model, the choke control might be integrated into the control panel, potentially a button or a switch.
Step 3: Observe the Choke’s Function:
Once you’ve located a potential choke mechanism, try engaging it and observe what happens. If the choke works, you’ll notice a change in the air intake, potentially a change in engine RPMs, or a noticeable difference in the engine’s starting performance.
Common Choke Locations on John Deere Lawn Mowers
While the exact location may vary depending on the model, here are some common areas to check:
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Under the air filter: On some models, the manual choke lever is located underneath the air filter housing.
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Near the carburetor: The choke mechanism is frequently positioned near the carburetor, often connected to a cable that runs to the carburetor’s air intake.
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On the control panel: Newer models might incorporate the choke control into the control panel, usually as a button or a switch.
Using the Choke for Efficient Starting
Cold Starts:
When starting a cold engine, engage the choke. This enriches the fuel mixture, making it easier to start the engine. The choke should be fully engaged until the engine starts and settles into an idle.
Warm Starts:
If the engine is warm, you should not need to engage the choke. The engine will start more easily without the added fuel.
Disengaging the Choke:
Once the engine is running, disengage the choke gradually. You can do this by slowly releasing the lever, or by switching off the choke button or switch, if applicable. The engine should run smoothly without the choke. If the engine sputters or stalls, you may need to re-engage the choke briefly.
Troubleshooting Choke Issues
If you’re experiencing difficulties starting your John Deere lawn mower and suspect a problem with the choke, here are some common troubleshooting tips:
1. Check the Choke Lever:
- Ensure the lever is moving freely and is not sticking or binding.
- Make sure the lever is fully engaged and disengaged when needed.
2. Inspect the Choke Cable:
- Look for any kinks, breaks, or loose connections in the choke cable.
- Lubricate the cable if it’s dry or stiff.
3. Examine the Choke Valve:
- Make sure the choke valve is opening and closing properly.
- Clean the valve if it’s dirty or clogged.
4. Verify the Choke Mechanism:
- If you have an automatic choke, ensure the bimetallic strip is working correctly.
- Check the electric choke solenoid for proper operation if you have an electric choke.
Conclusion: Your John Deere’s Choke – A Vital Component
Understanding your John Deere lawn mower’s choke system and knowing how to use it effectively can make a significant difference in your starting experience. It’s a vital component that ensures efficient and reliable starting in all conditions. By familiarizing yourself with the choke’s location and function, you’ll be able to overcome cold start challenges and keep your John Deere running smoothly.
Remember, consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions tailored to your model. And if you encounter any persistent difficulties, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from a qualified John Deere service technician.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about finding the choke on a John Deere lawn mower:
Q1: Where is the choke located on my John Deere lawn mower?
The location of the choke on your John Deere lawn mower depends on the specific model and year of manufacture. However, it is typically located on the carburetor, a metal box near the engine. Some models have a choke lever that is visible and accessible on the side of the carburetor. Others may have a choke lever located on the underside of the carburetor.
To find it, look for a lever or knob with a symbol or word like “choke” or “choke off.” This lever is typically located near the fuel line and air filter. If you can’t find it, consult your owner’s manual for detailed instructions.
Q2: What does the choke do?
The choke helps to enrich the fuel-air mixture in the engine to make starting easier, especially in cold weather. When the choke is engaged, it restricts the amount of air entering the carburetor. This causes the engine to run richer, creating a denser fuel mixture that is easier to ignite.
Once the engine is running, the choke should be gradually released. This allows more air to enter the carburetor, adjusting the fuel-air mixture to its normal operating level.
Q3: Why is my John Deere lawn mower hard to start?
There are several reasons why your John Deere lawn mower might be hard to start. One possibility is that the choke isn’t being used properly. If the choke is not engaged, the engine may not get enough fuel to start. It’s also possible the choke is sticking, preventing the fuel-air mixture from properly adjusting as the engine warms up.
Another possibility is that the engine is flooded, meaning there’s too much fuel in the combustion chamber. This can occur if the choke is left engaged for too long or if the carburetor is malfunctioning.
Q4: How do I use the choke to start my John Deere lawn mower?
To start your John Deere lawn mower, first, make sure the fuel valve is open and the engine is in the “OFF” position. Next, engage the choke lever by pulling it out or rotating it to the “choke” position. This restricts the air intake and allows more fuel into the carburetor.
Then, crank the engine over a few times with the choke engaged. Once the engine starts, gradually release the choke lever until the engine runs smoothly. If you hear the engine sputter or struggle, re-engage the choke temporarily until it runs smoothly.
Q5: What if I can’t find the choke on my John Deere lawn mower?
If you can’t find the choke on your John Deere lawn mower, check your owner’s manual for specific instructions for your model. If you still can’t find it, it may be that your model doesn’t have a choke.
Some modern lawn mowers have automatic chokes that adjust the fuel-air mixture electronically. In these cases, you won’t need to manually engage the choke.
Q6: What do I do if my choke is stuck?
If your choke is stuck, try gently pushing or pulling the lever to free it. If it won’t budge, you may need to use a tool to help pry it loose. However, be careful not to damage the lever or the carburetor.
If you are unable to free the stuck choke, it is best to consult a qualified lawn mower technician.
Q7: Can I run my John Deere lawn mower without using the choke?
You can run your John Deere lawn mower without using the choke if the engine is already warm. However, it is recommended to use the choke to start the engine, especially in cold weather or when it’s been sitting for a long time.
Using the choke helps to ensure the engine gets the right fuel-air mixture to start smoothly and prevents potential engine damage.