T2380 Help? More turns over, runs then dies

[DonnieVT]

Hi, thanks for reading this.

I parked my tractor a few weeks ago and then when I went to use it again it wouldn't turn over, just click. I assumed I had a bad battery but charging it did nothing.
So at that point I assumed my starter went. Today I replaced the starter and it still wouldn't turn over, but on the third attempt it did and started right up and ran fine. As I drove it about 500 feet it started bogging, as I shook the tractor from side to side it tried to keep running but then died again. Then it would crank but not start. I reached under and around the deck to clear debris, grass, etc and tried again and it started up and ran so I tried mowing, got another 500 ft or so and then it died, shaking it made it rev a little like it wanted to run but it shut off again. Now it just cranks over but won't start.

Ideas?

 

[D2Cat]

Might remove the battery cables at both ends, then clean them bright and shinny especially clean at the tractor frame. If that doesn't cure the problem it's probably fuel related. Post back results.

 

[lmichael]

Your description seems like the fuel pump or a venting issue re the not staying running

 

[GreensvilleJay]

or bad fuel, junk in the tank......
'parked for a few weeks' to me means not used often, could have really old fuel in the tank.....

 

[kubotasaurus]

As others mentioned, clicking and not turning over is generally electrical. If the battery is completely shot, putting a charger on it won't make a difference. Did you try to jump-start it? I'd remove the battery and take it to an auto parts store. They'll test it for free. Starting and dying is often fuel starvation. Look down inside your fuel tank for debris that could be blocking the fuel line. Since it wanted to keep running when you rocked it (sloshed the fuel) that sounds like a likely culprit. That's why many recommend a screen on the fuel tank filler neck. Apparently, there is some sort of metal coffee filter on Amazon that fits perfectly.

 

[DonnieVT]

Might remove the battery cables at both ends, then clean them bright and shinny especially clean at the tractor frame. If that doesn't cure the problem it's probably fuel related. Post back results.

Thanks for all the replies, you guys are awesome.

I seems that when I was moving the side panels out of the way to do the starter one of them pulled down the bottom hose on the fuel pump but just barely, so when I would shake the tractor it'd make contact again. I put that back on the way it should be and all is fine.

Again, thanks.