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John Deere 345 (1998) with a Kawasaki FD590V engine (800 hours)

I am the original owner and have always maintained this tractor as per the standard maintenance schedule.

I'm having an intermittent issue and I need to know how to conclusively check whether I have a bad carburetor, or something else like a weak fuel pump.

During mowing only, whether the tractor is under load or not, it sputters out and dies. Then it takes constant choking to get it started again. It has to run a bit while choked before it stays running. Then it runs normal for a few minutes and then dies again. It's like the fuel is temporarily shut off somehow and it only runs until the fuel in the bowl is consumed.

I've had the carb apart and it always seems to run better after this, but within a couple hours the problem returns. There is a new air filter, carb gaskets, fuel filter is not clogged, and there seems to be adequate fuel pressure and flow. The carb has been cleaned and the float adjusted to factory spec; and it runs great in the garage. I've adjusted the throttle and choke plate to factory spec. I only have this issue while mowing but it's not related to load. I can bog in down in thick grass and it runs fine... then later in easy grass, it just sputters out.

I also have a possibly related issue where I cannot shut off the tractor without popping and backfiring. I can't even throttle it down without backfiring. Even if I throttle down very slowly, I still get backfiring and popping.

This video shows the problem as it's happening. You can see how I need to keep choking it before it stays running. Then I can resume cutting for a minutes longer.

https://youtu.be/dljnTozdBMc

I need suggestions and advice before throwing any parts at it. I'm thinking it needs a new carb but not sure... maybe fuel pump?

Thank-you for any suggestions!

"K&T Parts House Lawn Mower Parts and Chain Saw & Trimmer Parts" your engine service repair manual is 5 down

Did you ever get it figured out? Sure acts like the carburetor gets clogged with trash

I would replace the carb for sure and possibly the fuel pump also. Go ahead and replace the fuel lines and fuel filter too as ethanol gas can deteriorate the lines from the inside and cause problems.

I had this engine, and experienced something similar. The mower is a 1989 285, same engine. I was the 4th owner, family tractor, so by the time I got it, it had been put through its paces.

I had the tank drained and cleaned, replaced fuel lines, in-line filter, and cleaned the carb. It seemed to help.

Also, if your not using some sort of briggs or ethanol gas fuel treatment, start. And if you can score some small engine gas that's ethanol free at a local gas station, this can do wonders too. Make sure the intake seals aren't cracked as well.

Not saying it's not the fuel pump, they are readily available on auction sites, but if your able to run a while and it just stops it kind of sounds like a blockage somewhere. Deteriorating fuel line or corrosion, etc..

javjacob said:

I would replace the carb for sure and possibly the fuel pump also. Go ahead and replace the fuel lines and fuel filter too as ethanol gas can deteriorate the lines from the inside and cause problems.

Click to expand...

You must have sme sort of desire to throw away money.
Start with the simple , easy & cheap.
check the carb is done up tight
Clean the carb
clean the tank
replace the fuel filter
99% of low fuel supply problems will be fixed by one or more of the above.