Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere 345 ignition board problem?, john deere 345, john deere service

Question
Hello,
I have a JD 345 with a Kawasaki 20HP liquid cooled engine and a 54" deck. My initial problem was that the mower quit and would not start. I cleaned and rebuilt the carburetor, replaced the plugs, and serviced everything with no luck. I noticed the ignition board was burnt at the top right corner where the resistors are located. I checked the wiring and found a wire broken from one of the connectors on the board. I repaired the wire and replaced the board, but the board once again burnt in the same place. I then took it to the local john deere service center and they once again replaced the board and repaired a positive battery connector(they said it was broken and arching inside the cable insulation). Mowed with it twice and guess what, its burning up again. The resistors are charred but when I crank it, it runs. I don't want to run it very long because I'm afraid of completely ruining another ignition board. Any help would be appreciated and thank you in advance.

Answer
Hello Paul:

This is Usually Caused by a Stator/Charging Coil Overcharging or the PTO having a Bad Ground. I Suggest you Locate and Clean All the Ground Connections on this Unit. Check the Voltage to the Battery when the Engine is At Operating RPMs. 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 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. If you Hit a Snag 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. Thanks.

Respectfully

John