Newbie Here, Engine not starting on JD 345

[dharvey1113]

Greetings all,
I am a newbie here that ran across this resource in searching the web for help on a John Deere 345 (no other letters/numbers, just 345) lawn tractor. I have replaced inline fuel filter and spark plugs. Recently replaced oil and oil filter. Attached are links to engine label:
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s8/dh1031/20170417_174802.jpg
I have not seen an AM128906 Module on this unit as others have referred to on other forums, just an ignition box:
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s8/dh1031/20170417_174926.jpg
In removing the hood and heat shield I do not see where there is a solenoid or automatic fuel cutoff (sorry for the blurry photo):http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s8/dh1031/20170417_181505.jpg

So, I have spark on the new plugs, fuel is coming in but the machine never fires. Any suggestions?

 

[beenthere]

:welcome: to TBN
I don't have a 345, but there are others who can likely feed you some good info..
Myself, I would suggest getting the service tech manual for your 345.. through Deere or go online and search.. it has more in-depth info than the operators manual
Also, go to jdparts and put in your model no. for all the parts and relative location.
John Deere - Parts Catalog

Also, scroll down this page to see related topics that may hit on your problem..

 

[Wagtail]

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

Additional info on the 345: TractorData.com John Deere 345 tractor information

Enjoy the site.

 

[tomplum]

If yours had the original time delay module, it doesn't look like the replacement. It is more square and would be tucked up, kind of in a bracket by the shroud above the other module that you had shown.The wire colors are the same as the round one. What I like to do is do a burst or 2 of carb spray down into the carb venturi and then crank.

 

[bruceatlam]

Let me clarify a little bit here:

You know you have spark at the plugs? How do you know that?
You know that you have fuel flow out of the fuel pump to the carb?? How do you know that?
Any chance that you've checked compression?? What is the compression on each side??

Is this a "new to you" tractor or has it run for you recently?? That is to ask --- is this a new problem on a known machine?

 

[dharvey1113]

Let me clarify a little bit here:

You know you have spark at the plugs? How do you know that?
You know that you have fuel flow out of the fuel pump to the carb?? How do you know that?
Any chance that you've checked compression?? What is the compression on each side??

Is this a "new to you" tractor or has it run for you recently?? That is to ask --- is this a new problem on a known machine?

I have replaced both spark plugs - I then tested each spark plugs by removing them, plugging them into the sparkplug wire, holding it to ground, and turning the key and seeing each plug spark as intended. This 345 is running a FD611V Kawasaki engine (Family ID SKA585U1G2RA); date of manufacture 12/96.

The tractor I got second hand but I have run it less than a month ago to mow our front and back pastures (roughly 15 acres). So I would not have expected to have lost compression that quick. I have not any similar issues with this machine and I have had it for a little over a year.

I have found no documentation to show me the path/route the fuel line takes from fuel tank to carburetor, I am going to check fuel flow from fuel pump to carburetor. I have checked with a couple of shops and they confirmed that I will never see fuel accumulate in the bulb in the replacement in-line fuel filter.

 

[beenthere]

I have found no documentation to show me the path/route the fuel line takes from fuel tank to carburetor,

If you go to the link I posted for you, and put in the model no. 345, then to the alphabetical listing, to "F" for fuel and you will see a schematic of the fuel lines.. hope that helps...

 

[dharvey1113]

If you go to the link I posted for you, and put in the model no. 345, then to the alphabetical listing, to "F" for fuel and you will see a schematic of the fuel lines.. hope that helps...

Thanks for directing me on the Parts Catalog search! :thumbsup: I will have to go back and research that further; the only schematic it is showing me is the feed line to the in-line fuel filter, it does not continue from the in-line fuel filter to the fuel pump.

Also, a service manual I ran across, http://www2.rgs.com.au/pictures/FilesAsMenuItems/info/fd501v-590v_service-manual.pdf seems to show the input/output for the fuel pump reverse from what this machine is running.

I have been looking at it more today and I find that there is fluid leaking from the Left-Hand Side (Driver's side) spark plug when I try cranking the machine. I think I am about done working on this thing for a bit! :ashamed:

 

[bruceatlam]

Based on what you've told us, I'll just guess that you have a Kawasaki FD590V engine in it and that you've stripped the teeth on the plastic cam gear ----- I'll bet you don't have any compression as a result. To verify that you can:

1. check compression or
2. Remove the rocker arm cover on that left side and look to see if the valves are opening and closing as you run the starter.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

Thanks for directing me on the Parts Catalog search! :thumbsup: I will have to go back and research that further; the only schematic it is showing me is the feed line to the in-line fuel filter, it does not continue from the in-line fuel filter to the fuel pump.

Also, a service manual I ran across, http://www2.rgs.com.au/pictures/FilesAsMenuItems/info/fd501v-590v_service-manual.pdf seems to show the input/output for the fuel pump reverse from what this machine is running.

I have been looking at it more today and I find that there is fluid leaking from the Left-Hand Side (Driver's side) spark plug when I try cranking the machine. I think I am about done working on this thing for a bit! :ashamed:

Fluid from the spark plug? Gas?

You may have it flooded also, I did the same at the beginning of this year with my mothers mower, hooked a battery charger to it, hit the choke and wouldn't fire, after looking threw the whole thing, it was just flooded.

If it's getting spark, has a good flow of fuel and unrestricted air there's no reason for it not to fire.

Spark, fuel, clean air filter.