Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): jd 345, twin cylinder engines, valve clearance

Question
battery discharges, installed new voltage regulator, battery!will start fine one week and not the next, the jd dearer can't find anything wrong!

Answer
Hello Jerry:

1- If the Charging System is Operating Properly, then the Battery has a Weak Cell that is Drawing the Battery Charge Down when the Battery is Not being Used. 2- If the Valves are Out of Adjustment the Compression Release will Not Operate Properly and Cause this Problem. It May Seem like the Battery, but it is Actually to Much Compression for the Starter to Properly Turn the Engine to Start. 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. 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

PSS: I Forgot to Give you the Valve Clearances and Instructions on Setting the Valve Clearance. I have Found that the Following Works Best. Remove the Valve Cover (on the Dead Cylinder for Twin Cylinder Engines). Set the Cylinder you are Setting the Valves on to Top Dead Center (Both Rocker Arms will have Play in them when the Engine is at TDC) When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Locks and Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .009in -.011in and the Exhaust to .009in - .011in. Also Did JD Check the Starter for Dragging Under a Load (Load Test the Starter and Check the Starter AMP Draw). 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. 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