Okay all you smarter JD 318 folks. I need some input. My 318 would not start. After some testing I replaced the coil and it starts right up. However, once it warms up it starts to sputter almost cutting out and then surging with a back fire now and then. Shut it off, restart and it is good for a few minutes. Ignition control module? Carb? It has the P218 so no points.
318 running problems
sfriend100
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Okay all you smarter JD 318 folks. I need some input. My 318 would not start. After some testing I replaced the coil and it starts right up. However, once it warms up it starts to sputter almost cutting out and then surging with a back fire now and then. Shut it off, restart and it is good for a few minutes. Ignition control module? Carb? It has the P218 so no points.
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Thanks. I did not replace the capacitor but will. I have a new one. I will run some tests as it is acting like a timing issue.
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My money is also on the condenser
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Alright then, one capacitor/condenser replacement coming up. I will reply with the results.
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Well, new capasitor install. Cranks right up as it has an electric fuel pump. Runs great for 3-5 minutes and then it starts acting up. Revs up, revs down, revs up, revs down, revs up, revs down, revs up, revs down. It never cuts off but the battery dicharge light does come on like it is about to cut off but then it revs back up. The rev up and down cycle is like 30 seconds - over and over. Strangest thing I have ever scene. Back to thinking it is the ICM. It is just too perfect of a cycle.
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Maybe I will upload a youtube video and post the link as it crazy to see/hear.
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It does it at idle or with throttle. Does seem to care. I have not cleaned or rebuild the carb.
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https://youtu.be/Tsap1Ito1f4. Video - it running at full throttle.
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Ok,in front of your carb at the top,there is a welch plug,they do get loose and do crazy things,remove the aircleaner and you can feel where it is hold your finger over the hole while it's running and see what happens.I will see if I can find a picture.you might check the idle jet for peace o mind.
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Okay, i can check in some manuals as well. Dark now so I will try this tomorrow if it is not raining. Greatly appreciate the input and guidance. I am okay with simple things but when it gets more complex, I need a little help.
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Seems electrical to me. Maybe a key switch getting hot? Battery?
Just tossing a few maybes out there for you. Cool setup btw.
Just tossing a few maybes out there for you. Cool setup btw.
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Nat, thanks. I was leaning electrical. I put new plugs in as well. Mighty Moe is different. Have had it for almost 15 years now and slowly kept adding on. Got the cab with no windows, so I made some. Starting to wonder if the electric fuel pump was draining the battery but doesn't seem right. Just never had anything act this way. The fuel pump is powered on the start circuit - same circuit as all the safety switches but all the switches are disconnected. I need to put the neutral safety switch connection back. I am going to check the fuel pump connection. Maybe it is lose.
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That's classic plugged up idle jet BUT starting good and starting surging later is curious.check the welch plug.it causes that.
You have put a lot of work personizing it.looks great.
Read here.http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...Carburetor-question-is-it-missing-a-plug&usg=AFQjCNFE6aRrCOvIbLMgH5FysEQY1LGnWA
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Backfires out the exhaust. I can turn it off and it starts right back up, but immediately starts doing it again. If I let it cool a bit, it starts right up and 2-3 minutes later it starts up again. Welch plug - that is new one for me so I will check it out. Probably will clean up the carb as well. This little tractor has been a work horse and more than paid for itself over time. Cleared several patches of underbrush across several lots, moved downed trees, firewood, mulch, top soil, gravel, scraped for laying sod, brick stepping stones, and even used it to lift a car once. Love my 318.
Any change(s) at all if you use choke when running?
JD service manager told me - missing welch plug was the 1st thing they checked for when they encountered hunting/surging like that, then went on from there if necessary.
If the carburetor is out of adjustment and also needs thoroughly cleaned you ought to check on that anyway. Look at Beef's videos for help.
JD service manager told me - missing welch plug was the 1st thing they checked for when they encountered hunting/surging like that, then went on from there if necessary.
If the carburetor is out of adjustment and also needs thoroughly cleaned you ought to check on that anyway. Look at Beef's videos for help.
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Sounds great. No change with choke. I will check the welch plug this evening.
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