Service Engine
Avoid Fumes
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.
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.
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 in tube, but do not tighten. Let dipstick threads rest on top of tube, turn cap counterclockwise until it clicks or starts to engage threads.
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.
9. Install and tighten dipstick. Lower hood.
Changing Engine Oil and Filter (LT170)
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Change oil more often if machine is used in extreme conditions: |
2. Park machine safely on level surface. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)
4. Put drain pan under drain valve.
5. Remove drain cap (A) and drain oil into drain pan. Allow oil to drain completely.
7. Wipe dirt from around oil filter (C).
8. Place a drain pan or funnel under oil filter tray.
9. Remove old filter and wipe off filter tray.
10. Put a light coat of fresh, clean oil on the filter gasket.
11. 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.
13. Add oil no higher than FULL mark on dipstick. Begin with approximately 1.5 L (1.6 qt) (51 oz). Do not overfill.
15. Start and run engine at idle to check for leaks. Stop engine. Fix any leaks before operating.
16. Check oil level. Add oil if necessary.
Changing Engine Oil and Filter (LT180)
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Change oil more often if machine is used in extreme conditions: |
2. Park machine safely on level surface. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)
4. Put drain pan under drain valve.
5. Loosen drain cap nut (A) and drain oil into drain pan. Allow oil to drain completely.
7. Wipe dirt from around oil filter (C).
8. Place a drain pan or funnel under oil filter tray.
9. Remove old filter and wipe off filter tray.
10. Put a light coat of fresh, clean oil on the filter gasket.
11. 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.
12. Tighten drain cap nut (A).
13. Add oil no higher than FULL mark on dipstick. Begin with approximately 1.8 L (1.9 qt) (61 oz). Do not overfill.
15. Start and run engine at idle to check for leaks. Stop engine. Fix any leaks before operating.
16. 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 on top of engine and external surfaces with rag, brush, vacuum or compressed air.
Checking and Cleaning Air Cleaner Elements (LT170)
1. Park machine safely (See Parking Safely in the Safety Section).
3. Unfasten clips (A) on both sides of air cleaner cover and remove cover.
4. Inspect the foam precleaner without removing it. If the foam precleaner (B) is dirty:
· Remove it from the filter carefully, leaving the paper element in the air cleaner housing.
· Wash precleaner in a solution of warm water and liquid detergent.
· Rinse precleaner thoroughly. Squeeze out excess water in a dry cloth until precleaner is completely dry.
5. Inspect the paper filter element without removing it. If the paper filter element (C) is damaged or dirty:
· Remove knob (D) and air cleaner housing.
· Carefully remove the paper filter element from the air cleaner housing.
· Install new paper filter element.
6. Clean air cleaner base very carefully, preventing any dirt from falling into carburetor.
7. Install foam precleaner onto paper filter element.
8. Install air cleaner and knob.
9. Install air cleaner cover and fasten clips.
Checking and Cleaning Air Cleaner Elements (LT180)
1. Park machine safely (See Parking Safely in the Safety Section).
3. Unfasten clips (A) on both sides of air cleaner cover and remove cover.
4. Inspect the foam precleaner without removing it. If the foam precleaner (B) is dirty:
· Remove it from the filter carefully, leaving the paper element in the air cleaner housing.
· Wash precleaner in a solution of warm water and liquid detergent.
· Rinse precleaner thoroughly. Squeeze out excess water in a dry cloth until precleaner is completely dry.
5. Inspect the paper filter element without removing it. If the paper filter element (C) is damaged or dirty:
· Remove knob (D) and air cleaner housing.
· Carefully remove the paper filter element from the air cleaner housing.
· Install new paper filter element.
6. Clean air cleaner base very carefully, preventing any dirt from falling into carburetor.
7. Install foam precleaner onto paper filter element.
8. Install air cleaner and knob.
9. Install air cleaner cover and fasten clips.
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.
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1. Park machine safely (See Parking Safely in the Safety section).
Picture Note: LT170 right spark plug
Picture Note: LT170 left spark plug
Picture Note: LT180 right spark plug
Picture Note: LT180 left spark plug
3. Disconnect spark plug wire (A), one on each side of engine.
5. Clean spark plug carefully with a wire brush.
· Pitted or damaged electrodes.
NOTE: In Canada, replace spark plug with resistor plug only.
7. Replace spark plugs as necessary.
8. Check plug gap (B) with a wire feeler gauge. To change gap, move the outer electrode.
· For LT170, gap must be .76 mm (0.030 in.).
· For LT180, gap must be 1 mm (0.040 in.).
9. Install and tighten spark plugs:
· For LT170, tighten to 20 N·m (15 lb-ft).
· For LT180, tighten to 15 N·m (11 lb-ft).
10. 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 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
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 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 pointing in the direction of the fuel flow.