Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John deere 345 mower, john deere 345, kawasaki engine

Question
The John  Deere 345 mower has 18hp Koler engine. It does not start but has gas and spark. I pulled the plugs and turned the engine over it had compression coming out of the spark plug holes. I put the plugs back in and I did not feel any compression  coming out the exhaust.
The mower back fired rather bad when it was shut off last time it was used. Has been starting and running ok before now. Had new plugs at start of season. It is water cooled and has coolant and oil is ok also.

Answer
Bruce,

I think you have a kawasaki engine on your JD345-not a kohler.  I also think you have a broken camshaft.  Remove the valve covers and turn the engine over.  Do you see the valves moving up and down?

This is a common problem with the JD345 engine and older KAwasakis in general once they get about 1000 hours on them.

Let me know if this is the problem if not we will head down another path.

Dave