Plastic Cam Gear FD590V

Glyn Robinson

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I know that there has been problems with the plastic cam on some of these engines. My engine has 998.0 hours. I was wondering do I need to make plans to replace the plastic gear now or wait until it self destructs?
 

primerbulb120

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If it were my engine I would replace the gear. It could mess up something else if you let it destroy itself.
 

Glyn Robinson

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i'm thinking the same thing. i wonder what the labor bill would be if i took it to my john deere dealer would be?
 

motoman

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I do not take my craftsman in, but labor rates for cars runs up to $125/ hour at big upscale shops. So small engine mechanics ought to get $35-$50/ hour or go bust. I'm winging this , but ignoring any flat rate manual of which I am unaware...Even the best mechanic would spend several hours tearing down to the cam gear , including cleaning before and "careful" assembly. With parts I imagine you would face a minimum $200 bill.
 

Glyn Robinson

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i would be happy paying 200.00 for the job. i was thinking more like 300.00-400.00. thanks for the info!
 

Glyn Robinson

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does Kawasaki (or john deere) offer a kit to replace the cam shaft along with the needed gaskets?
 

BlazNT

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i'm thinking the same thing. i wonder what the labor bill would be if i took it to my john deere dealer would be?

John Deere dealer would be around $80 to $100 an hour. That adds up quick.
 

Glyn Robinson

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it sure does! i'd try to do it myself but i'm not sure that i can or have the tools needed.
 

bertsmobile1

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Removing & replacing the engine has a 2.5 Hrs chargable rate before you start.
So you can cut 1/3 off the price by supplying them the engine only.
You will get a better job if you thoroughly clean the engine before you take it to them.
No mechanic enjoys cleaning crud off engines.
Engine strips have 3 chargable hours + extra time for specific tasks
Thus you are up for somewhere around 6 hours labour.
The gestimates are way off.
You are looking at $ 500 for labour + parts and I would imagine being that it is a Kawaka you could add about the same amount for parts.
Drive in drive out.
A smaller repair only workshop will do the job a bit quicker as at this time of the season the workshops in the glass fronts will be flat out doing pre-deliveries and there is substantially more money in selling a new mower than fixing an old engine so big repairs are not likely to get a high priority
 

Carscw

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2.5 hours to remove and install a engine.
I need to open a shop.
Never have took more then a hour.
 
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