The John Deere LA145, a well-loved piece of equipment in the lawn tractor category, is known for excelling at tasks like mowing and mulching. However, it has its share of problems (6 specifically for this model and vintage).
Starting problems can arise, often due to engine issues. As owner Joe Thompson puts it, “My LA145 wouldn’t start, but a new fuel filter did the trick.”
Overheating transmissions can stall their operation. Additionally, alarming black smoke can point toward combustion problems.
Other issues include a rough-running mower and unusual fuel delivery, affecting the tractor’s performance. An unlevel deck, possibly due to a bent structure, can mess up your lawn’s aesthetics.
Despite these 6 challenges, the LA145 remains popular. Our guide will help you navigate these issues, ensuring your tractor stays ready for action.
1. Engine Won’t Start
If you have been using your John Deere LA145 for a long time, it is not uncommon for it to show some issues after a year or two. One of the most common issues is that the mower engine suddenly goes down. There may be several reasons behind this issue. Some easy hacks to dodge mower starting problems include checking out the gas levels, maintaining gas and fuel levels, checking for dirt in the carburetor, and replacing the fuel filter, line, and pump in the John Deere LA145.
Symptoms and Potential Causes
| Symptom | Potential Cause |
| Engine won’t start | Low gas levels |
| Engine won’t start | Dirt in carburetor |
| Engine won’t start | Fuel filter needs replacement |
| Engine won’t start | Fuel line needs replacement |
| Engine won’t start | Fuel pump needs a replacement |
Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
| Low gas levels | Fill up the gas tank |
| Dirt in carburetor | Clean the carburetor |
| Fuel filter needs replacement | Replace the fuel filter |
| Fuel line needs replacement | Replace the fuel line |
| Fuel pump needs a replacement | Replace the fuel pump |
Step by Step Solutions on How to Fix Engine Won’t Start Problems in John Deere LA145 Tractors
Fill up the gas tank
Sometimes lowering the gas levels can be why your mower’s engine is not running. As a result, your engine will start cranking. Lowering gas levels can also harm your engine potential. Always try to refill your mower’s gas before it becomes empty. Maintaining gas and fuel levels plays a pivotal role in your engine’s overall health, and balancing your engine’s gas levels can make your engine withstand in the long run.
Clean the carburetor
Dirty carburetors can also be a reason why your John Deere LA145 isn’t starting. Your engine can go through plenty of issues if your carburetor is dirty. If the carburetor is clogged, the fuel will not flow to the machine. Your engine will end up rendering a low fuel deposit if you don’t sweep out dirt from the carburetor regularly. Take out the metal components and clean the carburetor. Then start the engine to check if everything’s okay.
Replace the fuel filter
Any mower’s fuel filter greatly influences your engine’s execution levels. A clogged fuel filter can restrict fuel flow to the engine, causing it to stall or not start at all. Replacing the fuel filter can help improve fuel flow and overall engine performance.
Replace the fuel line
A damaged or clogged fuel line can also restrict fuel flow to the engine, causing it to stall or not start at all. Replacing the fuel line can help improve fuel flow and overall engine performance.
Replace the fuel pump
A faulty fuel pump can also restrict fuel flow to the engine, causing it to stall or not start at all. Replacing the fuel pump can help improve fuel flow and overall engine performance.
2. Transmission Gets Hot
Sometimes John Deere LA145 stops working when the transmission is too hot. Many problems, such as low fluid levels, a malfunctioning clutch, or even damaged gear, maybe a cause for this.
Symptoms and Potential Causes
| Symptom | Potential Cause |
| Transmission gets hot | Low fluid levels |
| Transmission gets hot | Malfunctioning clutch |
| Transmission gets hot | Damaged gear |
Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
| Low fluid levels | Check and refill transmission fluid |
| Malfunctioning clutch | Repair or replace the clutch |
| Damaged gear | Repair or replace the damaged gear |
Step by Step Solutions on How to Fix Transmission Gets Hot Problems in John Deere LA145 Tractors
Check and refill transmission fluid
- Low fluid levels can cause the transmission to overheat. Checking and refilling the transmission fluid can help prevent this issue.
Repair or replace the clutch
- A malfunctioning clutch can cause the transmission to overheat. Repairing or replacing the clutch can help prevent this issue.
