Service Engine

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

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and can cause serious illness or death.

Move the vehicle to an outside area before running the engine.

Do not run an engine in an enclosed area without adequate ventilation.

· Connect a pipe extension to the engine exhaust pipe to direct the exhaust fumes out of the area.

· Allow fresh outside air into the work area to clear the exhaust fumes out.

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:

MX4888

· TURF-GARD®

· PLUS-4®

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


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Failure to check the oil level regularly could lead to serious engine problems if oil level is low: · Check oil level before operating. · Check oil level when the engine is cold and not running. · Keep level between the FULL and the ADD marks. · Shut off engine before adding oil.

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.)

2. Lift hood.

MX8390

3. Clean area around dipstick (A) to prevent debris from falling into crankcase.

4. Remove dipstick. Wipe with clean cloth.

5. Install dipstick:

· LX266, LX277, LX277AWS and LX279 - Install dipstick in tube but do not tighten. Allow dipstick threads to rest on top of tube and rotate cap counterclockwise until it "clicks" or drops into place.

· LX288 - Install and tighten dipstick.

6. Remove dipstick.

M88476

7. Check oil level on dipstick. Oil must be between ADD and FULL marks (B).

8. If oil level is low, add oil to bring oil level no higher than FULL mark on dipstick.

9. Install and tighten dipstick. Lower hood.

Changing Engine Oil and Filter

1. Run engine to warm oil.

2. Park machine safely on level surface. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

3. Lift hood.

M97130

Picture Note: LX277 shown.

4. Put drain pan under drain valve (A). If available, install drain hose.

5. Open drain valve and drain oil into oil drain pan. Allow oil to drain completely.

6. Remove dipstick (B).

7. Change oil filter:

a. Wipe dirt from around oil filter (C).

b. Place a drain pan or funnel under filter tray.

c. Remove old filter and wipe off filter tray.

d. Apply a light coat of fresh oil to filter seal.

e. Install replacement oil filter by turning oil filter to the right (clockwise) until rubber seal contacts filter base. Tighten filter an additional one-half turn.

8. Close drain valve.

9. Add oil:

· LX266, LX277, LX277AWS and LX279: 1.8 L (1.9 qt)

· LX288: 1.7 L (1.8 qt)

10. Install and tighten dipstick.

11. Start and run engine at idle to check for leaks. Stop engine. Fix any leaks before operating.

12. Check oil level, add oil if necessary.

Cleaning Air Intake Screen and Engine Fins


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! The engine requires a large amount of air intake when running. Reduced air intake can cause overheating: · Keep air intake screen and cooling fins clean. · Keep covers and screens in place.

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

M97130

Picture Note: LX277 shown.

M97133

Picture Note: LX279 shown.

2. Clean air intake screen (A), cooling fins, and external surfaces (B), with rag, brush, vacuum or compressed air.

M97134

3. LX279 Only - When operating in extremely dirty conditions, remove air intake screen and clean radiator screen (C).

4. Lower hood.

Servicing Air Cleaner (LX266, LX277 and LX277AWS)

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Touching hot surfaces can burn skin. The engine and components will be hot if the engine has been running. Allow the engine to cool before servicing.

2. Allow engine to cool.

3. Raise or remove hood as needed to access air cleaner.

4. Remove air cleaner cover:

MX8391

· LX266 - Loosen knob (A) and remove cover (B).

M97137

· LX277 and LX277AWS - Release latches (C) and remove cover (D).


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Dirt and debris can enter the engine through a damaged filter element: · Do not wash paper element. · Do not attempt to clean paper element by tapping against another object. · Do not use pressurized air to clean element. · Replace element only if it is very dirty, damaged or the seal is cracked.

MX8392 M97141

Picture Note: LX266 shown left, LX277 and LX277AWS shown right.

5. Inspect foam precleaner (E) without removing it. If precleaner is dirty:

a. Remove precleaner carefully without removing paper element (F).

b. Wash it in a solution of warm water and liquid detergent. Rinse, squeeze out excess water in a dry cloth, and allow to air dry.

c. Add approximately 30 ml (1 oz) of clean engine oil to precleaner. Squeeze precleaner to distribute oil evenly.

6. Inspect paper element (F) without removing it. If element is damaged or very dirty:

a. Remove wing nut (G).

b. Remove paper element carefully from air cleaner housing. Discard the element.

c. Clean the air cleaner housing carefully to prevent dirt from entering the carburetor.

d. Install new paper element into air cleaner. Make sure element is seated properly.

e. Install wing nut.

