John Deere lawnmower won’t start! Easy fix. Air in fuel lines.

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When you run a tank to empty any dirt or trash that accumulated in the bottom can get into the main fuel line. This can create blockage that will prevent the fuel filter bowl from filling properly. First lets remove the hose and let some of the fuel leak out so it can expel some of that trash. See how the fuel flow slows down like that? That’s a sure sign there is air trapped in the fuel line that needs to be worked out. So first we will tip the fuel line up, wait until gas comes out, then reinstall it to the filter. I forgot my tripod so, you guys get to watch me struggle with this clamp one handed. WARNING! This next part isn’t OSHA approved, but I’ve been doing this for years. Just blow into the gas tank to try and work the air out of that fuel line. One important note, is that you slowly let the pressure off, otherwise you will get a gasoline splash to the face. See how the fuel level reaches the filter now? But we’re not done yet, I let off when I could feel air leaking out, so Ill give it one more puff while yall are watching the filter. See those air bubbles coming out? Those air pocket can get trapped in the bottom of the tank and fuel line and will give you a headache when trouble shooting. This will prevent the fuel pump from getting full suction because air can be expanded and compressed where liquids tend to retain there volume under pressure. So that’s it, there is a good troubleshooting method here too, which is to listen to your client. I usually start with the spark plug, but they told me it ran fine until that gas tank emptied and the engine shut off. That immediately made me think to check for air in the line. Thanks for watching!

[@mikegoodman-dp5ef]

We just saw your video,my husband and I are senior citizens, he is disable our riding lawnmower is up and running again THANK YOU!!!!

[@heatherkitching780]

Dude! I just used this video to get my riding mower running again! And I'm a girl! LOL Thanks man!

[@brindlestaffy9465]

Blowing in the fuel tank to clear air from the lines fixed my non start issue. Mower had been sitting for about 3 months & wouldn’t kick over. Noticed no fuel in the fuel filter & fuel not flowing thru. Blowing into the fuel tank got the fuel flowing again & back to mowing again 👍

[@JMILLEROTSERMON]

This man deserves to have statue built in his honor! Thank YOU!!!

[@stolen-moments]

Yes, too right!! Followed your advice even thought I had been doubtful of the outcome, two or three cranks over and the engine fired right up and "bobs your uncle". So simple and to the point video. Thank you for saving me the stress and anxiety of wondering what parts to replace on the John Deere.

[@ashokbalar7271]

My mouth and throat feel awful, but the mower is running:) Thank you very much.

[@jefffrayer8238]

For those not real excited about blowing in the gas tank there is a simpler way. Take the air filter cover off which is the 4 black, plastic headed bolts forward of the flywheel and dump a tablespoon of gas down the rectangled opening. It will start right up and should keep running. That fuel pump is pretty slow. Every spring I do this to save a bunch of cranking waiting for fuel pump to get gas to engine. 155c. Nice video.

[@DorenMichael]

Dude! I tried everything that all the other tons of videos showed, but nothing worked, then I came across your video & was like, ok, one more thing to try. Ugh LOL So freaking glad I did because it was the exact problem!!! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and this fix with us. Very cool. No expensive service visit. Whew! I even found a "safer" method for blowing into the tank. I simply used a roll of paper towels. The rolls made a perfect seal & I was able to blow with no fear of splashback either. Ok, it was actually my wife that suggested this method. So thank her, but most of all, THANK YOU!!!

[@troythurston4724]

Bro…. Even after 3 years you’re still helping people with this video. Stressed out the past 2 weeks bc my d130 wasn’t starting. Noticed the fuel filter was empty after watching video. Tried blowing in the tank and BOOM! Thank you brother!

[@STEELSLINGA]

worked like a charm , blew in tank till I saw those neat little sparkly things infront of my eyes , then jumped on and it fired right up . 100/100 would blow in gas tank again just for the head rush, and the strange smile that came after the head rush.

[@CreativeMechanic]

I felt iffy about putting this up, but now after reading all the comments I feel like the guy from sling blade “It ain’t got no gas in it”

[@johns.1508]

Even a better rush if you suck in for the first few huffs 😵‍💫 😵‍💫🤪

[@georgehart8385]

This is in the Top 1% of useful videos. Immediately solved a problem I had been chasing for two years.

[@philliprash6887]

My Dad passed 2017 mower sat since probably 2014. Today I saw this video. I installed new battery, filled with gas removed gas line pre filter side blowed air by mouth lol like you said let gas flow with line off. Replaced line. Prayed and boom !!!!!!!!!! Started up like a new mower. Thank you so much! John Deere la 145 Briggs v twin

[@loismartin7715]

Thank you so much. Since my husband died I have had countless issues with all our gas powered equipment that he took care of. The John Deere L120 is the latest problem. I used my toilet plunger and a shot of starting fluid and it fired right up.

