G4200 lawn tractor won't start

[Tim H]

I just picked up on old 1985 g4200 in nice shape.While mowing the lawn it died.
The red light on the dash won't come on,and the fuel pump isn't getting power (it will work if I connect a jumper wire).The engine does turn over when the key is turned . I ran the battery low ,so I boosted it .I now realize that this could have created a problem

I've never had a diesel before , any tips on what to check for would be greatly appreciated . Thanks

 

[D2Cat]

Tim, best thing to do is get a good battery. Then remove the neg. battery cable where it attaches to the tractor frame and wire brush/clean before installing cable again. Check to be sure the cable does not have corrosion under in insulation at the terminal. Do the same for the positive cable. Take care to connect + to+, and - to - on battery. It's the little things that sneak by us.

It will probably start now. Your jumping it should not have cause any grief!

You have a 30 year old machine and will probable run another 30 if you keep it maintained.

 

[100 td]

Did you run it out of fuel, or is there very low fuel in the tank?

 

[mrmr56]

Raise the panel on top of the dash and look inside for a fuse holder and check the fuse. It is pouring rain and dark or I would go look and give you an idea of shich side it is on. If it clears up in the morning, I will try to get you a closer location. I have a G4200 and 2 1/2 G5200's.

 

[Tim H]

I checked the fuse .It was good ,but had oxidation on the ends.Scuffed it up and put a little dielectric grease on.It fired right up and runs great . Thanks for the advice .

I'm really impressed with the build quality of this little tractor.My John Derre garden tractor seems cheap in comparison . It just might run for another 30yrs.

 

[mrmr56]

Glad you got it going. Sounds like it could use a day of cleaning and tinkering on it.