Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): timing, john deere gt275, kawasaki engine

Question
I have a John Deere gt275  with a 17hp single cylinder Kawasaki engine on it the cam shaft connecting rod broke I bought a used one and installed new rings the engine now runs but not well I could only find a timing mark on the cam shaft so I pointed it the main shaft at the top of the cams stroke  

Answer
Hello Mickey:

Did you Match the Cam Gear Mark to the Crankshaft Mark when you Reinstalled the Cam Gear? If Yes, then you have the Engine Timed Correctly. Remove the Crankshaft Gear and Look Closely for a Mark. The Crankshaft Gear May be Upside Down and the Mark is then Hidden. I have had Several from the OEM that had the Crankshaft Gear Installed Upside Down and the Timing Mark was Hidden from View. Once the Crankshaft Gear was Turned Correctly the Crankshaft Gear Mark is Visible. If No Mark on Either Side of the Crankshaft Gear, then Set the Piston at TDC when you Install the Cam. This is a Hard way to Set the Timing, but I have seen Crankshaft Gears with No Marks. I Usually Replace the Crankshaft Gear with a Gear that is Marked.  The Cam Mark will Face the Crankshaft Gear if the Piston is at TDC in the Cylinder. Did you Deglaze the Cylinder when Replacing the Rings? 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, then 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John