7. Install precleaner on paper element.

8. Install air cleaner cover. Do not overtighten.

9. Install or lower hood.

Servicing Air Cleaner (LX279)

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Touching hot surfaces can burn skin. The engine and components will be hot if the engine has been running. Allow the engine to cool before servicing.

2. Allow engine to cool.

3. Raise or remove hood.

M97133

4. Remove air intake screen (A):

M97134

5. Remove thumb screws and washers (B) and cover (C).


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Dirt and debris can enter the engine through a damaged filter element: · Do not wash paper element. · Do not attempt to clean paper element by tapping against another object. · Do not use pressurized air to clean element. · Replace element only if it is very dirty, damaged or the seal is cracked.

M78985a

6. Inspect foam precleaner (D) without removing it. If precleaner is dirty:

a. Remove precleaner carefully without removing paper element (E).

b. Wash it in a solution of warm water and liquid detergent. Rinse, squeeze out excess water in a dry cloth, and allow to air dry.

c. Add approximately 30 ml (1 oz) of clean engine oil to precleaner. Squeeze precleaner to distribute oil evenly.

7. Inspect paper element (E) without removing it. If element is damaged or very dirty:

a. Remove paper element carefully from air cleaner housing. Discard the element.

b. Clean the air cleaner housing carefully to prevent dirt from entering the carburetor.

c. Install new paper element into air cleaner. Make sure element is seated properly.

8. Install precleaner on paper element.

9. Install air cleaner cover. Do not overtighten.

10. Install or lower hood.

Servicing Air Cleaner (LX288)

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Touching hot surfaces can burn skin. The engine and components will be hot if the engine has been running. Allow the engine to cool before servicing.

2. Allow engine to cool.

3. Raise or remove hood.

M96058

4. Release latches (A) and remove cover (B).


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Dirt and debris can enter the engine through a damaged filter element: · Do not wash paper element. · Do not attempt to clean paper element by tapping against another object. · Do not use pressurized air to clean element. · Replace element only if it is very dirty, damaged or the seal is cracked.

M88591

5. Inspect foam precleaner (C) without removing it. If precleaner is dirty:

a. Remove precleaner carefully without removing paper element (D).

b. Wash it in a solution of warm water and liquid detergent. Rinse, squeeze out excess water in a dry cloth, and allow to air dry.

c. Add approximately 30 ml (1 oz) of clean engine oil to precleaner. Squeeze precleaner to distribute oil evenly.

6. Inspect paper element (D) without removing it. If element is damaged or very dirty:

a. Remove knob (E) and plate (F).

b. Remove paper element carefully from air cleaner housing. Discard the element.

c. Clean the air cleaner housing carefully to prevent dirt from entering the carburetor.

d. Install new paper element into air cleaner. Make sure element is seated properly.

e. Install plate and secure with knob.

7. Install precleaner on paper element.

8. Install and latch the air cleaner cover.

9. Install or lower hood.

Checking Spark Plugs

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Touching hot surfaces can burn skin. The engine and components will be hot if the engine has been running. Allow the engine to cool before servicing.

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

2. Allow engine to cool.

3. Raise or remove hood.

M97130

Picture Note: LX277 shown.

4. Disconnect spark plug wire(s) (A).

5. Remove spark plug(s).

6. Clean each spark plug carefully with a wire brush.

7. Inspect spark plugs for:

· Cracked porcelain.

· Pitted or damaged electrodes.

· Other wear or damage.

NOTE: In Canada, replace spark plug with resistor plug only.

8. Replace spark plugs as necessary.

M85200

9. Check plug gap (B) with a wire feeler gauge. To change gap, bend outer electrode (C).

· LX266, LX277, LX277AWS - Gap must be 1.00 mm (0.040 in.).

· LX279 - Gap must be 0.70 mm (0.028 in.).

· LX288 - Gap must be 0.76 mm (0.030 in.).

10. Install and tighten spark plugs:

· LX266 - 40 N·m (29 lb-ft).

· LX277, LX277AWS - 15 N·m (133 lb-in.).

· LX279 - 17 N·m (150 lb-in.).

· LX288 - 20 N·m (177 lb-in.).

11. Connect spark plug wires.

12. Install or 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 John Deere 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 engagement lever 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 John Deere dealer.

Replacing Fuel Filter

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Fuel vapors are explosive and flammable:

· Do not smoke while handling fuel.

· Keep fuel away from flames or sparks.

· Shut off engine before servicing.

· Cool engine before servicing.

· Work in a well-ventilated area.