[@johns.1508]

Plunger was a GREAT idea vs mouth to tank. Leave it to a woman to have a great idea like that! 👏

[@gtbarsi1103]

I want to thank you for this, you really saved me a lot of grief.

[@stacyerickson164]

You the man! Saved me from having to call my mechanic brother and hear all about how poorly I take care of my mower (even though I service my mower religiously). THANK YOU!

[@jeremyvahle5861]

You sir are a HERO!!! For the life of me I couldn’t get it going after a winter of occasional start-ups. Turns out the fuel bled out of the line into the tank and it was hungry. Never would have thought about blowing air into the gas fill!

[@JohnClulow]

Dude! You saved me! Today is the first day of mowing this season. I have been in the habit of running the carb out of gas in the Fall to prevent build up in there. First time ever this Spring it wouldn't start. Plug was dry so I figured the fuel line must be plugged but I had no clue how to fix it -- until I saw your video! Brilliant !!! I had air or some debris blocking the flow. After a quick blowjob, she ran like a top! Thanks, buddy! You saved me a very costly an untimely service call !!! From now on, no more running the fuel out in the Fall. I'll just go with Stabil or Seafoam like I used to do with my motorcycle.

[@rhaskins17692341820]

I was only non-ethonol in small engines, leave gas in, and have no problems the next year.

[@eggnog74]

Same as others. Did just about everything but after watching this I noticed my fuel filter bulb not filling. Did exactly what you did. Finally got this working. What a champ!

[@markreep7841]

I was looking at my LA135's impulse line, fuel pump, fuel solenoid etc when I ran across your video. Gave it a try, worked immediately. Just stopping back to say thank you. Much appreciated!

[@jennifertenney3038]

Thank you. My D130 ran out of gas. It wouldn't start after adding fuel. I watched your video and puffed into the gas tank 3 times as hard as I could. It fired right up. I never thought that would work! You saved me a lot of hassle.

[@pi1810]

OMG it worked! It only took about five-minutes. Thank you SO MUCH. You have no idea how much stress you saved me from.

[@vickilynn5620]

Me too......Wow....I must say I was a tad sad when the new spark plug didnt work....Only took me 2 min......blew in the tank... felt the pressure....jumped on the old John Deere 70,s....started right up.....woooohooooooooo

[@douglasparker4633]

Worked like a champ... Thanks! Saved me a bunch of troubleshooting.

[@hy3916]

you're a lifesaver! My X380 stopped in the middle of mowing, and I saw my fuel filter was cracked and leaking fuel. I replaced the fuel filter right away but it still wouldn't start until I saw your video and blow the filling hole. Air must have gotten into the fuel line while it was cracked.

[@a40Gaming]

This just saved me SO MUCH time and money. Was just about to buy a fuel pump. Blew in the tank a few times and it fired right up! Thank you!

[@jefcoes1]

You're The Man!!!!! This trick worked just as you said! Thanks so much for the video!

[@joanlecce4033]

just what I needed know. had just filled the tank and then it would not start. thanks 83 year old women!!!!

[@trafficjon400]

Congratulations as i a bit younger daring to give it a shot but don't have enough to get the nack. lol i hope it works after i tightened the crack in hose. 👍👍 Blessings we hope

[@Chipotle661944]

Thanks for sharing, brother! The best tool in my toolbox is youtube, because of people like you who post these little gems.

[@michaelconsoli5498]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU. I had already replaced the fuel pump, spark plug, checked on about 3 other "issues". However, blowing in the tank fixed it! She started right up. Hope it continues. Thank you.

[@CreativeMechanic]

Glad we could help!

[@dsproductions47]

Thank you, there’s great honor is sharing knowledge to fellow men.

[@brakg36]

This fixed my problem! Thanks you for saving me a few hundred dollars.

[@kevinclark6289]

I performed this trick on April 3rd 2021 not only blowing from the fuel filter line back to the tank with cap off but also blowing from the tank through the line and it worked like a charm. The mower is now running great. It would start but sputter very very bad you couldn't use it and then it would die out especially after running about 10 minutes it would act up and then at that time you were done I literally couldn't figure it out I knew it had to be something in the fuel line and I didn't want to replace a lot of expensive Parts on it so thank God I found this video because again it worked like a charm. Thank you so much.

[@thomaspassmore3885]

wow this actually worked i changed plugs, air filter, fuel filter, battery, oil filter, just would not start. saw this video blow in gas tank get fuel to flow out of hose started right up! amazing cant thank you enough for this video!

