Section 3 - MAINTENANCE

3.1INTRODUCTION

To retain the quality of the mower, use genuine SNAPPER replacement parts only. Contact a local SNAPPER dealer for parts and service assistance. For the correct part or information for a particular mower, always mention model and serial number.

3.2SERVICE - AFTER FIRST 5 HOURS 3.2.1. CHANGE ENGINE OIL

WARNING

DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or service with engine and blade running. STOP engine and blade. Disconnect spark plug wire and secure away from spark plug. Engine and components are HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow sufficient time for all components to cool. Wear heavy leather gloves when handling or working around cutting blades. Blades are extremely sharp and can cause severe injury.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT tip machine with carburetor or spark plug down. Oil from crankcase will saturate the air filter and cause the engine to be hard to start or not start at all. If contamination does occur, the air filter will have to be replaced.

1.Disconnect spark plug wire and secure end away from plug. The items needed to perform oil change are: cloth rags, (1) 3/8” drive ratchet with a short extension and (1) shallow pan.

2.Tilt mower up on its rear wheels for access to the oil drain plug located underneath the mower deck. Do not tilt mower with spark plug or carburetor down. See Figure 3.1.

4.Loosen with ratchet and short extension, but do not remove oil drain plug. Loosen plug until you can turn it with your fingers.

5.Lower the mower down and place the piece of wood under left rear wheel. Reach under mower and remove drain plug and allow oil to drain out completely in pan. Some oil may spill onto hands, immediately wipe hands clean with cloth rags.

6.Tilt mower back up and replace drain plug. Tighten securely but do not over tighten.

7.Fill engine with oil as specified in Engine Owner’s Manual.

8.Check air cleaner and perform air filter maintenance as specified in the Engine Owner’s Manual.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT tip machine with carburetor or spark plug down. Oil from crankcase will saturate the air filter and cause the engine to be hard to start or not start at all. If contamination does occur, the air filter will have to be replaced.

3.2.2. CHECK MOWER BLADE

1.Disconnect spark plug wire and secure end away from plug.

2.Tilt mower up on its rear wheels for access to the blade cap screw. Do not tilt mower with spark plug or carburetor down. See Figure 3.2.

3.Check torque of blade retaining cap screw. Recommended torque should be 30 to 40 ft. lbs. See Figure 3.2.

4.Check blade for sharpness, wear and damage. Refer to Section “Blade Wear Limits”.

DRAIN PLUG

FIGURE 3.1

3.Place shallow pan underneath the approximate center of the oil drain plug.

BLADE

 

 

 

CHECK TORQUE OF BLADE

RETAINING

 

SCREW

 

RETAINING SCREW.TORQUE

 

 

TO 30 TO 40 FT. LBS.

 

 

 

 

FIGURE 3.2

WARNING

To avoid spilling fuel, empty engine gas tank before tilting mower.

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Snapper ER194515B Maintenance, Service After First 5 Hours 3.2.1. Change Engine OIL, Check Mower Blade