JD 445 burning oil

[TN8Man]

I have a JD 445 that I bought 5 years ago. The engine goes through a cup or so of oil every 2-3 times I use it on my 5 acres. It smokes pretty good when going up hill. I planned on rebuilding the engine or getting a replacement once the performance started becoming an issue. I think I'm at that point now because the last few times I used it the engine would bog down under load, going up hill or cutting tall grass.

The issue is I don't know exactly what engine I have since there is no serial number label on the mower or the engine.

The air filter cover has a sticker that reads: Family ID SKA617U5G2RA and Manufacture Date 02/98.

I know the model number starts with FD620D but I don't know the rest of the number.

Does anyone know how to determine the tractor and engine serial number when the stickers are missing?

I did find a old manual that came with the tractor but it was for the 455 and someone did write FD620D-AS01 and a serial number M0044500C050649 but that serial number is not in the correct range for a 1998 model so I'm not sure if I should rely on this when ordering parts.

Thanks
Don

 

[TN8Man]

Thanks for the reply!

That's good information. So the CS-01 is the option I want and the difference is the all metal cam gear.

What are the recommended sources for rebuilt short blocks if I want to go that route?

Thanks

 

[thepumpguysc]

A "small engine" repair business might be a better choice for rebuilding yours.?? rather than going w a JD reman {$$$}..
I cant throw a rock w/out hitting a JD dealer..lol
& they all must be in kahoots because their prices are the same + or - afew bucks.. They ALL must have the SAME profit margin.??
Look in your LOCAL Craigs List & find a small engine guy.. & see what he says.. IF he tells u, "your best bet would be to go thru JD", hang up & call/email another..

 

[TN8Man]

Thanks!
I'll check into local shops on the price. If its too expensive then I'll just do the rebuild myself.

I did a compression test and got 160 and 210. The 160 side had a fouled plug after warming up the engine. The spec says 175 min and 14 max difference so it looks like it needs to be rebuilt. Plus I don't know if I have the plastic cam until I open it up and I have ~1050 hours on it.

 

[thepumpguysc]

U "could" get a hotter plug & run'r till she dropped. The E3 plugs burn pretty hot..
Just look up a chart for cold & hot plugs.. it'll be the same length & thread pitch..

 

[Richard001]

I have a JD 445 that I bought 5 years ago. The engine goes through a cup or so of oil every 2-3 times I use it on my 5 acres. It smokes pretty good when going up hill.

Thanks
Don

Don,

Not sure why it would smoke more going up hill than on the level. Are you sure that you are not overfilling the crankcase oil?

Richard

 

[TN8Man]

Going up hill puts more load on the engine and some of my hills are pretty steep.

I always check the dipstick when I add oil.

 

[Iamblessed]

I used thegatorguy to rebuild my 425 Fd620 a few weeks ago because I wanted to rebuild mine and could not find any local machine shop interested in working on it. I stripped it down as far as bolt on parts including the manifold, starter flywheel and shipped it to him in Maryland. He bored it installed oversize pistons, reworked the heads and then I reassembled. I got a good repair at what I consider a fair price. Might want to check him out. He specializes in Gators but they also use a version of The Kawasaki engine.

 

[thepumpguysc]

GOOD INFO.IAB.. how about pvt msging the OP w/ the guys contact info, what u paid & how u shipped it..
THATS a REAL GOOD option.. at the least he could pick his "brain"..??
Thanks again.. I haven't heard of "that guy"..
Happy New Year..

 

[TN8Man]

That is good info, Thanks!