[@NuthinFancyCollectibles]

I watched you blow into the tank and wondered what good that would do. Fuel into the carburetor helped it start, but it would quickly die. I tried your method and heard a “click”, either a valve in the fuel line or the air line. Cranked right up. Thanks for the help. Still can’t believe it worked.

[@jamesperry9534]

This guy is a genius! I worked on mine for almost a week and replaced the fuel pump and vacuum hose (on the advice of other videos) and it still wouldn't run. Blew into tank a couple of times to clear out the air from the line and it started and ran perfectly.

[@patrickkane3983]

I thought this wouldn’t work, but my Deere wasn’t starting, so I had nothing to lose. It worked!!!!!!!😅 Thanks for sharing this trick!

[@knothead6436]

Thanks, thanks , thanks. I was getting ready to haul my D140 off to repair shop when I came across your video. I blew in gas tank and quess what, I had gas in filter and mower started right up. Thanks again.

[@ryandavis7147]

Got my mower fired up in about 45 seconds. Thank you!

[@garrettgarcia7115]

I expect this mower will last several seasons with decent care. kzbin.infoUgkx1VWTrayKBdCKAjzAcZ_Eg4dhHTae3LkN also recommend Also, I ran across the problem with it not starting the 2nd time I used it. There is a safety switch which is pushed in by the chute or mulching piece being attached to the deck. I took the cover off and it wouldn't start. Put it back on, no problem. It takes only a minute with 2 easily accessible wingnuts and no tools. This mower starts up first crank each time and it is a joy to use. It also mows in reverse by putting the key to the reverse area after starting and pushing in the triangular button. It will stay in reverse mode until you turn it off. All in all, for my homeowner needs, I really like this mower-and at 70 bucks a cut here in Miami, it's already more than 1/3 paid for itself in a month.

[@ScottyGG]

Just leaving a testimonial, this worked. LA145, tried everything with no luck. Found this video, thought 'no way', blew in the tank and it started in a few seconds. Thank you.

[@slupot]

It works on many small engined vehicles/tools. Some have priming systems, like many tractors and whatnot. My grandfather taught me the trade of an agricultural mechanic, and his biggest advice to me was to "keep it simple stupid!"

[@AndrewKnedler-wp1sw]

Legend! Happy to report the same fix works all the way down in New Zealand. Saved me💰💰💰 Thanks mate 👍😀

[@sfumatofarm]

Son of a gun. That was the oddest fix I've ever had to do (blowing into the fuel tank) but it worked!! Thank you!

[@vickilynn5620]

Oh My word!!!!! I LOVE YOU..... 64 yr old woman here...changed the spark plug...still no connection....got back on yt...found you.....blew in the gas tank......Started right up.....Good job brother..God bless you ❤

[@josebonilla6518]

That was my fix. Lol. Thank God for this video. Blowing in the tank fixed it.

[@estamday]

Thank you! Your video helped after I'd already replaced oil, filters and plugs.

[@garybenhart]

Thanks for the helpful tip. My mower wouldn't start in the spring after running all the gasoline of the lawn mover the previous fall. Worked for me within five minutes. I'm just glad nobody saw me/filmed me "blowing" into the tank.

[@johnleonard6917]

Had tried everything. The non-OSHA approved solution was the game changer! Thanks.

[@justinhornback4222]

Blowing in the tank worked perfectly on my D140. Mine sat for a couple of months during the winter and wouldn’t crank even with adding more gas in the tank. I pulled the plugs and checked everything and knew it was getting fire, just didn’t seem to be getting fuel. Blew in the tank like you suggested and it fired up on the first turn of the switch. Thanks for the video man, really helped me get it going.

[@jordanmaze8289]

THIS WORKED. Spent 2 hours trying to get the air out of there. I could not manage it with my mouth cus there was too much build up in the line, but i used some compressed air and popped it right out. Thanks for the tip

[@marylandgal5286]

oh i like this idea cuz i didnt rlly wanna mess up and get a mouthful lol. just used like the thing you use to inflate tires ? did you have to seal it around the gas tank opening somehow (mimicking his mouth sealing it) or just stuck it in there and it did the job ?

[@sacarguy40]

I followed your instruction and my mower fired right up -- thanks for this video

[@kip4966]

You sir are a hero. HERO! I didn't even have to mess with the line....blowing in the tank alone got it going!

[@demetriusdallas3555]

OMG I have to try this!!! My zero turn ran out of gas and it has had problems ever since. It ran like a dream before it ran out of gas thank you for this video.

