Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere 345 not getting fuel, john deere 345, jd dealer

Question
QUESTION: Hi Eric,
I have a JD 345 with an 18hp Kawasaki engine.  I tried to start it today and no
luck.  Did not seem to be getting any fuel.  After some troubleshooting I may
have found a problem.  I pulled the fuel pump and the fuel pump push rod
does not move in and out when turning the engine over.   The last time I ran
the mower it did not sound and started hard but my grandson wanted to go
for a ride around the yard it seemed to lack the normal power it usually has.  
What do you think?
Thanks

ANSWER: What is the engine model and serial number?  Not to many Kawasaki's use the mechanical fuel pump.  I need the engine info to look up the parts diagram.

Let me know the engine numbers.
Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Eric,
The Engine # is FD590V050746, the tractor model is M00345B014304.  I've
been doing a little more online investigating and I believe the cam gear is
bad.  I pulled the valve cover off and when I turn the engine over nothing
happens, the valves are not moving.  I have also found out that this era of
Kawasaki engine had a plastic cam gear that is prone to breaking between
750 and 1500 hours.  Mine has 788 hours on it.  I called my JD dealer and
they told me that a cam job would be about $800. parts and labor and that
would include a new water pump.  I have decided to try to do it myself.  I put
a new water pump on last year and that went okay.  In your opinion is this a
job that can be done by someone that is used to doing their own
maintenance on their cars can handle.  I do my own oil changes, brake jobs
etc.
Thanks
Bob

Answer
Sounds like a task you can tackle yourself but I'd recommend purchasing a manual or researching more online for torque specs and valve clearances information.

If the vavles are not moving then I'd suspect the cam like you said.  Do you have a torque wrench?  If not, it might be a good investment.

Eric