Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere 345 - Will not start, john deere 345, chuck sanders

Question
Hello,

I have a JD 345 with the 20hp Kawasaki water cooled engine that will not start. The tractor has about 300 hours on it.

I think the fuel system is fine. When I check the plugs after trying to start it they have gas on them.

I pulled the plugs, attached the wires and grounded the body. No spark. The engine just stopped running. However, the engine has been becoming increasingly difficult to start. I had to crank it quite awhile to get it to start and once it started it ran fine. However, I do not think it had the power it had at one time.

I have inspected the wiring and disconected and blew out all the connectors. I did not find any burned or broken wires. This engine has the transistorized engnition system and I really hate to starting "throwing parts at it" without at least a plan.

Thank You for any help.

Chuck Sanders

Answer
 Hello Chuck:

 Most Time on these Mowers the Ignitor Part Number AM105574 is the Cause for No Fire to the Plugs. Without the Proper Tester the Module Cannot be Tested. Your Local Small Engine Repair Shop May have the Tester. I Usually just Cahnge the Ignitor and then, If it wasnt the Cause I Reinstall the Old One. For you this is Not Cost Effective. I Suggest you make a Few Calls and Locate a Shop with the Tester. For your Reference However, I find 98% of the Time the Ignitor is the Cause for No Fire at the Plugs. You can View a Breakdown of the Mower and Engine at this Addy http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John