QuestionI was just given a "classic" 1976 John Deere model 300 w/ Hydrostatic transmission.
(serial C300E061038M) with a Kohler16 hp Horizontal motor
model: K341AQS
spec: 71169a
serial: 7321348.
Ok, it is a 1976, but it looks and cuts great when it is running. It had sat for a couple of years because the prior owner could not find anyone that could fix the problem that after it runs for about 20 minutes, it starts to surge and then will shut off. He told me that he thought that they had replaced the coil and made some adjustments before he gave up and bought a new Deere. It does not look like it has that many hours on it.
To see what I had ahead of me, I put in some fresh fuel and got it to fire and run. It ran for about 20 minutes with mower deck running (gets hot) before it started surging. It makes what I think might be valve noise when it get's hot, then will cut off. It did backfire (blowing off the end of the old muffler), when I shut it off after restarting and driving back to the garage . After it cooled, it fired up fine and ran (a little noisy with the muffler wide open, but smooth).
Seeing that it runs , I replaced the plug (with the one that is called for), oil, fuel filter, air filter. I also did a quick clean on the carb. All of this seemed to help improve the start and run condition before it gets hot and under a load. I know that I need to get a new fuel line as the old one is dry and crackingb. I am guessing that the spark plug wire might also need to be replaced as it is not a snug fit on the plug.
Any suggestions on what else that I should be looking for? It is a beast of a lawn mower and deserves to be brought back to life. The transmission is solid and the Deck is in great shape with the exception of some paint that is peeling.
Thanks for any suggestions that you have,
Brian
Answer Hello Brian:
I got you Beat. Ive got a 1961 Sears Rider that looks New and Runs like a New Mower. Check the Gas Tank Cap and Ensure it is Venting the Tank Properly. From Viewing the Diagram of this Engine I can tell you that the Point Set is a Possible Cause of your Problem too. The Contacts get Hot and Dont Transfer Current and the Condensor Shorts. Check Under the Blower Housing and Ensure the Flywheel Fins and the Area Under the Housing is Clean of Leaves and Other Debris. The Engine is Cooled with Air from the Flywheel Fins. The Point Set is Gapped at .020in. you can View a Breakdown of the Engine at this Addy http://www.partstree.net/parts.asp and Click on Parts Look Up. Then Select the OEM. Then Enter the Model Numbers K341-71169. Then Click on the Model that is in the Search Results. Then Click on Ignition Pg 46. This will show the Point Set(Breaker Set) and Condensor. Have you Checked the Fuel Pump? To View the Mower Parts go to this Addy http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Number 300. Then Select #1474. Then Select Sectional Index. Then Select 300 - 316 Hydro File. From here you can View All the Mower. Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please. I enjoy knowing the Outcome. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
