Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 1985 John Deere 318, john deere 318, electronic ignition system

Question
Hello John, and thanks for your help. My old 318 (purchased 1985) has been a great little tractor. Today, while mowing, it started to miss, run clean, miss, run clean, miss real bad, backfiring,almost shut down. Doesn't make any differance if on idle, full throttle, or under load with blades engaged. I replaced spark plugs, drained and replaced fuel, and replaced the ignition coil. No help.. Next plan of attack is the fuel filter then rebuild the fuel pump and replace plug wires. If that don't fix it I'm gonna have to throw my hands up.
Would really appreciate any input! Thanks again.

Eddie Riffle
Indian Trail, NC

Answer
 Hello Ed:

 It Sounds like you have Gotten Great Service Out of this Mower. However, Dont Give Up on it Yet. Go to this Addy http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers 318 and Click Find. The Select 1924 - 318 Lawn and Garden Tractor. Then Select Sectional View. Then Select Electrical. Then Select 6 - Ignition System (Onan M.N. B43G). Replace the Points Set and Condensor. Set the Point Gap to .020in. If the Electronic Ignition System, then Change the Ignition Control. If these Are Good, then Check the Compression. A Valve May have Burnt and the Compression is Low. You May have Trash in the Carburetor. When was the Last Carburetor Soak and Rebuild? If it was Over 5 Years Ago, then Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Kit. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John