John Deere 60 starting problems

Neal B · May 22, 2014

Restoring a JD 60 and now she will not start. I never changed the working mechanics as far as the engine goes. Removed Carb, cleaned it up and did a basic Carb kit, set the needles to 2 rotations. Had the coil/distributor off only long enough to clean/paint. Put back on at same location (notched setting), has strong spark new plugs. Anyway it back fired twice, yes back though the carb. Now 6 months later and long cold winter in Minnesota, trying to get back starting it. Upon further investigation when I rotating the engine with starter, air flows in through carb but flows back out what I think is the next stroke. Even then does not seem to be a strong flow. Don"t know since I am only rotating the engine with the starter and it is not running speed. Any ideas? Replaced oil but was never left without. Tractor was never outside. Timing not changed as far mechanical goes. Again any ideas? Last note tractor was running good, did 2 acres with JD227 picker / JD50 sheller under full load.

old popper · May 22, 2014

Are you sure the dist is not 180 degrees off from where it was when you removed it for painting?

Neal B · May 22, 2014

I think according to the manual, the distributor fires on every stroke. It rotates at 1 to 1 speed. Fires on compression and exhaust stroke. Tried both positions.

David G · May 22, 2014

Back firing is likely timing 180 off.

John B. · May 22, 2014

Air flowing back to the carb sounds like you have a stuck intake valve. Be careful if that's the case you can bend a push rod real easy if it hasn't already. Was this engine running when you got it?

Hayrack · May 22, 2014

If its backfiring and you had the cap off... you may have the plug wires switched on the cap. try flipping them around and see what it does. Just drove 30 miles today to do basically the same thing for a guy.

Neal B · May 22, 2014

When I remove spark plug wires. Rotate engine. It seems that air is puffing backwards through Carb. Should engine just suck air in only and out exhaust ?
Also when before trying to start (with air supply part off front of Carb.) fuel coming out and dripping from Carb.

Will try switching. Took tons of photos to reference back to make sure I put back in the same place.

Neal B · May 22, 2014

Engine was running and fine before restoring.

Hayrack · May 22, 2014

The puffing out the carb could be from it firing at the wrong point. If your plug wires are switched, then you are basically timed 180 out lie the other guys are saying. The "puff" can come from a partial ignition of the air/fuel mixture in the cylinder with a valve open. When you get full ignition, it backfires.

Hayrack · May 22, 2014

Sorry Neal.. Didn't see that you had the plug wires off for cranking. if she is puffing that bad... I would pop the valve cover off and check and make sure something isn't stuck from sitting or that the valve lash isn't too tight. Good luck and let us know how you turn out.

rick deere · May 23, 2014

take plug wires out and change places with them on cap and start the tractor,

Neal B · May 23, 2014

I guess that it might be a valve or something. I remember that the first time I tried starting it that there was a real loud bang. (Rang my ears). Will take cover off tonight to take a initial look. If more is needed to be done, it will be a while. Work allot and I never done engine repair before. Looking at manual this is not going to easy either.
In the mean time I do have a John Deere picker with a John Deere sheller for sale.

Mike M · May 23, 2014

A complete tune up is in order starting with a compression test and for sure put a timing light on it and set to the proper timing. No telling where it was set at before.

Neal B · May 23, 2014

Thanks all for the help. Will still check the timing to see if it is 180 degrees off or not. Upon initial review both intake vales were sticking a little. Intake valve on #1 I popped it and now no sticking. Intake valve #2 I popped it and still sticks, but less and less. Now I just tap it and it pops back. Sprayed it with penetrating lube, will check tomorrow.

Question: Since the tractor sat for a while that cause the sticking or do I have a slighting bent valve on my hands? (Caused from the loud back fire from last time I tried to start it 6 months ago.

Question: Or would a slightly bent valve even move at all.

John Deere 60 starting problems

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old popper

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