john deere gx345 won't start

I have a john deere gx345 mower that is 4 years old. I have had problems from the get go with this thing running. The first year the dealer picked it up and replaced the carb. That lasted a few cuttings. Same thing. Runs for awhile then quits. Won"t restart. Next time it might start. Maybe not. I took it back and was told a mud dobber clogged off the carb vent. It ran fine for awhile. Few weeks ago I put in new plugs. Ran fine until was shut off. Won"t start again. The plugs aren"t showing any fire when out of the engine but, there is voltage to the coil packs on each side. Anyone know if the plugs have to be under compression to fire. I"m leery about taking it back for repair because of the previous results and cost out of my pocket. Seems like it has to be something simple but, can"t put a finger on it. Fuses are good, starter spins fine, new fuel and filter.

Craig Sounds like ur dealer has no clue to whats going on
Many things can cause the problems ur having but most likly is the Time Delay Control module is bad
That would explain running 1 time not the next
The module is easy and inexpensive to replace
From the starter solenoid follow the single red wireback to a module that has long red an black wires and short yellow an orange wires
This is the TDC module
ITs round an zip tied to wiring harness
Good Luck Further problems or questions feel free to email me
you can fix it Gary

yep, thats the time delay module giving you fits. that dealership must employ a total moron if he cant figure that one out...they are dime a dozen for acting up.

Thanks Bud, That fixed it! $17 later, runs like it should now and took five minutes to change it out. That's why I was leery about taking the machine back to them again. Thanks again for your help. Craig

Thanks Mr. Meyer, I replaced the module and it runs like it should. You guys are great to help out like this.
You know, when this machine started acting up again after being "fixed" the second time, I asked the guys at the Dealership if the mechanics were school trained. They of course proudly replied that they were. I think that part of their problem is that the main machanic is a younger fellow and he seems to be swamped and is probably overwhelmed. Regardless of what their problems may be, they won't see my smiling face in their shop again other than to get parts.
Thanks again for your support and the time and money you guys saved me. Craig

This part is is also called a [b:583d297077]OFF-TIME DELAY MODULE[/b:583d297077]... and is an inline plastic coated (round cylinder,5 wire , and 2 inches long) switch that is easy to change... the TDC , however is up behind the ignition panel and costs about $85 versus the $17.50 for the OFF-Time Delay Module....The OFTDM may work if it cools for a bit or it just goes out completely. You can tell if this is your problem because [b:583d297077]it controls GAS&SPARK ....You will notice little if/no gas in bowl of the fuel filter and no spark to the plugs[/b:583d297077]...COILS rarely go bad so I would replace this part first as it is cheaper than a $60 coil or a TDC.....BEST OF LUCK..CHEERS!! ..

(quoted from post at 10:11:48 08/18/09) This part is is also called a [b:1edf058aaf]OFF-TIME DELAY MODULE[/b:1edf058aaf]... and is an inline plastic coated (round cylinder,5 wire , and 2 inches long) switch that is easy to change... the TDC , however is up behind the ignition panel and costs about $85 versus the $17.50 for the OFF-Time Delay Module....The OFTDM may work if it cools for a bit or it just goes out completely. You can tell if this is your problem because [b:1edf058aaf]it controls GAS&SPARK ....You will notice little if/no gas in bowl of the fuel filter and no spark to the plugs[/b:1edf058aaf]...COILS rarely go bad so I would replace this part first as it is cheaper than a $60 coil or a TDC.....BEST OF LUCK..CHEERS!! ..

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I know these posts were from a long time ago, but thankfully a google search led me to them and although I am not overly mechanically inclined I was able to diagnose the problem and fix it myself. Thanks everyone! Turns out it was only a $21 part (time delay module) and my 2005 GX345 is up and running again. Appreciate your expertise!
Jason

(quoted from post at 02:44:54 04/24/12)

(quoted from post at 10:11:48 08/18/09) This part is is also called a [b:e7cbda1c16]OFF-TIME DELAY MODULE[/b:e7cbda1c16]... and is an inline plastic coated (round cylinder,5 wire , and 2 inches long) switch that is easy to change... the TDC , however is up behind the ignition panel and costs about $85 versus the $17.50 for the OFF-Time Delay Module....The OFTDM may work if it cools for a bit or it just goes out completely. You can tell if this is your problem because [b:e7cbda1c16]it controls GAS&SPARK ....You will notice little if/no gas in bowl of the fuel filter and no spark to the plugs[/b:e7cbda1c16]...COILS rarely go bad so I would replace this part first as it is cheaper than a $60 coil or a TDC.....BEST OF LUCK..CHEERS!! ..

Click to expand...

I know these posts were from a long time ago, but thankfully a google search led me to them and although I am not overly mechanically inclined I was able to diagnose the problem and fix it myself. Thanks everyone! Turns out it was only a $21 part (time delay module) and my 2005 GX345 is up and running again. Appreciate your expertise!
Jason

Click to expand...

I've been running into the same problem; i.e. the engine cranks over fine, but won't start.

I got the GX345 last fall and it's started every time I used it....mainly for snowblowing, but used the 54" mower few times too.

Now, nothing !
I was suspecting the small gas shut-off solenoid under the carb, but maybe it's the Time Delay Control module that you guys have discussed.
Looked on the JD online parts catalog....Is it p/n AM128906 ?

Can this be checked with a multi-meter somehow to see if it's faulty?
Hate to spend $21 +, if that's not the problem.

thanks for your help

gatz

Update

At the suggestions from a John Deere parts-man, the problem was found to be the fuel pump.

Took the fuel line from the fuel pump to the carb loose and it was dry as a bone. Took the line from the tank off the fuel pump and (after making an adapter) lightly blew air into the tank. Gas came out the line.
So.... got a new fuel pump for less than $20 (b/4 tax).
Mounted it all. Started right up in about 3 seconds.

There's a small bronze "breather" in the center of the pump body.
This may have been plugged up enough to make the purge from the engine ineffective.
At any rate it works now and the GX345 is running great.