Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): jd gx345 evening, john deere gx345, rod bolts

Question
good evening
i have a john deere gx345 withh 333 hours on it. while idling it blew out both sides of the engine. jd dealer said must have been run without oil but it is still full of oil. jd offers mo help since the unit is 5 years old. dealer wants $3600.00 to replace engine. these 538cc 21 hp kawaski engines are available only from jd dealers.
do you know of any other engine that will fit?
thank you
curtis

Answer
The blown motor isn't from current lack of oil.  The lack of lube happened earlier.  When the engine is low on oil it will overheat the rods.  When the rod expands the rod bolts loosen ever so slightly.  2 years later the bolts have loosened enough to blow the rods.  Hate to say it but the dealer is right. Admit it, you really aren't that good at keeping up on your engine service, are you.

Do not pay 3600.00.  You can buy a new engine at;

http://www.smallenginewarehouse.com/RepowerItems.asp?Brand=John%20Deere&Model=GX...

For 1650.00.  If you can't install it yourself I recomend buying an X300 Deere.  It will be air cooled and will cost 2899.00.

What ever you do, don't blame Deere or Kawasaki. Check your oil everytime!