I need 1995 JD 345 repair manual info

[cliffblue]

Hello all, I'm starting to get the feeling that finding tech info on this mower is a real PITA. Hopefully, someone here can help. I'm going through a recently acquired 345 lawn tractor #016178 with a FD590V engine and a 54" deck. The hour meter lens is real orange and I haven't tried to drop it out yet. Some of the information I'm in need of is:
When replacing the front axle pivot pin and bushings, how tight should the castle nut be?
When adjusting the valves to .010" cold, they were all open from .004" to .010". I would have thought they would be tighter, not looser. Opinions?
How tight should the deck lift arm bolts be?
To replace the carriage bolt on the drive belt pulley closest to the engine, can I raise the engine without removing the drive pulley from the crankshaft?
If not, is there a trick to remove that pulley from the crankshaft without damaging it?
The forward-reverse pedals are sticky and don't release immediately every time when I lift my foot. The linkage moves freely. How can I free up the directional valve?
Any helpful info or direction to an online manual would be much appreciated. Regards, Cliff

 

[bruceatlam]

I just noticed a tech manual for the 325/345 on E-Bay the other day ---- I'm assuming you don't have one. Maybe ought to buy that one -----

I have an hour meter that's in the same condition ---- hard to read, but in the right light can be read. I'm not sure that I understand your comment about valves. By definition, valve clearance --- i.e. clearance between the tappet and the rocker arm --- means that the valve is closed.

 

[cliffblue]

Thanks Bruce, I checked eBay and found used book and CD tech manuals starting around $60. If there is no help here , I may have to buy it.
About adjusting the valves, my experience has been as the valve wears deeper into the seat, the gap closes instead of opening like I found here. Just wondering is all.
Just picked up an idler for the drive belt. The old one is a V pulley that runs inside the belt. The new replacement is a flat pulley that you would think should run outside the belt. The parts guy and I triple checked and that is the factory replacement. Will the V belt run on it ok?

 

[bruceatlam]

I don't think so ---- my experience has been that I get replacement parts that look like the original part. I think that you have the wrong part. You can get part number yourself by going to this site: John Deere - Parts Catalog

Start by entering your model number and then search the alpha index from there ---- you should be able to find the part number that you need.

I understand what you mean about valve clearance now ---- unfortunately, you don't have any way of knowing who may have done what incorrectly before you bought it.

 

[bruceatlam]

I just spent a little time on the parts site. From your description, I think that you want part #AM118447. Described as a V Idler. Is that the part # that you think you bought?? Go look at the parts diagram ----- Once your on the site, enter your model # in the little box upper left; select 325,335, 345 Garden Tractor in the list that will populate, select "Alphabetical" to search. I clicked on "D" looking for Drive Belt but found another link second from bottom that took me there. You can see all of the parts in the drive train -----

 

[cliffblue]

Man we really triple checked it. We both looked at the parts exploded view, checked that number against the number on the part, everything! I, like you, was adamant that something wasn't right. I asked him to call tech in the morning to verify. We'll see. I was able to disconnect the muffler and unbolt the engine and rotate it enough to replace the carriage bolt holding the idler. Lucky that. The old ones threads were about gone. When I ordered new exhaust gaskets, the **** things were back ordered. JD don't use that engine any more. Blah blah blah! He did give me the part number so I can see if NAPA can cross them. I can't find the strap that bolts on the idler to keep the belt on it. Just frigging evaporated I guess. Fresh start tomorrow. Got a light up to the hour meter. 1286 hours. Cliff

 

[cliffblue]

The receipt with the # on it is out in the shop, I'll check tomorrow. The description on the JD parts computer said V idler also. i appreciate you taking the time. Thanks

 

[cliffblue]

You are right Bruce. The number I got from JD was AM124302, not AM118447.
Just looked at the parts manual and the local JD parts guy is just a lazy SOB. I told him my mower was <70000. He looked up >70001. Different belt and pulley system. Did he even act apologetic? Nope. Jerk. I try to buy local if they are not 15-20% more than online with shipping. I'm in business too. Now I wait another week. Probably online from now on if not in stock locally.

 

[bruceatlam]

There are several JD dealers that sell on line. I haven't run into any that are poor and I've purchased from several different dealers. I like Bombergers, in general, for price and delivery.

 

[Frustrated]

will check on line