Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): JD LX-188 power loss when PTO engaged, spindle bearings, lx 188

Question
I have the Kawaskai FP501V 17 hp engine.  In the past few months the PTO engages slower and slower and there is a noticeable loss of power. Last week I engaged the mower at 3600 RPM and it went to 2600 but slowly came back up and stayed there and mowed fine.  Now the pto hesitates then starts but has a big draw on the engine and never gets enough power to mow.  The pto turn on fine when the belt is disconnected.  The mower turns very easy by hand with no binding.  I rebuilt the carb and even adjusted it to run at 4000 rpm once.  It still drew down to 2400 rpms when the mower was engaged.  I can run the mower up the steepest hill with no more than a 200 rpm power loss but it just doesn't have enough power to mow.  What am I missing? Fuel plow is good and all new hoses and filter and the fuel pump is good.  Even if I engage the pto and slowly pull the lever to tighten the mower belt it draws the engine down.  Help.

Answer
Hello Tim:

Have you Checked the Idlers and the Spindle Bearings? As for the PTO. Check the PTO Ground First. Usually a PTO that is Slow to Engage or Engages and Disengages is Due to a Corroded Ground. From your Description, it Sounds like there is an Idler or Spindle that is Binding/Dragging. 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

Hi Again Tim:

I Just Saw you Post in the Ratings and Comments Section. Thanks for the Ratings. I Realized I had Left Out the Following File: **Paul the Truth Miester is the Kawaski Expert here at All Experts. Ask him this Question Tonite at 8PM EST or Just After. I am Sure he can Assist you in Locating the Cause of the Power Loss Faster than I can. I Do Not Like the Kawaski Engines that are on the Mowers. I do Work on the Kawaski ATV and Motorcycle Engines and have High Praise for these Engines.** I Appolgize for the Oversite. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks Again.

Best Wishes and Good Luck

Respectfully

John