Mower not getting fuel? Fuel pump and fuel shut off solenoid test.

In this video I demo how to quickly check if you have fuel issue and how to check the fuel pump and fuel shut solenoid.

If your mower engine does not turn over at all check this in this order:
Battery conditon
Battery connections tight
Main fuse
Check is starter is getting power:
Yes- Replace / rebuild starter (bench test to verify)
No- Check ignition switch and relay

If you mower turns over but not starting? check this:

Battery Condtion
Battery Connections
Check fuel level & quality
Check fuel delivery:
Fuel pump working?
Yes- Check fuel shut off solenoid
Shut off solenoid working?
Yes- Check Carburetor
No- Replace solenoid

Fuel pump NOT working: Check vaccum hose is not damaged if vaccum hose is good check fuel lines and clear any line restrictions or cloggs before replacing pump.

If your getting fuel properly and engine is still turing over but not starting, check ignition system:
*Spark plug condtion
*Ignition coil (use coil tester)
* Ignition Switch / starter switch
*Check all safety switch connections
* Pto swtich (may be sending false signal that blades are engaged.
* Relays
*Flywheel key way could be sheared causing timing to be incorrect.

My goal is to make 'how to' and repair videos that teach valuable skills and help people save money. If you found this video helpful or saved you money please consider donating to support the channel at this link:

[Mechanical_Mind]

I'll get a commission on the sale at no extra cost to you. It's a great way to help the channel and get the items you need.

[jasoncohen]

This guy is great because he jumps right into the issue. There is nothing worse than someone rambling about whatnot before the issue is addressed

[joeharris]

Thanks! My John Deere ride on mower had sat for two years. I went to start it today and it felt like it was out of gas. I tried to start it several times, but no combustion happening. Then I found your video and I tapped on the "fuel solenoid" with my channel lock pliers, then attempted to start the mower, and wham it started right away!!! So it was obviously a stuck fuel solenoid due to bad gas, because it had sat so long (without being started). Thanks again. :)

[georgewashington]

I tried everything
New plugs
Fuel filter
Changed lines
Air filters
Then your selenioid problem solving popped up
I didn’t remove it but tapped it with a wrench a couple times.

Vrrrroooom! Fired right up the pin was stuck tapping released it.

Thanks!

[hallpaintandbody]

Thanks for the ideas. My zero turn wasn't getting any fuel through the lines. I blew in the lines and opened the choke on the carb a few times. It fired right up!

[dmiddles]

Thanks so much!! Test light routine helped. No definite fuel delivery. No "click" to solenoid. Blew air back through the line before the filter, then tapped hammer on solenoid, and ALL is good now! Feeling the solenoid "click" is a good hack. Not sure which problem I had, but my E130 JD is now running fine. Thanks so much!

[richardsnyder]

My John Deere e100 with only 90 hrs started but only ran for a few minutes and would cut off. Was driving me crazy until I watched a video with the same symptoms and he just cut the tip off of the fuel cut off solenoid and that fixed the stalling out. So I did the same and cut the tip off and hasn't stalled since 👍

[ptgpstu]

Mahalo for the video. You helped me fix my mower. You are a lifesaver. Instant subscriber.

[fordyn]

That was my problem.. Wow! Thanks for the information.

[MissYouPete]

What an excellent tutorial. Well done - thank you!

[Derk]

Nailed it!!!! Thank you so much. Seriously thank you.

[jimbomattingly]

my z355r john deere was shutting down after 20 mins. i had changed fuel filter, air filter, no help. I blew out lines i could, no help. I took off solenoid and checked it was working so i cycled it a few times out it back on and problem fixed. thansk

[josephmoneymobley]

Great video, thank you .

Answered all my questions perfectly.

[prsnroftime]

Thank you for this video! Saved me a headache and money!

[surendrajugdave]

Thanks. GURU . FOR THE INFO .I HAVE ALL YOUR VIDS . ILEANT A LOT . I AM SEMI BLIND

[rickholter]

That you for your response. I will try some carburetor cleaner first.

[andywestfall]

Think you just saved me a lot of money. Mower kept stalling time running kept getting shorter. Just went out gas filter full ran for about 5 min it stalls and gas filter is half empty. Has to be a clogged line.

[andrews]

My x300 starts fine but if I shut it off and try to restart a few mins later it won’t start….trying to start just floods it, could it be this solenoid as well? Thx

[DewongLucas]

Excellent video. I have a Z930 that shuts off after running for about an hour. It sputters down to a stop. I noticed that even though the solenoid was tight on the carb the body of it turned when I was unplugging the connector to test it. Could that cause the turning off?

[A-J.MAY]

I have the same mower and it just cut off when mowing today and I checked for fuel and I’m getting fuel to the carb so I’m guessing the solenoid is my problem.