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John Deere X304 PTO Problem When Warm
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Posted by
pfleming88 none (
My Page) on
Tue, Jun 12, 12 at 23:35
| I have a 2008 John Deere X304 with a 17hp Kawasaki engine.
The problem is this: On cold start the engine cranks up immediately and runs smooth. When engaging the PTO a few moments later the blades come on at full speed. After mowing for about 30 minutes, if I stop the PTO for any reason (empty the bagger, etc) and then try to re-engage it, the mower rpm's will drop as it labors to fully engage the blades. This will go on for 30 to 60 seconds. Then, all of the sudden the engine will kick back to full power and the blades will as well. This condition will continue unless I shut the mower down to cool off. Also, it does this whether I have the mowing deck on or the snow blower attachment.
I have been to the John Dealer twice. They have replaced the fuel pump then the PTO clutch, but condition still exists. Wondering if anyone has suggestions on what else to replace / do? Thank you
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Follow-Up Postings:
RE: John Deere X304 PTO Problem When Warm
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Kind of a shot in the dark, but-
Check the governor linkage and carb throttle shaft for binding when the problem occurs. |
RE: John Deere X304 PTO Problem When Warm
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| Thanks, Bill. Your suggestion makes a lot of sense. Follow up questions for you: how do I know if there is binding going on? Tonight I pulled the plate out that covered the muffler and there was the throttle and choke cable going into what I am assuming was the carberator. I checked both cables with the engine on and off. If anything, there was a bit of slop in both from use. Not bad, just from wear I would guess. |
RE: John Deere X304 PTO Problem When Warm
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| If the PTO clutch is the type that has a "blade brake" function built into it, it's possible that the PTO brake is dragging hard. |
RE: John Deere X304 PTO Problem When Warm
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You would have to disconnect the throttle cable to the carb, but if you are ASSUMING a part is the carb, I'm not sure you should be taking anything apart.
Not trying to be mean, but It's hard to describe how to put stuff back together from the keyboard. |
RE: John Deere X304 PTO Problem When Warm
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RE: John Deere X304 PTO Problem When Warm
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| First, take the mower drive belt off the PTO and make sure all the pulley shafts on the deck turn smooth and spin free. If any are binding that can be your problem. If not, then you've eliminated the mowing deck. Some JD PTOs have a gap adjustment. If your X304 does that could be the problem. Could also be a marginal battery. Remove the battery, take it to Autozone and have it load tested. |
RE: John Deere X304 PTO Problem When Warm
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| Has this issue been solved? If so what was it? My x304 is doing the exact same thing! Help |
RE: John Deere X304 PTO Problem When Warm
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| I like justalurkers advice about checking the spindles for binding. Maybe after some use, the bearings are getting hot and "partially" seizing. Not bad enough to really notice when the engine is up to speed and producing full power, but enough when the engine is at low speed and producing much less power. |
RE: John Deere X304 PTO Problem When Warm
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| I would love to here from Pflemming. I would like to know if he fixed it and what the problem was. So far I called the dealer and they said it could be the battery or the coil packs that are getting weak when the engine gets warm or the carb could need cleaning. I brought the battery to autozone and had it tested. They said it is fine. None of the belts are worn and all spindles turn freely. I also checked the gas cap vent it was clogged but it didn't solve the issue. It has 70hrs on it. |
RE: John Deere X304 PTO Problem When Warm
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| Have you removed the deck drive belt from the PTO? If yes, does the motor still die when it's hot with the deck drive belt off? If no, then remove the belt and see if the motor dies. Try new plugs correctly gapped. I've seen coils lose spark when hot. EZ to check... use insulated pliers to remove one plug wire when it's running funny. If it dies then that side is working. Try the other plug wire. If it stays running then you found the side the problem is on. either coil, wire, or plug. |
RE: John Deere X304 PTO Problem When Warm
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| Just for info - I did a search on "Pflemming88" and he only made the one post in 2012. Nothing before or after. |
RE: John Deere X304 PTO Problem When Warm
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| Thanks Tom for your time. |
RE: John Deere X304 PTO Problem When Warm
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| Thanks lurker! I have not tried pulling the belt off the pto and engaging the pto to see if it bogged down. But it is a great idea! Also very good advise on the coil issue. I will try this as soon as I get a chance. I am going on vacation this weekend and won't be back for a week so I will get back to you guys as soon as I can. Thank you all for your help! |
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