Repair or replace the damaged gear
- A damaged gear can cause the transmission to overheat. Repairing or replacing the damaged gear can help prevent this issue.
It’s always a good idea to consult your John Deere LA145 owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to perform these tasks.
3. Black Smoke
Black smoke coming out of the John Deere LA145 engine can be caused by a few different things. The most common cause is when the mower consumes more fuel than it should. Other causes include a malfunctioning carburetor, a damaged carburetor needle, a clogged air filter, or the choke not being fully engaged.
Symptoms and Causes
| Symptom | Potential Cause |
| Black smoke emission from the engine | Consuming more fuel than it should |
| Malfunction carburetor | |
| Damaged carburetor needle | |
| Clogged air filter | |
| Choke is not fully engaged |
Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
| Black smoke coming out from the engine | To Examine the carburetor and see whether it needs to be adjusted or if the needle is damaged and requires replacement |
| Remove the air filter from the mower and see whether it is clogged. If so, use an air filter cleaner to clean it | |
| Check the throttle and make sure the choke is in the engaged position |
Step by Step Solutions on How to Fix Black Smoke Problems in John Deere LA145 Tractors
Examine the Carburetor
- Inspect the carburetor and see whether it needs to be adjusted. The needle will get flooded if it does not have suitable adjustments. This is important because a flooded needle can cause the engine to consume more fuel than it should, leading to black smoke emissions.
- Also, consider whether the needle is damaged and requires a replacement. A damaged needle can also cause the engine to consume more fuel than it should.
Clean the Air Filter
- Remove the air filter from the mower and see whether it is clogged. When it is clogged with debris, oil, grass clippings, or other foreign objects, it will not be able to feed the engine with the right amount of air. This is important because a clogged air filter can cause the engine to consume more fuel than it should, leading to black smoke emissions.
- In that case, you need to use an air filter cleaner and clean it.
Adjust the Choke
- If you find that the choke is partially in place or engaged, you must check the throttle and make it get into the engaged position. This is important because a partially engaged choke can cause the engine to consume more fuel than it should, leading to black smoke emissions.
4. Mower Running Coarse
One issue that can arise is the mower running coarse. This can be caused by a few different things, including problems with the idler pulley, unusual fuel delivery, and black smoke emissions. In this mini troubleshooting guide, we will explore the symptoms of this issue and their potential causes, as well as provide detailed information on solutions and steps to take.
Symptoms and Causes
| Symptom | Potential Cause |
| Engine starting problem | Low gas levels, dirt in the carburetor, old or faulty fuel filter/line/pump |
| Engine starts and then abruptly stops | Stale fuel or build-up of water in the fuel tank |
| Mower dies as if not getting any gas | Clogged Carburetor |
Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
| Low gas levels | Fill up the gas tank before it runs completely dry |
| Dirt in the carburetor | Clean the metal components of the carburetor thoroughly |
| Old or faulty fuel filter/line/pump | Replace these parts with new one’s |
| Stale fuel or build-up of water in the fuel tank | Drain and clean the fuel tank |
| Clogged carburetor | Perform a carb cleaning |
Step by Step Solutions on How to Fix Mower Running Coarse in John Deere LA145 Tractors
Fill up the gas tank before it runs completely dry
- It is important to fill up the gas tank before it runs completely dry to prevent air from entering the fuel system and causing starting problems.
- To fill up the gas tank, locate the fuel cap on top of the fuel tank and unscrew it. Fill the tank with fresh gasoline and screw the cap back on tightly.
Clean the metal components of the carburetor thoroughly
- Cleaning the carburetor is important because dirt and debris can accumulate in it over time, causing starting problems and reduced performance.
- To clean the carburetor, first remove the air filter from the air filter housing. Spray carburetor cleaner into the air intake and start your engine. If your mower starts and then shuts down, you must take apart your carburetor and clean it.
- Gather tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, socket/ratchet set, carburetor cleaner, thick wire, and needle nose pliers.
- Take photos of your carburetor to document the steps you performed to take apart your carburetor. These pictures will be helpful when you reassemble your carburetor to make sure all the parts get installed in the right places.
- Shut off your fuel supply using your fuel shut-off valve and remove the fuel line from the carburetor.
