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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

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

Move the machine 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


MX10395

Use oil viscosity based on the expected air temperature range during the period between oil changes.

The following oils are preferred:

· John Deere TURF-GARD®

· John Deere PLUS-4®

The following oils are also recommended, based on their specified temperature range:

· SAE5W-20

· SAE40

· SAE30

· SAE10W-30/SAE10W-40

Other oils may be used if above John Deere oils are not available, provided they meet one of the following specifications:

· API Service Classification SF, SG, SH or SJ

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. Allow engine to cool.

3. Clean area around dipstick prior to removing it.


MX20886

4. Remove dipstick (A). Wipe it clean.

5. Install dipstick.


MX10285

6. Remove dipstick and check oil level. Oil level should be between "low" (B) and "high" (C) marks on dipstick.

· If oil is low, add oil to bring oil level no higher than the "H" high mark on dipstick.

· If oil level is above the "H" high mark, drain to proper level.

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! To prevent extensive engine wear or damage, always maintain the proper engine oil level. Never operate the engine with the oil level below the add mark or over the full mark.


7. Install dipstick.

MODEL

Oil Capacity With Filter

777

2.0 L (2.1 qt)

797

2.0 L (2.1 qt)


Changing Engine Oil and Filter

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

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Change the oil more often if the machine is used in extreme conditions:

· Extremely dusty conditions.

· Frequent slow or low-speed operation.

· Frequent short trips.


1. Run engine to warm oil.

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


MX21080

3. Connect an appropriate size hose to drain tube (A) and place container under hose.

4. Open drain valve (B).

5. Allow oil to drain into an oil drain pan.

6. After oil drains, close drain valve and remove hose.


MX21142

7. Connect an appropriate size drain hose to bottom side of funnel (C) and route through hole in frame.

8. Put container under drain hose.

9. Remove oil filter (D). Turn filter counterclockwise to remove.

10. Apply a film of clean engine oil on gasket of new filter.

11. Install filter. Turn filter clockwise until gasket makes contact with mounting surface. Tighten 1/2 to 3/4 turn after gasket contact. Remove drain hose.


MX20886

12. Clean area around the oil fill cap (E) and oil dipstick tube (F).

13. Unscrew and remove the oil fill cap.

14. Add approximately 2.0 L (2.1 qt) of oil.

15. Install and tighten oil fill cap.

16. Start engine and run at slow idle for approximately two minutes. Check for leaks around filter and drain plug.

17. Stop engine.

18. Check oil level:

· Remove and wipe oil dipstick clean with a rag.

· Install dipstick.


MX10285

· Remove dipstick and check oil level. Oil level must be between the "low" (G) and "high" (H) marks on dipstick. Add oil if needed.

19. Install dipstick.

Cleaning Pump Drive Belt Compartment

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Compressed air can cause debris to fly a long distance.

· Clear work area of bystanders.

· Wear eye protection when using compressed air for cleaning purposes.

· Reduce compressed air pressure to 210 kPa (30 psi).

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


MX21081

2. Remove belt guard (A).

3. Clear any debris from belt compartment area.

4. Install belt guard.

Cleaning Radiator Screens and Fins

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Compressed air can cause debris to fly a long distance.

· Clear work area of bystanders.

· Wear eye protection when using compressed air for cleaning purposes.

· Reduce compressed air pressure to 210 kPa (30 psi).

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Reduced air intake can cause overheating. Keep radiator cooling fins clean.

Do not use pressure washers to clean radiator cooling fins. The force produced by pressure washers will damage the radiator and cooling fins.

Reduce compressed air pressure to 210 kPa (30 psi) when cleaning radiator and cooling fins. Spray compressed air straight into radiator. Do not spray radiator on an angle or cooling fins will be bent.


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

2. Allow engine to cool.

3. Lift and secure operator seat in the raised position.


MX21090

4. Lift primary screen (A) to remove and clean.


MX21091

5. Lift secondary screen (B) to remove and clean.


MX21092

6. Remove dirt and debris from radiator and radiator fins (C).

7. Install secondary and primary screens.

8. Lower seat.

Cleaning Air Intake Screen and Pump Drive Belt Compartment

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Compressed air can cause debris to fly a long distance.

