QuestionI have a 265 John Deere riding mower with a Kawasaki fc540v engine. It instantly developed a knock that seems to be in the front of the engine. I didn't loose power, it don't smoke, starts and runs like always except for a sudden knock. Oil level is fine, have always kept the maintenance up on this engine and have never had any problems out of it. The mower was running fine and instantly developed a knock. Please help!
AnswerSorry Doug. No good news here.
You have a balance shaft/weight about to blow.
Go now, immediately, before you ever touch the key again, and order Deere part number M70186 and install.List price 18.75
This is a new balance shaft. The dealer will act like you are smoking crack, but, order the part anyway. This will fix your problem 25% of the time.
If that doesn't work, remove the hood and keep mowing until it blows. You need to remove the hood so you can watch. No one will get hurt and it's kinda cool.
Then go to
http://www.smallenginewarehouse.com/RepowerItems.asp?Brand=John%20Deere&Model=26...
and buy a new engine. It's toast and will cost BIG bucks to fix. Replacing the engine will be the best money you ever spent. Face it this tractor is AWESOME. A new engine will cost you about 1,200.00 but have you seen what 1,200.00 buys these days. It sure as hell isn't a 265 with a brand new motor.