[@ensignredbeard7144]

I couldn’t start my John Deere today, to get it ready for winter snow-blowing. Your video was the first that I came across. After I saw your video, I then realized how much air was in the bulb. I did all the steps in your video and it started right up. Thank you very much for such an informational video with helping others troubleshoot their problems!

[@twilightlifecabin8728]

Thank you. Your advice saved me $50.

[@MatthewMatejka]

I've been jacking with my mower for hours. This was an awesome trick! Had it running in 5 minutes.

[@cashllama7114]

This worked perfectly. Thanks man!

[@TSBFRock]

You saved me from aggregation and money. Excellent tip.

[@shanevert333]

Thank you. This just saved me from buying unnecessary parts for my E170.

[@cowmandu]

Whatever sorcery was conjured up by doing this works! Thank you oh great and wise one!

[@antonakissaurelius8620]

You are one smart man! Thanks dude just did it just like you cranked right up afterwards & ran like a champ!😆👍

[@douglasrjohnson1]

Same problem, same cause, and your "non-OSHA approved" hack did the trick. Saved me $200 and a PITA...thanks!

[@kevinraney3774]

Just frenched my John Deere D140 , yup that’s what it was -- thanks my man !

[@user-hh3yo7tc3u]

Exactly the issue my E120 had! You're a lifesaver--otherwise I would have had to send it out for service just when the spring grass is getting ahead of me. Thanks so much!

[@conniealbritton9756]

OMG…..THIS WORKED! IT ACTUALLY WORKED. Dude, I’m a follower for life!1111111111

[@CreativeMechanic]

Yeeeee

[@NoReturn996]

Bravo, it works!!! You won’t see this troubleshooting in any “professional “ approaches. It works like a charm. Thank you.

[@CreativeMechanic]

But me is pro fishional

[@Wisemade]

My John Deere D160 wouldn't start, I had replaced the battery last summer so was pretty sure it wasn't the battery, and it was cranking good. Thought maybe a plugged fuel filter, so I replaced the fuel filter, no go, replaced both spark plugs, no go, checked all the sensors, they were good, kept asking myself why won't it start, I did notice the fuel filter seemed dry with no fuel in the fuel filter bowl, and no gas came out of the line when I changed the fuel filter. Did a quick google search and this video came up, sure enough, I blew in the line, filled up the fuel filter bowl,, gave it another try, and the tractor started up no problem. Wish I would have seen this video earlier, glad I seen it before calling a service tech in to look at it, thought I had tried everything. Thank you for making this video.

[@johnlangdon8099]

I really appreciate this video. I am a hero in my own home because of it!!

[@warriorsgreatness6182]

Thank you posting this clip. Great help for non-mechanical people. Helped me figure out the mower no start issues. Learning from your expertise. Mucho Gracias

[@HerbyWoman]

Gave my mower mouth to mouth then flew around the house on it to save the day for my wife using the push mower. Thanks!

[@stargroves14]

It worked!!!...thank you..Saved me hours of headaches and the possibility of jumping off a bridge

[@LF-sf6wr]

Can't believe it worked your a genius spent a few days on a fix that took two seconds thanks

[@tomh.648]

Thanks!...You saved me the 1hr.+ of troubleshooting, frustration, & the copious flow of creative curse words.

[@UnclaimedVision]

Dude! Thank you for making this video! You helped me get it working again.

[@desbowen]

After wasting a lot of time and money troubleshooting, this worked on my E130. Started right up.

[@SSSoul3]

I almost died when he referred to Southern Cologne, we always knew an Avon Lady in the Everglades. But whatever someone says about his accent, his thought process is pure mechanical Country Refinement. I can’t wait to try it on my S100. ….. “I had to put V tread, four ply tires on the back, what can I say.”

[@chucks.7000]

I struggled for an hour today with my JD before watching your video. I knew it was a fuel delivery issue but couldn't figure it out. Blow into the fuel tank to pressurize it? Yeah right! Needless to say I did that a few times and the darn thing started!! Therefore, I thank you very much for this simple trick......

[@CreativeMechanic]

Adapt and survive lol

[@getoutofyourmomsbasement]

This solved it! It took a bit of coaxing the fuel through the lines and the first time I got gas in my face because I didn't let off slow enough, he isn't kidding about that. But the mower is up and running! Did an oil and filter change, new plugs, air filter, and fuel filter while I was at it!

[@h3135]

I thought you were off your rocker with this, but I was out of ideas so I gave it a try. My 125 started right up. Genius!

[@CreativeMechanic]

I am off my rocker. Your not wrong

[@iPokerface1991]

This little trick worked like a charm! You just saved me so much headache. Thank you!