· Clean up spilled fuel immediately.

NOTE: Change filter when fuel is low to prevent excessive fuel spillage.

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

2. Allow engine to cool.

3. Raise the hood.

MX8393

4. Place a drain pan under fuel filter (A).

5. Note direction of arrow on fuel filter so new filter can be installed in the same direction.

6. Use a pliers to slide hose clamps (B) away from fuel filter.

7. 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.

8. Make sure arrow on new filter is pointing in the direction of fuel flow. Connect hoses to filter.

9. Slide hose clamps in position to secure filter.

10. Check for leaks.

11. Lower the hood.

Recommended Engine Coolant

The following John Deere coolant is preferred:

· COOL-GARD PRE-DILUTED SUMMER COOLANT (TY16036).

· COOL-GARD CONCENTRATED SUMMER COOLANT (TY16034)

If neither of the above coolants is available, use an ethylene glycol base coolant that meets the following specification:

· ASTM D4985 (JDM H24A2)

Check container label before using to be sure it has the appropriate specifications for your machine. Use coolant with conditioner or add conditioner to coolant before using.

If using concentrate, mix approximately 50 percent antifreeze with 50 percent distilled or deionized water before adding to cooling system. This mixture will provide freeze protection to -37 degrees C (-34 degrees F).

Certain geographical areas may require lower temperature protection. See the label on your antifreeze container or consult your John Deere dealer to obtain the latest information and recommendations.

Checking Coolant Level (LX279)


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Using incorrect coolant mixture can damage the radiator: · Do not operate engine without coolant or with plain water. · Use antifreeze approved for use in aluminum engines. · Do not exceed a 50% antifreeze mixture for the coolant. · Do not pour coolant or water into radiator when engine is hot.

1. Park machine safely on a level surface. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

2. Raise hood.

3. Check coolant level:

M97132a

· If engine is hot, coolant should be up to "H" mark (A) on recovery tank.

· If engine is cold, coolant should be at "L" mark (B) on recovery tank.

4. Remove cap (C) from recovery tank if coolant is low. Add ethylene glycol antifreeze (without stop-leak additive) and water in a 50:50 ratio to bring coolant up to proper level.

5. Install and tighten recovery tank cap.

6. Clean debris from air intake screens and radiator.

7. Check condition of hoses. Check for leaks or loose connections.

Servicing Cooling System

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! The radiator will be hot and can burn skin. Built-up pressure may cause explosive release of coolant when the radiator cap is removed:

· Shut off the engine and allow to cool.

· Do not remove the cap unless the radiator and the engine are cool enough to touch with bare hands.

· Slowly loosen the cap to the first stop to release all pressure. Then remove the cap.

Draining Cooling System

1. Park machine safely on a level surface. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

2. Allow engine to cool.

3. Raise hood.

M97136

4. Loosen and remove radiator cap (A) slowly to release all pressure, then tighten cap.

M97135

5. Locate hose (B) between water pump and cylinder head on left side of engine. Loosen upper hose clamp with pliers.

6. Position a bucket below the hose.

7. Remove hose from fitting on cylinder head. Drain all coolant into bucket.

NOTE: If pressure has been released from radiator and cap is tight, only a small amount of coolant should escape from cylinder head.

8. Install hose and clamp to cylinder head fitting after coolant has drained completely.

9. Flush the cooling system.

Flushing Cooling System

1. Remove radiator cap.

2. Fill cooling system with clean water and John Deere Cooling System Cleaner, or John Deere Cooling System Quick Flush or an equivalent. Follow directions on the can.

3. Install and tighten radiator cap.

4. Start and run engine until it reaches operating temperature.

5. Stop the engine.

6. Drain cooling system immediately before rust and dirt settle.

7. Install hose and clamp.

Filling Cooling System


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Using incorrect coolant mixture can damage the radiator: · Do not operate engine without coolant or with plain water. · Use antifreeze approved for use in aluminum engines. · Do not exceed a 50% antifreeze mixture for the coolant. · Do not pour coolant or water into radiator when engine is hot.

1. Allow radiator to cool.

2. Remove radiator cap.

3. Fill cooling system. Coolant capacity is 2.6 L (2.8 qt).

4. Install and tighten radiator cap.

5. Run engine until it reaches operating temperature.

6. Stop the engine.

7. Check coolant level while engine is hot and after cooling to ensure proper level in recovery tank. If necessary, fill recovery tank to proper level.

8. Tighten hose clamps if necessary.

9. Lower the hood.

About Our Site | Privacy | Legal