GX345 won't start

[Davehd2009]

You having the same problem? Just so you know, it wound up solving the stalling problem completely, but the issue with the engine stalling when throttling up too fast came back shortly after.

I forget exactly where it's located, but I do remember it was a simple fix, and I mean simple.

I will go out and take a look at it today to get an exact location. I'll get back to you soon.

Yes, I am having the same problem. My dealer told me that the stalling when throttling up fast was due to crud build up in the carb. They ran some cleaner (Seafoam??) through the system when I had it in the last time for standard maintenance and that seemed to work. I might suggest putting a few tanks of Shell premium through it, as that has a lot of cleaners that should remove the build-ups and get it running. That's my standard proceedure in the spring with my tractor, motorcycle, etc.

 

[Carl Bert]

Yes, I am having the same problem. My dealer told me that the stalling when throttling up fast was due to crud build up in the carb. They ran some cleaner (Seafoam??) through the system when I had it in the last time for standard maintenance and that seemed to work. I might suggest putting a few tanks of Shell premium through it, as that has a lot of cleaners that should remove the build-ups and get it running. That's my standard proceedure in the spring with my tractor, motorcycle, etc.

Ok its on your left side, if you're sitting on the tractor. Its a small black tubular part, the size of a "C" battery. Its not hard mounted, its just strapped to the motor with a cable tie. Mine is directly in front of the fuel filter. I can take some pictures if you think it would help. Let me know.

Not sure exactly what "seafoam" is. Is it something that you add to the fuel?

 

[Davehd2009]

Ok its on your left side, if you're sitting on the tractor. Its a small black tubular part, the size of a "C" battery. Its not hard mounted, its just strapped to the motor with a cable tie. Mine is directly in front of the fuel filter. I can take some pictures if you think it would help. Let me know.

Not sure exactly what "seafoam" is. Is it something that you add to the fuel?

Found it and changed it! Runs great! Thanks for the info. Yes, Seafoam is a fuel treatment. Here's their website: Sea Foam | How to Use Sea Foam Motor Treatment

 

[weel]

Hi all new to the forum. i also have a JD345 from 8/98. Im having a similar problem.
over the past few weeks the engine would cut out for a second but not die and return to normal operation this would happen at different intervals. i didn't see a pattern. A week later my father was cutting grass and the tractor quit. I got it started and it ran for a few minutes then stalled again. When it stalled it seemed if the choke was on. Later i checked the solenoid on the fuel bowl. When 12 volts is applied it does retract properly. to prove this i put a bolt in the spot where the solenoid new the tractor runs for a minute and then quits.
Fuel seems to getting to the carb fine and the filter was changed last fall, when i serviced the tractor. New plugs, oil, filter, Trans was also serviced.

if i choke the engine half way the engine will run but not anywhere near full power. I read about the part number am128906 (I think it a cut off relay) and thought that this may be my problem; the symptoms seemed similar to others i have read about. However when i went to replace it i didn't see it anywhere. i do see a small square box about 3 x 3 at the left rear corner of the engine, my serial number of the tractor is 073081, i read somewhere that they changed this part to a different part that incorporate some other electronics after 070000 serial number

Can anyone verify this? I'm stuck on this one. I have drained the gas and changed the fuel filter again. but no change.

thanks bill

 

[Davehd2009]

Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes!! Change that solenoid!! I have had to replace 2 of them, and each time I was having the same problems that you are having. You won't believe the difference it will make. It's an easy and relatively cheap fix (~$20).

Rplacing that solenoid will make you think you have a new machine.

 

[weel]

Thanks for the reply davehd but I took the solinoid out of the system and put a bolt in its place. I had the same result. I was thinking that the solinoid was weak or failing. If that was removed then in theory it should not be a factor. Am I correct on this.
my problem is I purchaced a cutoff relay but I don't think mine has this part on it. Immediate have more time to look at it today. I may buy a solemoid to be on the safe side but I don't think I want to throw parts at it. That's what the dealer does to me when I take it in...

 

[Rocket68]

I have a GX345 that I have had starting issues. Yesterday, I took the solenoid off the carburetor and a tech at my local dealer tested and then cleaned. Reinstalled it and it started right up. Then when I tried to throttle up, the engine stalls and dies. If I hold the choke up about two thirds, I can increase the throttle to open.

Any thoughts on why this would happen?

 

[weel]

i also took my solenoid off and checked it . it seemed to be working properly. i also bought a cut off relay from the local dealer and replaced mine. the one on mine was the original one. the dealer told me that the originals use to be square, which is why i could not find mine when i looked. i repalced it and it had the same problem.
i unhooked the fuel line from the carb and cranked the engine, gas shot out about 3 feet. so i still have a good fuel system pressure. i replaced the fuel pump about 2 years ago.
I removed my carb and it looked spotless inside. i took out the pilot jet and the main jet and ran a piece of welding wire thru them to make sure they were clear. used my air compressor to blow out all the passageways, then reassembled the carb.
the mower started after about 5 seconds of cranking and runs like it did last year. maybe the carb needed cleaning even though i didnt see anything wrong. the mower seemed to be running a little slow at top speed. so i adjusted the cable for the throttle and its all good now.