Service Engine
Engine Warranty Maintenance Statement
Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems on this engine, which are being done at the customers expense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized John Deere dealer.
Avoid Fumes
Engine Oil
Use oil viscosity based on the expected air temperature range during the period between oil changes.
The following John Deere oils are preferred:
Other oils may be used if above John Deere oils are not available, provided they meet the following specification:
· API Service Classification SG or higher
Checking Engine Oil Level
NOTE: Check oil twice a day if you run engine over 4 hours in a day.
Make sure engine is cold when checking engine oil level.
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
3. Clean area around dipstick to prevent debris from falling into crankcase.
4. Remove dipstick (A). Wipe with clean cloth.
5. Install dipstick into tube and rest oil fill cap on tube. Do not thread cap onto tube.
7. Check oil level on dipstick. Oil must be between ADD and FULL marks.
8. If oil level is low, add oil to bring oil level no higher than FULL mark on dipstick. Do not overfill.
9. Install and tighten dipstick. Lower hood.
Changing Engine Oil and Filter
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Change the oil more often if the vehicle is used in extreme conditions: |
2. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
4. Wipe debris and dirt from around dipstick.
5. Put drain pan under drain extension and cap (A).
6. Remove drain cap (A) and drain oil into oil drain pan. Allow oil to drain completely.
a. Wipe dirt from around oil filter.
b. Place a drain pan or funnel under filter tray.
c. Remove old filter and wipe off filter tray.
d. Put a light coat of fresh, clean oil on the filter gasket.
e. Install replacement oil filter by turning oil filter to the right (clockwise) until the rubber gasket contacts filter base. Tighten filter an additional one-half turn.
9. Install drain cap. Tighten to 13.6 N·m (10 lb-ft).
10. Fill with new oil of recommended grade no higher than FULL mark on dipstick. Do not overfill.
· Approximate engine oil capacity: 2.1 L (2.2 qt)
12. Start and run engine at idle to check for leaks. Stop engine. Fix any leaks before operating.
13. Check oil level, add oil if necessary.
Cleaning Air Intake Screen and Engine Fins
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! The engine is air-cooled and requires a large amount of air intake when running. Reduced air intake can cause overheating: |
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
3. Clean air intake screen (A), oil cooler fins (B) and external surfaces, with rag, brush, vacuum or compressed air.
Checking and Cleaning Air Cleaner Elements
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
4. Clean dirt and debris from the air cleaner cover.
6. Inspect the foam precleaner (B) without removing it. If the foam precleaner is dirty:
a. Remove it from the filter carefully, leaving the paper element (C) in the air cleaner housing.
b. Wash precleaner in a solution of warm water and liquid detergent.
c. Rinse precleaner thoroughly. Squeeze out excess water in a dry cloth until precleaner is completely dry.
d. Put approximately 30 ml. (1 oz) of clean engine oil onto the precleaner. Squeeze precleaner to distribute the oil evenly. Squeeze out excess oil with a clean cloth.
7. Inspect the paper filter element without removing it. If the paper filter element (C) is damaged or dirty:
· Remove knob (D) and plate (E).
· Carefully remove the element from the air cleaner housing.
· Clean air cleaner base very carefully, preventing any dirt from falling into carburetor.
· Install new paper filter element, plate and knob.
8. Install foam precleaner on paper filter element.
Checking Spark Plugs
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety Section.)
4. Disconnect spark plug wires (A), one on each side.
6. Clean spark plug carefully with a wire brush.
· Pitted or damaged electrodes.
NOTE: In Canada, replace spark plug with resistor plug only.
8. Replace spark plug as necessary.
9. Check plug gap (B) with a wire feeler gauge. To change gap, move the outer electrode.
· Gap must be 0.76 mm (0.030 in.).
10. Install and tighten spark plugs to 24.4 - 29.8 N·m (18 - 22 lb-ft).
11. Connect spark plug wires and lower hood.
Adjusting Carburetor
NOTE: Carburetor is calibrated by the engine manufacturer and is not adjustable.
If engine is operated at altitudes above 1829 m (6,000 ft), some carburetors may require a special high altitude main jet. See your authorized dealer.
If engine is hard to start or runs rough, check the troubleshooting section of this manual.
Possible engine surging will occur at high throttle with transmission in "N" neutral and mower disengaged. This is a normal condition due to the emission control system.
After performing the checks in the troubleshooting section and your engine is still not performing correctly, contact your authorized dealer.
Replacing Fuel Filter
NOTE: Change filter when fuel is low.
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
4. Put a drain pan under fuel filter.
5. Slide hose clamps (A) away from fuel filter (B) using a pliers.
6. Disconnect hoses from filter.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Incorrect installation of fuel filter may cause engine damage. Install the filter with the arrow pointing in the direction of fuel flow for proper operation. |
7. Connect hoses to new filter making sure the filter arrow is pointed in the direction of the fuel flow.