removing the hood JD GX 345 ?

Rebs · Sep 18, 2014

How do I remove the hood on my JD GX 345 to service the engine ?
Do I need a torque wrench to change the valve cover gaskets or can it be done with a regular socket wrench ?

Gator6x4 · Sep 18, 2014

Rebs said:
How do I remove the hood on my JD GX 345 to service the engine ?
Do I need a torque wrench to change the valve cover gaskets or can it be done with a regular socket wrench ?

I went to the JD site and reviewed the manual for you unit. It was extremely helpful. It said "Remove Hood". Service Engine - Model GX345 Why are you removing the valve covers? I would leave them alone if not leaking. I personally use 1/4 inch tools on small engine valve covers. I use one of the speed units shaped like a screwdriver with a socket on the end.

I did a preliminary internet check to see if anyone had posted on how to remove the hood. Several posted complaining about a cracking problem with the hood. If like most JD you disconnect the headlight wiring connector near the headlights after raising the hood. You then look down and you will see a channel with tracks and two rollers on the hood. A slot should be in the channel which allows the hood to be lifted, tilted forward and then up and out. Warning several posters posted about the hood being flimsy.

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beenthere · Sep 18, 2014

Gator is right, just lift up the hood and it comes up out of those tracks.

Rebs · Sep 18, 2014

I need to remove the hood because the left side valve cover is leaking some. last time I mowed it leaked, the time before it didn't, the two times before it did leak. When I have the hood off I think I will replace them both while they are out in the open and if one is leaking now, how long before the other starts leaking.

Rebs · Nov 15, 2014

I got the hood off and replaced both valve cover gaskets. The hood come off real easy thanks to you guys help. It was also very easy to replace the valve covers and now no more leaking.
Thanks guys