Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 1995 JD 345 w/Kawa liquid cooled, kawasaki engine, cam gear

Question
Hi John:

Purchased a 345 used with 1k hours and am going to do an inspection next month before payment/pickup. Owner can't find engine #s, but thinking its the 18hp. I been reading a lot about the exploding plastic cam gears. Idiot JD parts guy here says they should last 3k hrs. Does it make sense to do a pre-emptive change now? Can I get just a steel gear for existing shaft?
Thanks very much


Answer
Hello Mike:

If Properly Maintained, the Cam Gear will Last 3K Hours with No Worries. The Shop here Services a JD 345 (Used Commercially) with an KD611V Kawasaki Engine that has Almost 5K Hours on the Engine and it has Not Had the Crankcase Opened Since New. (Knock on Wood). LOL. This Mower was Produced with a KD590V or KD611 Kawasaki Engine Mounted on it. Depending on the Engine Model, a Steel Cam May be Available. 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