QuestionQUESTION: Hi John,
I have a JD345 and noticed anti freeze dripping when I was using it last time
blowing snow. From the area that is wet I believe it's the water pump, things
above the water pump seem dry. I have taken everythink off down to the
water pump but need to get the right size wrench to remove the water pump.
Any advise you can give me will be appreciated, like anything I need to watch
out for etc. So far everything has went well but I there isn't much room now
so things could get tough.
Thanks
Bob
ANSWER: Hello Bob:
Other than it being a Tight Palce to Work and Remove the Water Pump. I can Think of Nothing to Really be Watchfull of. Make Sure the New Gasket is Properly in Place and Does Not Slip when Installing the Pump. I Use Indian Head Gasket Sealer and Attach the Gasket to the Pump. When the Indian Head has Dried, then I Install the New Pump. This Way the Gasket will Not Slip and the Pump can be Installed without Worry of the Gasket Slipping. You can View a Breakdown of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.buykawpower.com/kmcb2c/main.jsp and Select View Parts Catalog. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the 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 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. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. 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
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John I have another question. I got the bolts loose and the water pump dropped down to
the frame but 2 of the bolts are so long that I can't remove the water pump. The water
pump is setting on the frame and the bolts are still in place. Quite a bit of oil drained out
also. It looks like there is still a part above the water pump that could come loose and
then I could get everything out. What scares me is if the gasket breaks it looks like the
same gasket that runs all the way back into the engine block, what then?
Bob
ANSWER: Hi Bob:
If you Suspect you May Break the Gasket, then Cut the Gasket at 45 Degree Angles and Away From Any Connection Points and Remove the Section from the Engine. When Reinstalling the Gasket Use High Temperature (Red Color) Make a Gasket to Seal the Seam where the Gasket is Spliced together. 99% of the Time the Gasket will Not Leak. No Worries, I have Used this Method Many Times and it Works Well. 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. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. 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
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi John,
Just thought I'd let you know I got the water pump replaced and I also
replaced 2 water hoses. This turned out to be a little tougher job than I was
led to believe after reading the Technical Manual, I think they left some stuff
out. I had to remove the muffler and I also had to remove the engine bolts so
I could move the engine a little in order to get the water pump out and back
in. I think the best way to do this may be to remove the engine completely
then you could torque the bolts properly but it can be done without removing
the engine. Thanks for the help and quick replies. I'm sure you'll hear from
me again as my 345 is over 10yrs old now and things are bound to start
waring out.
Bob
P.S. I almost forgot, not leaking anti freeze anymore.
AnswerHi Bob:
I Just Read our Conversations and I Appolegize for the Oversight. I have Not Read the Manual and was Not Aware of the Oversight Concerning the Engine Mount Bolts and the Muffler. I Read to Much Into you Progress and Assumed you Were in the Process of Removing the Engine Mount Bolts, the Muffler and Lifting the Engine. My Wife Says I Read to Much into a Question Sometimes. I am Glad you Got the Pump Replaced and the Leak Repaired. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Happy Holidays. Thanks Again.
Best Wishes and Good Luck
Respectfully
John