- If your mower has a throttle and chokes cable, remove it.
- Remove the hardware that attaches the carburetor to the air filter housing.
- Slowly remove the springs, being careful not to stretch them out.
- Once you have access to the metal components of the carburetor, clean them thoroughly using carburetor cleaner.
Replace old or faulty fuel filters/lines/pumps with new ones
- Replacing old or faulty fuel filters/line/pump is important because these parts can become clogged or damaged over time, causing starting problems and reduced performance.
- To replace these parts, first, locate them on your mower. The fuel filter is usually located along the fuel line between the fuel tank and the carburetor.
- Shut off your fuel supply using your fuel shut-off valve.
- Use pliers to disconnect this fuel filter.
- Replace it with a new one, making sure to note the direction of fuel flow (look at arrows).
- Inspect the fuel lines for wear while you are replacing these parts.
Drain and clean the fuel tank
- Draining and cleaning the fuel tank is important because stale fuel or the build-up of water in the fuel tank can cause starting problems and reduced performance.
- To drain and clean the fuel tank, first, locate it on your mower. The simplest way to empty the fuel tank is to simply allow the mower to run until it runs out of gas.
- Once empty, use a siphon pump or turkey baster to remove any remaining liquid from the tank.
- Clean any debris or sediment from inside of the tank using a rag or brush.
5. Unusual Fuel Delivery
This can be caused by a few different things, including problems with the idler pulley, black smoke emission, and starting issues. In this mini troubleshooting guide, we will explore the symptoms of this issue and their potential causes, as well as provide detailed information on solutions and steps to take.
Symptoms and Causes
| Symptom | Potential Cause |
| Engine starting problem | Low gas levels, dirt in the carburetor, old or faulty fuel filter/line/pump |
| Engine starts then abruptly stops | Stale fuel or build-up of water in the fuel tank |
| Mower dies as if not getting any gas | Clogged carburetor |
Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
| Low gas levels | Fill up the gas tank before it runs completely dry |
| Dirt in the carburetor | Clean the metal components of the carburetor thoroughly |
| Old or faulty fuel filter/line/pump | Replace these parts with new ones |
| Stale fuel or build-up of water in the fuel tank | Drain and clean the fuel tank |
| Clogged carburetor | Perform a carb cleaning |
Step by Step Solutions on How to Fix Unusual Fuel Delivery in John Deere LA145 Tractors
Fill up the gas tank before it runs completely dry
- It is important to fill up the gas tank before it runs completely dry to prevent air from entering the fuel system and causing starting problems.
- To fill up the gas tank, locate the fuel cap on top of the fuel tank and unscrew it. Fill the tank with fresh gasoline and screw the cap back on tightly.
Clean the metal components of the carburetor thoroughly
- Cleaning the carburetor is important because dirt and debris can accumulate in it over time, causing starting problems and reduced performance.
- To clean the carburetor, first, remove the air filter from the air filter housing. Spray carburetor cleaner into the air intake and start your engine. If your mower starts and then shuts down, you must take apart your carburetor and clean it.
- Gather tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, socket/ratchet set, carburetor cleaner, thick wire, and needle nose pliers.
- Take photos of your carburetor to document the steps you performed to take apart your carburetor. These pictures will be helpful when you reassemble your carburetor to make sure all the parts get installed in the right places.
- Shut off your fuel supply using your fuel shut-off valve and remove the fuel line from the carburetor.
- If your mower has a throttle and chokes cable, remove it.
- Remove the hardware that attaches the carburetor to the air filter housing.
- Slowly remove the springs, being careful not to stretch them out.
- Once you have access to the metal components of the carburetor, clean them thoroughly using carburetor cleaner.
Replace old or faulty fuel filters/lines/pumps with new ones
- Replacing old or faulty fuel filters/lines/pumps is important because these parts can become clogged or damaged over time, causing starting problems and reduced performance.
- To replace these parts, first, locate them on your mower. The fuel filter is usually located along the fuel line between the fuel tank and the carburetor.
- Shut off your fuel supply using your fuel shut-off valve.
- Use pliers to disconnect this fuel filter.
- Replace it with a new one, making sure to note the direction of fuel flow (look at arrows).
- Inspect the fuel lines for wear while you are replacing these parts.
