QuestionQUESTION: I am really stumped on what to do next and could use your advice... I purchased a non-running JD345 with 18hp Kawasaki engine FD590v, the cam needed to be replaced which I have completed. The tractor had been sitting for a couple of years before I purchased it and replaced the cam. Now that it is back together I can't seem to get the motor to run very smoothly and it will surge and dies after just a few minutes of running. I tried cleaning the carb but ended up replacing it as I thought this was the issue. But even after this it still will only run for a few minutes while surging and then dies. I am fairly certain that all is assembled and adjusted correctly as I purchased the JD repair tech manual and I have followed all the steps listed used all listed specs. Compression is around 175pds in each cylinder. I also checked the fuel pump and confirmed fuel flow when the engine is rotated. One other note - after the engine sits for about an hour it will start again with ease, but will still die shortly after. Any advice would be great - could it be the ignitor or ignition related?
ANSWER: Hello Don:
You can View a Breakdown of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.gardenland.com/ and Select Kawasaki Under the Look Up Parts on the Left of the Page. Then Fill Out the Form. In the LINE Section, Select 4 Stroke. In the YEAR Section Select FD590V. and for the Model Select the Proper Model (AS01, BS01, ect).
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H and Enter the Model Numbers 345 and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. *You can Drag the View Windows for Better Viewing.*
>>Are you Sure the Carburetor Mixture Screws are Set Correctly?
>>Are you Sure the Valve Clearances are Correct?
>>Is the Gas Flow to the Carburetor Correct?
>>If you Use the Choke, can you get the Engine to Stop Surging?
>>Have you Checked the Carburetor Solenoid?
>>The Following is a Basic Instruction File I made for Checking the Carburetor Solenoid. Any Input is Appreciated. **Check for Current/Voltage (10.5 VDC Minimum) to the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid. If the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid has Current, then On Some Solenoids you can Remove the Needle and Replace the Solenoid to Test them. ****PLEASE DO NOT OPERATE THE MOWER WITH THE SOLENOID BYPASSED IN THIS MANNER. THIS IS "ONLY" FOR TESTING.**** For Others, Remove the Carburetor Solenoid and Go to the Hardware Store. Purchase a Bolt of the Same Diameter and Threads. It Needs to be 1/2" to 3/4" Long for the Horizontal Mount Solenoids and 1/4" Long for the Vertical Mount Solenoids. Put this Bolt in Place of the Solenoid. If this Corrects the Engine Problem, then Replace the Solenoid. ***NOTE: THIS IS FOR CHECKING THE SOLENOID ONLY I NEVER SUGGEST YOU OPERATE THE ENGINE WITH THE SOLENOID OUT OF THE CARBURETOR EXCEPT FOR TESTING PURPOSES*** Sometimes the Plunger is Moving, Just Not Far Enough to Allow the Gas to Enter the Jet Properly.**
>>Thanks.
Respectfully
John
>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John,
Thanks for the quick reply. I have an update. The John Deere version of the FD590v on the JD345 did not come with a solenoid so we can eliminate that issue. I did check the valve clearances per the tech manual. The choke does not help when it starts to die and surge. I checked the fuel pump flow again this morning and seems to have good flow. After checking the Fuel flow, the engine started up and ran much better for at least 1/2 hour before I shut it down. While it was running I tested various throttle speeds, if I changed throttle speeds it would surge briefly and then smooth out. Now - tried to restart and wants to fire but will not restart and run (most likely because it is still warmed up from running prior) Not sure if this helps
Thanks in advance,
Don
AnswerHello Don:
>>Change All the Spring Style Hose Clamps to the Screw Style Hose Clamps in the Fuel System.
>>Spring Style Hose Clamps Weaken and Cause the Fuel Flow to be Uneven and Can Cause the Problem you Described.
>>Did you Reseat the Valve when you Replaced the Cam?
>>Set the Governor.
>>The Following is an Instruction File I Made for Setting the Governor Arm Correctly. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>If you Removed/Loosened the Governor Arm from the Governor Shaft or Put the Linkage in a Bind when the Carburetor was Removed, then Reset the Governor.
>>**To Reset the Governor; Loosen the Governor Arm Bolt and Turn the Governor Shaft Clockwise Until it Stops.
>>Using the Governor Arm Hold the Carburetor to Full Throttle. Now with the Shaft Full Clockwise and the Governor Arm and Carburetor Held at Full Throttle, Tighten the Governor Arm Bolt.
>>If the Engine Still Runs Full Throttle, then Reverse the Rotation of the Governor Shaft, but Still Hold the Carburetor at Full Throttle with the Governor Arm.
>>**If it Still Runs at Full Throttle, then Check the Internal Governor.**
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
