John Deere 285

[David]

I need some help. I have a JD 285 garden tractor with a Kawasaki engine. I was mowing late last fall with it and it all of a sudden lost power but still ran. I checked it and it wasn't getting a spark on the left side (viewing from seat). I let it sit till this spring as I have other tractors to mow with. I went to the Deere dealer today and told them the problem. He said it was the coil on that side. So $60 later, it's still doing it. I switched coils from side to side and the problem is still there. Would it be the ignition box? I figured if it was that it wouldn't run on either side. I hope I'm wrong, as I don't really want to put alot more money into it. I really like mowing with it, but I will let it set before I put $300 in the ignition box on a 20 yr. old tractor. Thanks in advance.

 

[Boyd in Mn]

Did you check the grounds?

 

[chevy65]

pull the valve cover off on the side thats not running an check for push rods being off or bent
also check the wires going to the 2 pulsars which are triggers for the ignition
there 2 little coils on outside of flywheel
never seen a pulsar go bad but they should be checked as well but do check the wires to them
Good Luck Gary