Drain and clean the fuel tank
- Draining and cleaning the fuel tank is important because stale fuel or the build-up of water in the fuel tank can cause starting problems and reduced performance.
- To drain and clean the fuel tank, first, locate it on your mower. The simplest way to empty the fuel tank is to simply allow the mower to run until it runs out of gas.
- Once empty, use a siphon pump or turkey baster to remove any remaining liquid from the tank.
- Clean any debris or sediment from inside of the tank using a rag or brush.
6. Deck Not Being On Level
This can be caused by a few different things but is most often due to the deck being bent. In this mini troubleshooting guide, we will explore the symptoms of this issue and their potential causes, as well as provide detailed information on solutions and steps to take.
Symptoms and Causes
| Symptom | Potential Cause |
| Uneven cut | Deck not being level |
| Scalping | Deck not being level |
Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
| Deck not being level | Level the mowing deck |
Step by Step Solutions on How to Fix Deck Not Being On Level in John Deere LA145 Tractors
Level the mowing deck
- Leveling the mowing deck is important because an uneven deck can cause an uneven cut and scalping. This can result in an unattractive lawn and potential damage to the grass. By ensuring that the deck is level, you can achieve a clean and even cut for a healthy and beautiful lawn.
- To level the mowing deck, make sure your machine is on a flat, level surface and that your tires are inflated to the correct tire pressure.
- Place three short 51 mm (2 in.) blocks of wood under the edges of the mower deck.
- Lower the mower deck to 65 mm (2.5 in.) cutting height position.
- Check that the mower deck is level and lightly touch each of the three wooden blocks.
- If the rear of the mower deck is not touching the rear blocks, or is sitting heavily on the blocks, adjust the rear lift links by turning the leveling nut on each lift link.
- If the front of the mower deck is not lightly touching the front block, adjust the front draft arm by turning the nut.
How we created these problems and solutions troubleshooting guide
Creating this troubleshooting guide involved a step-by-step process that tackled the 6 most pressing issues with the John Deere LA145 mower.
To start, we emphasized the importance of dodging mower starting problems by regularly checking out the gas levels and diligently maintaining optimal gas and fuel levels.
Additionally, we recommended inspecting the carburetor for dirt and ensuring its cleanliness. In case of issues, the guide suggested replacing the fuel filter, line, and pump to ensure proper fuel flow. Addressing problems related to transmission was another crucial aspect, as the mower tended to stop working when it became too hot.
To diagnose other potential issues, we explored symptoms such as black smoke, coarse running, and unusual fuel delivery.
Finally, we identified the common problem of the deck not being level, often caused by bending and provided appropriate solutions.
Through these steps, this comprehensive troubleshooting guide offered practical and effective solutions to keep the John Deere LA145 running smoothly.
Given these problems, should you sell and replace your existing John Deere LA145?
As someone with extensive experience and expertise in handling similar tractors, I understand the frustration that can arise when encountering common problems with the John Deere LA145. However, I firmly believe that despite these issues, your tractor is worth repairing and keeping—provided that it doesn’t continually give you problems or cause excessive downtime.
Starting problems can be easily mitigated by following some simple hacks—checking gas levels, maintaining fuel levels, inspecting the carburetor for dirt, and replacing the fuel filter, line, and pump. These straightforward steps can get your engine running smoothly again, ensuring a reliable start every time.
While it’s true that the LA145 may fail to function when the transmission gets hot, this occurrence can be managed by taking breaks during extended use to allow the transmission to cool down. Implementing this practice helps maintain optimal performance and prolong the life of your tractor.
Occasional instances of black smoke or a coarse-running mower can be resolved by identifying and addressing the root causes, which may range from minor adjustments to more significant repairs. Rest assured, these issues can be rectified, allowing your John Deere LA145 to resume its efficient operation.
Ultimately, if your John Deere LA145 continues to provide reliable performance and meets your current needs, repairing and keeping it can be a cost-effective solution. However, if you consistently encounter problems or require a tractor with greater capabilities, upgrading to a newer model or considering a larger, more capable tractor may be worth considering.
Remember, maintaining a friendly relationship with your tractor through regular maintenance and addressing issues promptly will keep it running smoothly and serve you faithfully for years to come.
