QuestionHello, thanks for being here.
Have a JD GX345 w/ approx 150 hours. Well maintained.
Several weeks ago I began having difficulty starting and occasionally, while still relatively cold, it would stall. It would almost always restart - sometimes with difficulty, sometimes immediately.
I began with the assumption that the problem was fuel related - perhaps I had some bad gas. Drained tank, put in fresh gas, seemed to briefly eliminate problem. So later I added some fuel treatment, changed fuel filter, air filter, etc. Worked great! Mowed the lawn, turned it off, and when I went to start it again - it wouldn't start. Almost acted as if it was flooding and a little later it started with a little throttle/choke experimentation. Not the normal for this engine.
Today, one day later, it wouldn't start at all and this time it was acting as if there was no spark! I pulled the plugs to check and sure enough - no spark.
Everything else in the electrical system seems to check out: fuses, switches, lighting, PTO, etc. Just no spark.
Can you help me? - Gary
AnswerHello Gary:
Sorry for the Delay. This Question was Located in the Question Pool. If you have Eleminated the Safety Switches, then we can Check the Coil/Igniter/Ign Module. Remove the Spark Plug. Wrap a Wire Around the Threads and Attach the Other End of the Wire to the Engine Block Turn the Engine and See if the Plug Fires. If No, then Disconnect the Shut Off Wire at the Control Bracket First, Check for Fire at the Plug. If Still No Fire at the Plug; Then Disconnect the Shut Off Wire at the Coil (usually requires removal of the blower housing) and Check for Fire at the Plug. If No Fire at the Plug , then the Coil/Ign Module is Bad. The Coil/Ign Module to Flywheel Gap is .020in. On Some Model JD Engines there is an Igniter that will be Bad and Not the Coil. If the Plug Fires at Anytime During these 2 Checks, then a Safety Switch or Wire May be the Problem. Yes the Engine will Turn Even with a Bad Safety Switch. The Blade Safety is Usually the Cause of this. The Starter Turns and The Engine Doesn't Fire is an Indication of a Bad Coil/Ign Module or a Faulty Blade Safety Switch. The Clutch Safety Prevents the Starter from Engaging so the Mower Does Not Move when the Starter Turns the Engine. The Seat Safety is Designed to Stop the Engine if the Blades are Engaged or the Clutch Safety is Not Engaged when you Leave the Seat. 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. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. 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
