The John Deere 345 is a lawn and garden tractor that was produced by the John Deere Corporation from 1995 to 2001.
This tractor is very popular and sold well. The John Deere 345 is a strong and reliable lawn tractor, but like all machines, it is not without its problems.
So, in this blog post, we will discuss common John Deere 345 problems and their solutions.
So, read on!
Common John Deere 345 Problems
1. Engine Not Starting
If your John Deere 345 engine isn’t starting, there are a number of potential causes. A common reason is simply that the gas tank is empty.
Another possibility is that you’re using the wrong grade of gasoline. If the fuel system is clogged, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
Spark plug wiring connections can sometimes become defective. Make sure to check them and repair or replace them as necessary.
Damaged spark plugs will also need to be changed. A plugged fuel filter can also prevent the engine from starting; the filter will need to be replaced in this case.
Another potential issue is a faulty safety switch. If this is the problem, you’ll need to change the damaged switch.
Finally, problems with carburetor adjustment can also prevent the engine from starting.
If this is the case, you’ll need to adjust the carburetor as required.
2. Engine Running Roughly
If your tractor engine is running roughly, it could be for a few different reasons.
One possibility is that the cooling fins are clogged and need to be washed or cleaned.
Another possibility is ignition system failure; you’ll need to inspect the ignition system and change any failed components.
A third possibility is a stuck or defective throttle cable; this will need to be serviced or changed.
Finally, if the air filter element is plugged in, it will need to be cleaned or replaced. If the fuel pump is defective or dirty, it will also need to be cleaned or changed.
By troubleshooting each of these potential issues, you should be able to identify and fix the problem with your engine.
3. Engine Suddenly Stops
Another common problem many owners are complaining about is their tractor suddenly stops.
If the John Deere 345 engine stops suddenly, it could be due to a damaged spark plug.
First, clean the spark plug if this doesn’t solve the problem then change the spark plug. If the carburetor is faulty or dirty, you should clean it or replace it.
Sometimes the ignition coil is responsible for the problem so in this case, you need to replace it. Loose or broken valve springs can also cause the engine to stop suddenly.
Change the valve springs as needed. Stuck valves can also cause the engine to stop abruptly.
Clean the valves as necessary.
4. Engine Overheats
If your John Deere 345 engine overheats, there are a few potential causes. Check the oil level and add oil as required. Engine overload can also cause overheating so you should reduce the load on the engine.
Clogged cooling fins can impede airflow and cause overheating; clean them as required. The carburetor fuel mixture may be too lean so set it correctly.
Incorrect ignition timing can cause an excessively hot spark plug and cylinder head temperatures; adjust the ignition timing as needed.
Finally, wrong valve settings can result in insufficient air intake and exhaust gas discharge so set the valves properly.
5. Throttle Problem
Many John Deere 345 owners are also having problems with the throttle. It is observed that when the tractor is cold, it starts with very little or no choke.
In this heat, it will be shutting it down for a second after running it for a while. When trying to restart it, it will run quite slowly.
You won’t be able to RPMs up with the throttle. When attempting to throttle up, it will miss the flames and make noise.
The problem is with the throttle and carburetor and can be easily fixed by following the steps below-
1. Move the throttle handle to the front and backwards to see if the handle is pushing the throttle wire down towards the engine.
2. Remove the screws using a screwdriver or push down upon the said tabs of the air filter cover. Take off the lid. To examine the throttle choke arm, disconnect the air filter.
3. Calculate the length between the spring-attached control choke arm as well as the control lever that the throttle wire pulls. The length of the clearance ought to be between 0 and 1 mm.
4. To change the clearance, loosen the lock nut with a tool and slide the adjuster up or down.
5. If the throttle wire at the handle is not firm, loosen the bolts keeping it in place, and draw it nice and tight using a pair of pliers. Fasten the nuts once more.
6. Coil Failure
This is one of the most common problems in John Deere tractors. The main reason for this problem is the damaged coil.
So you have to check the coil or armature. One side of the spark tester should be connected to the ignition cord, while the other should be connected to the cylinder head.
Check for the spark in the tester screen by spinning the flywheel quickly. The ignition coil is operating properly if the spark leaps the testing gap.
If it isn’t, it must be replaced.
When the engine shuts down while it’s still running, what should you do? Start the engine by connecting the tester to the ignition cord and the spark plug.
Keep an eye on the window as it comes to a halt.
Now if you need to replace the coil, follow the steps below
- Remove any batteries, and if applicable, unhook the spark plug wire and secure it.
- Disconnect the old mounting screws for the ignition coil (armature).
- Unplug the coil and detach the stop button cable from the flywheel brake.
- With mounting screws, secure a replacement coil.
- Strengthen one screw and pull the coil (armature) away from the flywheel.
- Make sure the magnets on the flywheel are on the opposite end of the ignition coil (armature)
- Between the rims of the flywheel as well as the ignition armature, place the required shim.
- Turn the flywheel and hold the shim till the magnets are exactly near to the armature.
- Allow the magnets to draw the ignition coil towards the flywheel and shim by loosening the tight screw.
- Next, tighten all these mounting screws and spin the flywheel till the shim comes loose.
7. Hard Shifting
Many people seem to have trouble shifting the gears on a John Deere 345. This can be caused by a few different things.
The first thing to check is the shift linkage. If it is corroded or worn, it will need to be lubricated or replaced.
The next thing to check is the hydrostatic pump. If it is faulty or blocked, it will need to be replaced or repaired.
Finally, if the transmission shift control parts are damaged or misadjusted, they will need to be replaced or adjusted as required.
8. Mower Vibrate Excessively
This is another common problem in John Deere 345.
This problem can be due to the drive pulley of the mower deck may be damaged or dirty, causing the belt to slip. This will cause the mower to vibrate excessively.
You should clean or change the pulley if this is the problem. If the problem is a loose or defective drive belt, you should install a new belt or adjust the belt tension.
Finally, if the mower blades are not balanced or bent, you should balance or change them as needed.
9. Uneven Cut
One of the most common reasons why a John Deere 345 cuts unevenly are because the tires are not properly inflated.
So, in this case, you should maintain the air in both tires. Another possibility is that the mower deck is not level. if that’s the case then level your mower deck to fix it.
Additionally, dull or damaged blades can also cause this problem. Finally, a clogged mower deck or broken deck housing can also cause an uneven cut.
If you suspect any of these issues, be sure to have your John Deere 345 serviced by a qualified technician.
10. Battery is not Charging
Possible causes for a John Deere 345 mower tractor battery not charging can include loose or corroded electrical cable connections, faulty electrical terminal connectors, or a faulty cell in the battery.
To fix the issue, tighten or clean any loose or corroded electrical connections, install new terminal connectors if needed, and use a new battery if the old one is determined to be faulty.
Conclusion
There can be a number of different problems that can occur with the John Deere 345 lawn mower. Some common issues include the engine not starting, the mower not cutting evenly, or the mower leaving behind clumps of grass.
While these problems can be frustrating, there are typically easy solutions that can help get your mower back up and running smoothly.
With a little troubleshooting, you should be able to get your John Deere 345 lawn mower working properly again in no time.
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I’m David man behind Lawn Mowerly; I’ve been dealing with lawnmowers and Tractors with my father since I was a kid. I know every make and model and what each one is capable of and love helping people find the perfect lawn mower for their needs.