Service Engine
Avoid Fumes
Engine Warranty Maintenance Statement
Maintenance, repair, or replacement of emission control devices and systems on this engine, which are being done at customers expense, may be performed by any nonroad engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized John Deere dealer.
Adjusting Carburetor
NOTE: Carburetor is calibrated by engine manufacturer and should not require any adjustments.
If engine is operated at altitudes above 1829 m (6,000 ft.), some carburetors may require a special high altitude main jet. See John Deere dealer.
Possible engine surging will occur at high rpm with no load (with transmission in N (neutral) and mower blade engagement lever disengaged). This is a normal condition due to emission control system.
If engine is hard to start or runs rough, check Troubleshooting section of this manual.
After performing checks in troubleshooting section and engine is still not performing correctly, contact John Deere dealer.
Engine Oil
Use oil viscosity based on expected air temperature range during period between oil changes.
Preferred John Deere oils:
Other oils may be used if above John Deere oils are not available, provided they meet following specification:
· API Service Classification SG or higher
Checking Engine Oil Level
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in Safety section.)
3. Clean area around dipstick to prevent debris from falling into crankcase.
Picture Note: Model 2554HV used for photo purposes.
4. Remove dipstick (A). Wipe with clean cloth.
5. Insert dipstick into tube and rest oil fill cap on tube. Do not thread cap onto tube.
6. Remove dipstick and check oil level.
7. Oil must be between add and full marks.
8. Add oil to full mark if necessary. Do not overfill.
9. Install and tighten dipstick. Lower hood.
Changing Engine Oil
c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Hot Engine and Hot Oil can cause severe burns. Allow engine temperature to drop from hot to warm level before attempting to change oil.
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2. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in Safety section.)
3. Wipe debris and dirt from around dipstick.
Picture Note: Model 2554HV used for photo purposes.
4. Put drain pan under drain extension (A).
5. Remove drain plug (A) and drain oil into oil drain pan.
6. Replace drain plug. Tighten to: 13.6 N·m (10 lb-ft).
7. Remove dipstick (B) and fill with new oil of recommended grade.
· Approximate engine oil capacity: 2.1 L (2 qt)
8. Install dipstick and then remove to check oil level. Oil level must be between add and full marks. Do not overfill.
9. Install and tighten dipstick.
10. Start engine and check for oil leaks. Correct any leaks before operating.
Changing Engine Oil Filter
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in Safety section.)
2. Drain engine oil and replace with fresh oil. (See Changing Engine Oil in this section.)
3. Wipe debris and dirt from around oil filter.
Picture Note: 2554HV Engine Shown
4. Put a small shallow pan or funnel under oil filter (A) to catch oil drained from filter.
5. Remove old filter (A) and wipe off filter tray with a clean cloth.
6. Lightly oil filter gasket with fresh, clean oil.
7. Install replacement oil filter. Turn oil filter to right (clockwise) until rubber gasket contacts filter adapter. Tighten filter an additional one-half turn.
8. Start and run engine at idle to check for leaks. Stop engine.
Cleaning Air Intake Screen and Engine Fins
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Which can result from overheating: Keep air intake screen free of dust. |
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in Safety section.)
Picture Note: 2554HV Engine Shown
3. Clean air intake screen (A), oil cooler fins (B) and external surfaces, with rag, brush, vacuum or compressed air. Lower hood.
Checking and Cleaning Air Cleaner Elements
NOTE: It may be necessary to check air filter more frequently if operating machine in dusty conditions.
2. Clean any dirt and debris from air cleaner area before removing cover.
Picture Note: 2554HV Engine Shown
4. Inspect foam precleaner (B) and element (C) without removing.
5. If precleaner (B) is dirty, carefully remove from filter, leaving element (C) in air cleaner housing.
NOTE: Do not wash paper element.
6. Wash precleaner (B) in a solution of warm water and liquid detergent.
7. Rinse precleaner thoroughly. Squeeze out excess water in a dry cloth until precleaner is completely dry.
8. Put approximately 30 ml. (1 oz.) of clean engine oil onto precleaner. Squeeze precleaner to distribute oil evenly. Squeeze out excess oil with a clean cloth.
9. Remove and replace filter element (C) only if damaged or very dirty.
10. Carefully remove element (C) from air cleaner housing. Replace with a new element.
11. Carefully clean air cleaner housing. Prevent any dirt from falling into carburetor.
12. Install precleaner onto new filter element and install into air cleaner housing.
13. Install cover. Lower hood.
Checking Spark Plugs
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c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Before removing spark plugs, Stop engine and wait until engine is cool.
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1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in Safety section.)
Picture Note: Model 2554HV used for photo purposes.
2. Disconnect spark plug wires (A), one on each side, and remove spark plugs.
3. Clean spark plugs carefully with a wire brush.
4. Check plug gap with a wire feeler gauge.
· Gap should be 0.76 mm (0.030 in.)
5. To change gap, move outer electrode.
6. Install and tighten spark plug(s).
· Tighten plug(s) to: 24.4/29.8 N·m (18/22 lb-ft).
Replacing Fuel Filter
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c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames away from fuel system. Make sure engine is cool to touch.
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IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! When disconnecting fuel tank hose from filter, be sure to hold hose above fuel tank level so fuel does not run out. |
NOTE: Change filter when fuel is low in fuel tank.
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)
2. Let engine cool. Lift hood.
Picture Note: 2554HV Engine Shown
3. Using pliers, slide hose clamps (A) away from fuel filter (B).
4. Disconnect hoses from filter.
5. Connect hoses to new filter.