I had similar problems with my 9-year old JD L120/48. I maintained it well, but pulleys wore out continuously, belts broke easily, wheel bearings failed, then the oil fouling started. JD dealer wanted $400 to fix and would not guarantee results. I sold it for $100 and bought a Husqvarna.

If I had the money I would take it to Deere and have them fix it right, or at least take it to them and find out what is wrong and what it would cost to repair and then decide if it is worth it to you. If you are not really good at repairs you could spend a lot of money, and time, and still not have a machine you can use with confidence, if at all.

I'm confused, the coiled wire indicator is for glow plugs used on the diesel 455 G/T. If you have a 445 fuel injected Kawasaki that indicator position is used for flashing FI fault codes:

H - Injection System Failure indicator (Model 445 Only) - will come on for a few seconds when you turn key to the RUN position.

The injection system failure indicator serves as an injection system diagnostic tool. When there is a problem with one of the fuel injection sensors, the indicator will blink. This light has two signals, a long blink (-) and a short blink (). Use the following to diagnose the indicator blinking:

· - · · Air Temperature Sensor problem.

· - · · · Water Temperature Sensor problem.

· - - · Air Pressure Sensor problem.

· - - · · Key switch was turned on too quickly.

· If light is blinking, see your John Deere dealer for service.

Hope this helps.

Has there been some dust run through the engine to cause the smoking? It sounds crazy, but you probably need to replace your radiator to repair your steering problem. There is a blockage in the oil cooler that is located in the bottom of the radiator that will cause hard steering problem. What color is the oil that is leaking out of the back? Also, check the coolant to see if any transmission oil has gotten into it causing it to turn white.

I've not owned a 445 but have had some JDs.

I'm guessing that your hydrostat is leaking. It probably shares fluid with the power steering cylinder. So low hydrostat fluid would make it steer hard due to lack of fluid in the hydraulic steering cylinder. Was the filter put on correctly (just a guess where it might leak)? Perhaps check and fill the fluid if needed and see if the steering improves. A flashlight really helps me see under my tractor... eyes are getting old. You may need to add fluid, run the tractor around a bit, and then check it again. Don't overfill... the distance between the fill and full marks tends to be just a few ounces of oil. Wish hydrostat makers would allow more tolerance for fluid capacity.

A big question on the engine is it smoking from gas or oil or coolant? Oil smoke tends to be more blue... gas smoke tends to be more black, coolant more white(steam). Problems with the fuel injector can cause extra gas to be used and the engine will smoke from it. Bad piston cylinder rings allow oil to bypass and will cause oil smoke. If you can't tell by the smoke color then I'd check to see how much oil it is burning. If it does not use much oil then it is probably a fuel problem. Given the age of your tractor the engine gaskets are very suspect. Bad gaskets can cause everything to leak.

I mow up and down the steep parts of my property. All my JDs have been good climbers. I'm a bit paranoid about rolling as those 1000 lb machines will kill you if it pins you under it.

If you spend a couple hours looking over your tractor and don't find obvious solutions have the work hired out. I work with machines all day long but usually have someone work on them when they need it. There are guys in my area that make a living doing small engine repair because the dealer is pricey. A decent small engine shop could probably fix you up cheaper then the dealer. If you can just look and have an "ah-ha" moment then fix it yourself... a loose filter or something like that.

A little stinky but I thought it was just showing it's age.

What was stinking? What color of smoke, blue? black? or white? How many hours on it? Did you change/check the oil/fluid and filters? ever?

No reply since the first day he registered in November. Perhaps he "rolled" it again. In my opinion his self assessment is correct.... He's an idiot...said so himself in line #6. It should be taken into a dealer for repair before it's forever totally screwed up.

Damn rdaystrom that's harsh..........

Well, no, I never got the chance to take it to an authorized repair center do to the lack of funds. I did replace the tranny filter and for a while the leak stopped but is back, occasionally. The smoking and oil consumption is still the same but now after doing 90% of my 2 acres all uphill operations must be done with the PTO disengaged or it sounds and feels as if the mower will die. A pressure test on the cylinders revealed a loss of pressure on one side. I believe the problem is with the valve seals. They are going to be replaced this weekend. Sorry for dropping off like that...........

Well, I doubt seriously that worn/defective valve seals are going to solve any of your power loss problems.
Valve seals DO NOT factor into any scenarios where a loss of compression and resultant power loss is the complaint.
Valve guides and seals do factor in on some oil smoke issues, but usually only when the engine first starts up, or when the engine is revved up after it has idled at low RPM for a while.

I agree with mowine....not likely a valve problem....
The symptoms that you mentioned:

1. smoking "It smokes more now (enough to make ya sick after a couple hours on it)."
2. oil consumption
3. loss of power
4. 'loss of pressure on one side' with compression test.

...all point to cylinder problems such as worn/broken rings, cylinders out of round, scored cylinders, etc.

I had same issues with my 445 .. replaced air temp sensor with auto sensor (quick rewire solder job) worked for 2 hrs same problem.. had slow seep from somewhere.. ended up power steering valve a line let go.. ( fixed it by flaring the tube and re-installing line)
i was getting tired of limping back to the shop after 10 min. so i checked the fuel press and found i only had 9psi .
removed seat and rear body panel with fenders..6 bolts
i found the fuel pump connector was very black . after removing the spades and wireing , cleaning , pressure bumped back up to 25psi and 27 at full throttle..
i am using a modified jd 47in. snowblower and it is now a pleasure to drive. hope this helps
i am up in winterpeg mb.