Service Engine - Model 345

Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems on this engine, which are being done at the customers expense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized John Deere dealer.

Avoid Fumes

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and can cause serious illness or death.

Move the vehicle to an outside area before running the engine.

Do not run an engine in an enclosed area without adequate ventilation.

· Connect a pipe extension to the engine exhaust pipe to direct the exhaust fumes out of the area.

· Allow fresh outside air into the work area to clear the exhaust fumes out.

Engine Oil (Gas)

Use oil viscosity based on the expected air temperature range during the period between oil changes.

The following John Deere oils are preferred:

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· TURF-GARD®

· PLUS-4®

Other oils may be used if above John Deere oils are not available, provided they meet the following specification:

· API Service Classification SG or higher

Checking Engine Oil Level


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Failure to check the oil level regularly could lead to serious engine problems if oil level is low: · Check oil level before operating. · Check oil level when the engine is cold and not running. · Keep level between the FULL and the ADD marks. · Shut off engine before adding oil.

NOTE: Check oil twice a day if you run engine over 4 hours in a day.

Make sure engine is cold when checking engine oil level.

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety Section.)

2. Lift hood.

3. Clean area around dipstick to prevent debris from falling into crankcase.

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4. Remove dip stick (A). Wipe with clean cloth.

5. Install dipstick into tube, but DO NOT tighten it. Let dipstick threads rest on top of tube.

6. Remove dipstick.

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7. Check oil level on dipstick. Oil must be between ADD and FULL marks.

8. If oil level is low, add oil to bring oil level no higher than FULL mark on dipstick.

9. Install and tighten dipstick. Lower hood.

Changing Engine Oil and Filter

1. Run engine to warm oil.

2. Park machine safely on level surface. (See Parking Safely in the Safety Section.)

3. Lift hood.

4. Put drain pan under drain valve. If available, install drain hose.

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5. Open drain valve (A) and drain oil into oil drain pan. Allow oil to drain completely.

6. Remove dip stick (B).

7. Wipe dirt from around oil filter (C).

8. Place a drain pan or funnel under filter tray.

9. Remove old filter and wipe off filter tray.

10. Put a light coat of fresh, clean oil on the filter gasket.

11. Install replacement oil filter by turning oil filter to the right (clockwise) until the rubber gasket contacts filter base. Tighten filter an additional one-half turn.

12. Close drain valve.

13. Add oil.

14. Install and tighten dipstick.

15. Start and run engine at idle to check for leaks. Stop engine. Fix any leaks before operating.

16. Check oil level, add oil if necessary.

Cleaning Air Intake Screen


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! The engine is air-cooled and requires a large amount of air intake when running. Reduced air intake can cause overheating: · Keep air intake screen clean. · Keep covers and screens in place.

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety Section.)

2. Lift hood.

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3. Clean engine screen (A) and external surfaces with rag, brush, vacuum or compressed air.

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· When operating in extremely dirty conditions, remove air intake screen and clean radiator screen (B).

4. Lower hood.

Servicing Air Cleaner Elements

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety Section.)

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Touching hot surfaces can burn skin. The engine and components will be hot if the engine has been running. Allow the engine to cool before servicing.

2. Let engine cool.

3. Remove hood.

4. Remove air intake screen.

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5. Remove wing nuts (A), washers, and filter housing (B).

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6. If precleaner (C) is dirty, carefully remove paper element and precleaner. Remove precleaner from element (D).

7. If paper element is excessively dirty, replace it with a new element.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Dirt and debris can enter the engine through a damaged filter element: · Do not wash paper element. · Do not attempt to clean paper element by tapping against another object. · Do not use pressurized air to clean element. · Replace element only if it is very dirty, damaged or the seal is cracked.

8. If precleaner is dirty, clean it as follows:

· Wash it in a solution of warm water and liquid detergent. DO NOT wash paper element.

· Rinse precleaner.

· Squeeze excess water from precleaner.

· Allow precleaner to air dry.

· Add approximately 30 ml (1 oz) of clean engine oil to precleaner.

· Squeeze precleaner to distribute oil evenly.

9. Install precleaner on paper element and install air cleaner.

10. Install air cleaner cover and wing nuts.

11. Install hood.

Recommended Engine Coolant

The following John Deere coolant is preferred:

· COOL-GARD PRE-DILUTED SUMMER COOLANT (TY16036).

· COOL-GARD CONCENTRATED SUMMER COOLANT (TY16034)

If neither of the above coolants is available, use an ethylene glycol base coolant that meets the following specification:

· ASTM D4985 (JDM H24A2)

Check container label before using to be sure it has the appropriate specifications for your machine. Use coolant with conditioner or add conditioner to coolant before using.

If using concentrate, mix approximately 50 percent antifreeze with 50 percent distilled or deionized water before adding to cooling system. This mixture will provide freeze protection to -37 degrees C (-34 degrees F).

Certain geographical areas may require lower temperature protection. See the label on your antifreeze container or consult your John Deere dealer to obtain the latest information and recommendations.

Engine Coolant Drain Interval

When using PRE-DILUTED DIESEL ENGINE ANTI-FREEZE/SUMMER COOLANT (TY16034) coolants, drain and flush the cooling system and refill with fresh coolant mixture every 60 months or 5,000 hours of operation, whichever comes first.

If above John Deere service coolants are not being used: drain, flush, and refill the cooling system with a fresh coolant mixture every 24 months or 600 hours of operation, whichever comes first.

Engine Coolant Drain Interval

When using John Deere Pre-Diluted (TY16036) Automobile and Light Duty Engine Service coolants, drain and flush the cooling system and refill with fresh coolant mixture every 36 months or 3,000 hours of operation, whichever comes first.

