I'm not a mechanic... My GT245 John Deere is running horribly; missing and smoking. Almost back fires at time. Cranks very easily and runs fine at about half throttle, but at full throttle it's horrible. I thought it might be bad gasoline, so I used some gas treatment; no help! Acts like it's flooding... Need a carb. Overhaul or ?

Hi,
If you have a Kawasaki engine (both Briggs Vanguard and Kawasaki engines were used) then you a bad coil on one side. Ran into this a few years ago; and it occurs on other engines in the KH family.
Peace,
Clarke

Hi,
If you have a Kawasaki engine (both Briggs Vanguard and Kawasaki engines were used) then you a bad coil on one side. Ran into this a few years ago; and it occurs on other engines in the KH family.
Peace,
Clarke

Yes, Kawasaki 20hp. Is this something easily replaced or do you recommend that I take it to the shop?

Hi,
If you or someone you know has access to a non-contact ignition tester so that you can find out which to replace, you are most of the way home. A 10mm socket and ratchet is about all you need other than something to set the airgap. There are two identical units, one atop each cylinder. They had problems with them, especially on the vertical crankshaft engines. The heat from the cylinder rose up into those. The old style has an arrow with about a 3/16" tail on top and the new style has a tail about half as thick.
Some people I have seen have simply opted to replace both at once, rather than making two trips to the shop. Obviously, money was less object to them than the convenience, or inconvenience. The other is liable to go, just no one knows when. Of course, if you wanted to replace both, then you would not have to worry about which is bad. Part# AM133525 and that is after two number changes.
Peace,
Clarke