[@bemseer]

Went to try to start my tractor after sitting in the shed over the winter. Wouldn’t start. Never had that trouble before. All of a sudden my mind started racing and how much a dealer was going to charge me to get it going. Well, I found your KZbin video, and had my engine running in five minutes! Thank you so very much!

[@robertstanleylee]

Oh my gosh.... so simple and EFFECTIVE!! Thank you huge!!! That solved my issue. You are awesome. Thanks for sharing the insight.

[@colegray3037]

Worked first try for me. Thanks a lot man. Your a life saver. Really appreciate it.

[@steveguesswho3179]

Found your video. I knew I had old gas but couldn’t figure a way to prime the carb. After watching I loosened the gas line and no flow so I tried your technique and it worked. Thanks

[@briankoncyk3379]

Awesome video! You just saved me hours of checking and money! This worked on my JD and took only a few short minutes. Thank you! I just subscribed.

[@user-my8wc7ld5p]

It worked blowing and it worked on my L110, thank you very much I did everything Air with air presser , so I tried like you did blew into it ,it worked !

[@TinaC982]

Thank God I found this video! Worked like a charm! Thank you so much!!

[@barbacoamole8030]

Ha, thanks for the tip, worked beautifully on my mower!

[@TheDarkRican]

Genius.... literally had no fuel in the fuel filter after changing, blew in the tank and saw the filter fill. Fired right up. Thank you.

[@connorringling]

Worked for me like a charm! The fuel filter doesn’t appear to be filled any more than it was before but I followed the steps and it worked. Suggestion! I used a BIKE PUMP and created a seal around the gas opening using my hand.

[@rtosborne3]

Thanks. Worked like a charm.

[@keiththompson3383]

Can't say much for the taste, but it worked exactly as you instructed. Thank you, much!

[@jaynonejayone514]

Just saved me some time and most importantly money. Works like a charm. Thank you 😊

[@user-rf2gn8ux8o]

Amazing, didn’t blow in the tank but did in the tube from the tank. Started immediately. Thank you!

[@judicox5696]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Had to replace the fuel tank bushing and then it wouldn't start. I used a toilet plunger instead of blowing into it and it worked GREAT!

[@CreativeMechanic]

Imagine the looks on your neighbors faces watching you plunge your lawnmower

[@jasonkendall5048]

wow, thanks! That was exactly my issue too and after following along with what you did, it started up like a charm.

[@TranceEmotion]

So i bought an old John Deere 180 from like the late 80's. It had been running fine 2 years ago and i charged up the battery and nothing. Well crap, run through some stuff and see fuel isn't making it past the very bottom of the filter. Go grab some new fuel hose and a new filter and still nothing. Im guessing bad pump. Come on yt to see about a new pump and find this video. Instantly say it cant be this easy. Go out give it a few blows and voila fires right up. Tyvm for this vid. Saved me alot of hassle!

[@CreativeMechanic]

So if you frequently have to do this trick and your tank isn’t empty it could be that the fuel pump is going bad. So your on track! But if you only have to do it on a empty tank…. John deeere is to blane

[@TranceEmotion]

@@CreativeMechanic Yeah what little fuel that was in the tank had evaporated off so it was bone dry when i first got it. I sucked fuel to the filter when i put new lines on thinking that would be enough priming but apparently not lol. Runs like a dream now so ty. Just trying to figure out if there a spring that hold the deck height adjuster rod in place. It just flops around in its slotted area.

[@OldGuyHelper]

Thanks for the clip!! Saved me from looking stupid after draining the bad fuel out of my mother-in-laws D130 and not being able to get it started again. The ol' lips on the gas tank worked wonders!! Still had a bit of water in the carb but after a couple of minutes in ran like a scalded dog.

[@mikemonfet6548]

This works, thanks bud!

[@Michael-wn1yt]

What an awesome help this was. Worked great, I had been messing with the problem all summer long. Now the mower works great. Thanks so much

[@jamescravens4109]

Appreciate you brother, saved me a whole lot of trouble.

[@e.s.8684]

Thank you! After 3 months of troubleshooting everything (or so I thought), a friend came over and helped me to get it running. After 3 successful mows (a little over 10 acres) (the gas gage wasn't put back correctly) so it didn't show low and hence I ran out of gas, and it wouldn't start. Followed this video and boom! It started right up. :

[@rickwitt5735]

This worked perfectly for me. Thank you!!!

[@airtran333]

Damn, you're my hero!

[@carrollmaster7194]

After sitting all winter cranked but would not start. Checked spark plug was Ok. Did exactly what you showed in this video. Running again thanks to you!