GX345 won't start

[Carl Bert]

Ok my problem began about a year ago. Every so often, while cutting the grass, the tractor would just shut off, as if I had turned the key off. I would just turn the key once or twice and it would start right back up and continue to run til I was done (about 45 minutes). In the beginning it happened maybe every 3rd time I used it. It gradually, over the year, happened each time or every other time I used it, but would still start up within 30 seconds or so.

I recently gave it a complete 250 hr service ( new plugs, oil, tranny fluid and fuel & air filters). Since then it was shutting down every time I used it, but now I had to wait at least 5 to 7 minutes before it would start again, and that time was growing longer each time. But after it started it would run fine and it never happened twice during one use. I just went down to move it and it will not start at all. I checked for spark and there is none. I can smell fuel so that should eliminate the pump.

One guy said it could be the ignition module. Another said it could be the crank case sensor, which is near the flywheel. Is the coil still a possibility, even though it was such a long lasting problem? I was told when a coil goes, it just goes. Any ideas?

 

[Dutch445]

i think if it was a coil, you would notice 1 cyl dropping, when hot, and if both were bad again, when hot, the tractor would restart cold.
this doesn't sound like your problem, so the module could be the culprit.

some of these engines have an ignitor, i'm not sure if yours does,
but tomorrow I can check the schematics and see if it does.

we'll get it figured out

 

[BruceWard]

There is a solenoid on the bottom of the carburetor bowl. It is part 39 in this diagram

Based on the lack of spark I doubt that this solenoind is the problem. But up to the lack of spark I thought it was likely.

When the key is on and the engine should be running the wire to the solenoid should have +12 volts. I suggest checking it. You might also want to remove the solenoid and check it for function. When +12V is present the shaft should retract.

The solenoid will stop the engine from running if it does not have +12 or does not retract when given +12v.

 

[Carl Bert]

i think if it was a coil, you would notice 1 cyl dropping, when hot, and if both were bad again, when hot, the tractor would restart cold.
this doesn't sound like your problem, so the module could be the culprit.

Is replacing the module a big job?

 

[Dutch445]

It wasn't on my 445,
it's part of the ignition key switch etc,
then unplug some wires, replace with
the new one, but expensive to be
guessing with.

and there IS an ignitor,
check out the attachment

 

[John Deere 110]

I Had a Similar Problem With One Of My Tractors & On The Ignition Connector/ Seat Sensor, There Was a Shorting Problem Causing Stalling & Hard Starting, So I Would Make Sure ALL Wires Are In Tact Before Any Replacements

JL

 

[Carl Bert]

I replaced the "off time delay module" as suggested by my dealer service manager. So far so good. I feel like I am driving a different tractor. I used to have problems with throttling up. I would have to do it slowly or it would stall. Now it doesn't seem to matter how fast I do it. Also My tractor used to stall the first one or two times I engaged the mower. Now it doesn't even hesitate. And of course, most importantly, it no longer shuts down on its own. Well it hasn't as of yet. I am hoping that problem has also been corrected. Time will tell.

Is it possible that, that one module, could have been causing all those problems. Wow, if so, I got away real cheap. $19.95. The manager said there was a long list of parts that could have been causing the problem. All of which cost about $700. Could I have been lucky enough to hit it on the first try? I can only hope so. Thanks

 

[Rlbol]

I have read about this module a few times.
Where is it located and what is involved in changing it?
I have a similar problem with my gx345 where you can't increase the throttle quickly or it stalls as well as being very temperamental.

 

[Davehd2009]

I have read about this module a few times.
Where is it located and what is involved in changing it?
I have a similar problem with my gx345 where you can't increase the throttle quickly or it stalls as well as being very temperamental.

I too would like to know where to find this module??

 

[Carl Bert]

I too would like to know where to find this module??

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.