The John Deere LX277 is a lawn tractor that was first introduced in 2002.
Though it is no longer in production, there are still many of these lawn tractors in use today.
Unfortunately, like any machine, the LX277 is not without its problems.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the most common John Deere LX277 problems and what you can do to fix them.
Common John Deere LX277 Problems
1. Engine Overheating
If the John Deere LX277 engine is overheating, it is likely due to one or more of the following issues: excessive engine load, cooling fins or air inlet plugged, too much or too little oil, poor quality oil, or connecting rod to crankshaft bearing clearance.
To fix the John Deere LX277 engine that is overheating, start by reducing the load on the engine. If the cooling fins or air inlet are plugged, clean dirty components.
If the oil level is too high or low, adjust it accordingly. If the oil is of poor quality, change it.
Finally, check the connecting rod to the crankshaft bearing clearance and adjust as necessary.
2. Engine Stalling Issue
If your John Deere LX277 is stalling, there are several possible causes. The most common ones are a weak or failing battery, a failing voltage regulator, or a failing PTO.
To fix a weak or failing battery, take your mower or battery to your nearest auto parts store and have them check it for free. If there is an issue with the battery, replace it.
To fix a failing voltage regulator, the voltage of your regulator should be around 14V while the engine is running at full throttle. Anything other than 14V means a failing voltage regulator that needs a replacement.
Lastly, to fix a failing PTO, you will need to replace the PTO.
3. Engine Backfires
There are a few reasons the John Deere LX277 engine might backfire. One possibility is that the spark plugs aren’t firing correctly, which can be caused by a variety of factors like bad spark plugs, incorrect ignition coil air gap, or dirty or corroded contacts.
Another issue that might cause the engine to backfire is a misadjusted choke – if it’s too open, the fuel-air mixture will be too rich and this can also lead to backfiring.
There are also several things you can check on the carburetor itself – like the floats and fuel jets – to make sure they’re adjusted correctly and aren’t causing problems.
Finally, you should also inspect the valves and valve clearance to make sure everything is working as it should.
If there are any sticking valves or other issues with the valvetrain, this can also cause your John Deere LX277 engine to backfire.
4. Motor Surging
There are three potential causes of the John Deere LX277 motor surging problem: air leaks, fuel delivery issues, and governor system problems.
To fix an air leak, locate the leaks and use a vacuum pump to fix them.
To fix a fuel delivery issue, replace the fuel pump if there are any irregularities.
To fix a governor system problem, loosen the governor’s arm slightly.
So, if your John Deere LX277 is experiencing motor surging, check for these three issues and fix them accordingly.
5. Emitting Black Smoke
There are a few reasons why John Deere LX277 is smoking.
One of the more common reasons is when the air cleaner element becomes clogged and cannot properly filter the air.
Another reason might be that the choke is partially engaged, preventing enough fuel from reaching the engine.
Finally, it’s possible that there is an issue with the oil fill dipstick O-ring seal or cracked cap.
To fix the smoke problem, clean or replace the air cleaner filter if it is clogged. Check and repair the throttle if the choke is partially engaged.
If the oil fill dipstick O-ring seal is bad or the cap is cracked, replace them.
6. Hard to Start
The John Deere LX277 is hard to start because of a few common reasons: a faulty spark plug, an incorrectly set carburetor, clogged fuel pipes, or a damaged throttle cable.
These problems can often be fixed by servicing the fuel system, changing the cable, filling in the correct fuel, checking and replacing electrical wiring, or inspecting the starter.
Over time, the fuel filter stores a tiny amount of fuel due to evaporation or gravity.
If you can somehow push that fuel to the fuel tank again, you won’t face the hard-to-start problem.
7. Deck Belt Popping Off
John Deere LX277 deck belt popping off is a problem that has been noticed by people. It’s pretty dangerous as the belt can come off without any warning.
The only way to prevent this problem is by knowing how to fix it.
If your John Deere LX277 deck pops off while you are mowing, there are a few things that you can do to fix the problem.
First, make sure that all of the bolts on the deck are tight. If they are not tight, the deck will pop off. Second, make sure that the deck is level.
Finally, make sure that the belt is tight.
8. Tractor Vibrating Excessively
There are several possible causes of vibration on the John Deere LX277. One may be that the drive belt is worn.
To fix this problem you should replace the belt of your mower tractor.
Another possibility is that the traction drive belt has been damaged, so you should also check this problem.
The dirt on the drive sheaves could also cause problems, as could bent or unbalanced mower deck blades.
In this case, you should balance the blades and also remove the dirt from them.
9. Cutting Unevenly
There are several reasons why your mower might be cutting unevenly.
One possibility is that the deck height is not set correctly so to fix this you may need to adjust the deck-levelling screws to get it level.
Additionally, if one or more of your tires are under-inflated, it can cause the mower to pull to one side as it cuts.
Make sure all of your tires have the same pressure and increase the pressure if needed.
You should also check that the rollers are in the correct position; typically they should be about 1/4″ below the cutting blades.
If they’re too high or too low, it can cause unevenness in the cut. Lastly, if your travel speed is too fast, it will create an uneven cut as well.
Try operating your mower at a lower speed to see if that helps.
10. Lights not Working
John Deere LX277 Lights may not be working because of a short circuit in the cable.
To fix this, you will need to replace the light bulbs and check the light plug to make sure it is connected properly.
What engine is in a John Deere LX277?
The John Deere LX277 is equipped with a Kawasaki 17 horsepower V-twin air-cooled engine.
This engine is powerful and efficient, making it ideal for a variety of lawn care tasks.
It also has a cast-iron cylinder liner for durability, so you can count on this engine to power your LX277 for many years to come.
Conclusion
The John Deere LX277 is a great lawn tractor for those who are looking for a durable and reliable machine. However, there are some common problems that owners have reported.
While these problems can be frustrating, they can typically be resolved with some simple troubleshooting.
If you are experiencing any of these issues, be sure to consult your owner’s manual or contact a John Deere dealer for assistance.
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I’m David man behind Lawn Mowerly; I’ve been dealing with lawnmowers and Tractors with my father since I was a kid. I know every make and model and what each one is capable of and love helping people find the perfect lawn mower for their needs.