When using John Deere Concentrate (TY16034) Automobile and Light Duty Engine Service coolants, drain and flush the cooling system and refill with fresh coolant mixture every 24 months or 2,000 hours of operation, whichever comes first.

If above John Deere Automobile and Light Duty Engine Service coolants are not being used; drain, flush, and refill the cooling system according to instructions found on product container or in equipment Operator's Manual or Technical Manual.

Checking Coolant Level


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! To prevent engine damage: · DO NOT operate engine without coolant. · DO NOT pour coolant into the radiator when the engine is hot. · To prevent engine overheating, never exceed more than 50 percent antifreeze in cooling system. · Cooling system capacity is 3.1 L (3.3 qt).

1. Lift hood.

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2. Observe coolant in recovery tank (A). Coolant level should be up to H mark (B) on recovery tank when engine is hot or to L mark (C) when engine is cold.

3. Remove cap (D) to add coolant.

4. If coolant is low, add ethylene glycol (without stop-leak additive) antifreeze and water in the ratio specified on the antifreeze container.

5. Install and tighten recovery tank cap.

6. Clean debris from air intake screens and radiator.

7. Check condition of hoses. Check for leaks or loose connections.

Draining Cooling System

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! The radiator will be hot and can burn skin. Built-up pressure may cause explosive release of coolant when the radiator cap is removed:

· Shut off the engine and allow to cool.

· DO NOT remove the cap unless the radiator and the engine are cool enough to touch with bare hands.

· Slowly loosen the cap to the first stop to release all pressure. Then remove the cap.

1. Stop the engine and let cool.

2. Lift hood.

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3. Slowly remove radiator cap (A) until pressure is released. Then close cap tightly.

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Picture Note: Hose is located on the left side of the engine.

4. Remove top hose clamp (B). This is the small hose that runs from the water pump to the cylinder head.

5. Hold a bucket below the hose. Pull hose off of fitting and drain coolant into bucket.

NOTE: There should be very little coolant escape from the cylinder head fitting if the pressure has been released from the radiator and the cap installed tightly.

6. After coolant has drained, install hose and clamp to cylinder head fitting.

7. Flush cooling system. (See Flushing Cooling System in this section.)

Flushing Cooling System

1. Fill cooling system with clean water and John Deere Cooling System Cleaner, or John Deere Cooling System Quick Flush or an equivalent. Follow directions on the can.

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2. Install and tighten radiator cap (A).

3. Start and run engine until it reaches operating temperature. Stop engine.

4. Drain the cooling system immediately before rust and dirt settle. (See Draining Cooling System in this section).

5. Install hose and clamp.

Filling Cooling System


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Using incorrect coolant mixture can damage the radiator: · DO NOT operate engine with plain water. · Use antifreeze approved for use in aluminum engines. · DO NOT exceed a 50% antifreeze mixture for the coolant. · DO NOT pour coolant or water into the radiator when the engine is hot.

1. Allow radiator to cool.

2. Fill cooling system. Cooling system capacity is 3.1 L (3.3 qt).

3. Install and tighten radiator cap.

4. Run engine until it reaches operating temperature.

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5. Stop engine. After engine cools, check coolant level in recovery tank (A). Level should be up to H mark (B) on tank when engine is hot or L mark (C) on tank when engine is cold. Remove cap (D) to add coolant if necessary.

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6. Check condition of coolant system hoses. Install new hoses periodically. Tighten hose clamps regularly.

Checking Spark Plugs

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Touching hot surfaces can burn skin. The engine and components will be hot if the engine has been running. Allow the engine to cool before servicing.

1. Lift hood.

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2. Disconnect spark plug wires (A), one on each side.

3. Remove spark plug.

4. Clean each spark plug carefully with a wire brush.

5. Inspect spark plugs for:

· Cracked porcelain.

· Pitted or damaged electrodes.

· Other wear or damage.

6. Replace spark plugs as necessary.

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7. Check plug gap with a wire feeler gauge. To change gap, bend the outer electrode.

Spark Plug Gap - 0.7 mm (0.028 in.)

8. Install and tighten spark plugs. Tighten plugs to 20 N·m (15 lb-ft).

9. Connect spark plug wires.

10. Lower hood.

Adjusting Carburetor

NOTE: Carburetor is calibrated by the engine manufacturer and is not adjustable.

If engine is operated at altitudes above 1829 m (6,000 ft), some carburetors may require a special high altitude main jet. See your John Deere dealer.

If engine is hard to start or runs rough, check the troubleshooting section of this manual.

Possible engine surging will occur at high throttle with transmission in "N" neutral and mower engagement lever disengaged. This is a normal condition due to the emission control system.

After performing the checks in the troubleshooting section and your engine is still not performing correctly, contact your John Deere dealer.

Replacing Fuel Filter

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Fuel vapors are explosive and flammable:

· Do not smoke while handling fuel.

· Keep fuel away from flames or sparks.

· Shut off engine before servicing.

· Cool engine before servicing.

· Work in a well-ventilated area.

· Clean up spilled fuel immediately.

NOTE: Change filter when fuel is low.

1. Park machine safely and lift hood. (See Parking Safely in the Safety Section.)

2. Let engine cool.

3. Lift hood.

4. Put a drain pan under fuel filter.

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5. Slide two hose clamps (A) away from fuel filter (B) using a pliers.

6. Disconnect hoses from filter.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Incorrect installation of fuel filter may cause engine damage. Install the filter with the arrow pointing in the direction of fuel flow for proper operation.

7. Connect hoses to new filter making sure the filter arrow is pointed in the direction of the fuel flow.

8. Install clamps and check for leaks and lower hood.