A friend called yesterday and his 3 year old, John Deere 19.5 HP, single cylinder riding mower suddenly lost power, sputtered and wheezed to a full stop. Would crank but not start so I stopped by to look and see what it might be. I pulled the OHV cover to look at the rocker arms and the exhaust worked fine but the intake didn't move at all since the rocker arm was dangling and completely off the push rod. Re-installed it and the intake wouldn't move either by hand turning, or by starter with plug out. No bent or broken rocker arms or push rods. Both valves appear to open and seat properly but had to manually depress the intake valve against spring pressure, but appeared ok. I haven't dis-assembled it yet, but pulled the engine and took it home. She's waiting to hit the bench for repair as soon as I drain the oil. I suspect it's a broken camshaft. Any ideas? Will post updates as I proceed.
Model# 31P6770140B1
Serial# 081010ZE03140
Model# 31P6770140B1
Serial# 081010ZE03140
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