Technical Articles

The Troubleshooting Mindset as Published in Lawn and Garden Tractor Magazine by iSaveTractorsRepairing issues on your tractor can be frustrating, and costly. My business, iSaveTractors.com receives about 400 – 500 calls per month relating to technical issues with Garden Tractors and their engines. In this issue, instead of writing an article on how something works, I want to share with you my thoughts regarding troubleshooting techniques and mindset. When faced with a problem, it’s easy …

Here is an example wiring diagram for a garden tractor that is equipped with a Delco Remy Starter Generator. The below diagram also shows our 5 prong, 3 position ignition switch, and our 4 prong mechanical voltage regulator. Note: You can either operate your accessories such as your headlights off of the "L" terminal of the voltage regulator as shown, or run headlights from the "A" terminal on the ignition switch. Whichever terminal you do not use, block it off with electrical tape or a wire c …

Engine Science: Fixing the Rough Running Engine with a Valve Job By Norman Ng, iSaveTractorsWhen you encounter an engine that is hard to start, lacks power, runs hot, or just runs badly; your first thought may be to rebuild or replace the carburetor. You spend an hour spilling gas on yourself and afterwards your engine still runs poorly. Your valves may likely be your problem!The valve takes the most abuse in your small engine. It slams against your cast iron block millions of times d …

Tractor Science: The Hydrostatic Transmission By Norman NgThe transmission allows an engine’s power to be multiplied and manipulated to drive your tractor forward and backward. It’s an amazing device that makes your tractor a tractor. This article is focused on a specific type of transmission: The Hydrostatic Transmission. We are going to use the Sundstrand Series 15 Type U as an example. This transmission was used on the Cub Cadet line of Garden tractors as well as many other tractor …

Engine Science: The Briggs and Stratton Flo Jet CarburetorCarburetors typically come in one of three orientations: Side Draft, Down Draft, and Up Draft. These refer to the how air flows through the carburetor. The different orientations offer advantages in the position they mount to the engine.The earliest design was the updraft carburetor. This updraft design allowed the carburetor to sit lower beside the engine to aid in gravity feeding fuel. Air enters the carburetor and is redirecte …