JD550 starts & dies

salesmanager1 · 2026-06-24T17:59:47.000Z

I have an old John Deere 550 that has always started easy and ran fine...until. It slowed down and died, then it would start up immediately , run for a couple of seconds, and die (seemed to puff a little white smoke and shut down all at once). I changed the fuel filter which had no effect at all. Then I ran a jump wire to the shut-off solenoid which made it run for 45 seconds then die and not restart. Replaced the solenoid and it started right up, ran for about 30 seconds and then resumed starting and dying. I hope its not a red herring, but if it sits for a while it would run a few seconds longer upon starting.

Started by salesmanager1Jun 24, 202622 replies

thepumpguyscSenior MemberJul 4, 2026#21
Sorry I missed this.. Remove ALL the fittings from the top cover and start the engine.. if it stays running.. It’s either a clogged return connector (w/ the ball and spring) or a broken flex ring clogging the connector.. Let us know what u find.
salesmanager1Junior MemberSep 3, 2026#22
IT WAS A CLOGGED RETURN. THANK YOU ALL
salesmanager1Junior MemberSep 27, 2026#23
It was the check ball on the top of the pump (return line). Runs great again. Thanks to Everyone that weighed in.

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