· Clear work area of bystanders.

· Wear eye protection when using compressed air for cleaning purposes.

· Reduce compressed air pressure to 210 kPa (30 psi).

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! An obstructed air intake screen can cause engine damage due to overheating. Keep air intake screen and other external surfaces of the engine, including cooling fins, clean at all times to allow adequate air intake.


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

2. Lift and secure operator seat in the raised position.


MX21064

3. Remove grass and debris from pump drive belt compartment (A).

4. Clean air intake screen (B) with a rag, brush or compressed air.

5. Lower seat.

Checking and Cleaning Canister Style Air Cleaner Elements

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Dirt and debris can enter the engine when removing the air cleaner elements. Service elements only at prescribed intervals.


Servicing Primary Air Cleaner Element

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

2. Allow engine to cool.


MX15762

3. Release latches (A) and remove air cleaner canister cover (B).

NOTE: Inspect secondary air cleaner element. Replace if necessary.


MX15763

4. Remove and discard primary element (C). Replace with new primary element.

5. Install air cleaner canister cover with rubber dust unloading valve pointing downward.

Servicing Secondary Air Cleaner Element

1. Remove primary air cleaner element.


MX15764

2. Remove and discard secondary air cleaner element (D). Install new secondary element.

3. Install primary air cleaner element.

4. Install air cleaner canister cover.

Checking Spark Plugs

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

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not clean spark plugs with abrasives.


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

2. Clean area around both spark plugs.


MX21093

3. Disconnect the spark plug wire (A) from each plug.

4. Remove and inspect spark plugs:

· Clean each plug and check for damage, replace if necessary.

· If plugs are in good condition, check gap.


M85200

5. Check and adjust spark plug gap (B) to 0.75 mm (0.030 in.).

6. Install spark plugs.

· Tighten to 22 N·m (16 ft-lb).

7. Install both spark plug wires.

Removing and Installing Engine Cover

1. Remove radiator primary screen.


MX21133

2. Remove locking nut (A) retaining engine cover to the bottom of the air filter housing.

3. Remove two locking nuts (B) retaining the cover to the radiator support.

4. Spread front of cover to clear the mounting studs. Roll engine cover rearward and lift from machine. Clean debris from engine area or repair as necessary.

5. Installation is done in the reverse of removal.

· Do not overtighten the retaining nuts.

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 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 authorized 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.

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.


NOTE: Change filter when fuel level is low.

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

2. Allow engine to cool.


MX21082

Picture Note: Model 797 Shown. 777 is Similar.

3. Slide hose clamps (A) away from fuel filter (B).

4. Place a drain pan under hoses to catch any fuel that may be left in the hoses.

5. Disconnect hoses from fuel filter.

6. Install new fuel filter.

· Make sure fuel filter is installed with arrow pointing in direction of fuel flow.

7. Connect hoses to new fuel filter.

8. Install hose clamps.

Service Cooling System Safely


TS281

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.

Recommended Engine Coolant

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Using incorrect coolant mixture can damage the radiator:

· Do not operate engine with plain water.

· Use ethylene-glycol based antifreeze approved for use in aluminum radiators or aluminum engines.

· Do not exceed a 50% mixture of coolant and water.

· Do not pour coolant or water into the radiator when the engine is hot.


The following John Deere coolants are preferred:

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

· COOL-GARD® CONCENTRATED SUMMER COOLANT (TY16034).

If neither of the recommended coolants is available, use a 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. Never exceed the maximum dilution rate for the coolant you are using. Exceeding the maximum rate will greatly reduce the coolant effectiveness.

Checking Radiator Hoses and Clamps

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

2. Allow engine to cool.

3. Check hoses for cracks or damage.

4. Tighten hose clamps.

5. Replace hoses and clamps as necessary.

Checking Coolant Level

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Using incorrect coolant mixture can damage the radiator:

· Do not operate engine with plain water.

· Use ethylene-glycol based antifreeze approved for use in aluminum radiators or aluminum engines.

· Do not exceed a 50% mixture of coolant and water.

· Do not pour coolant or water into the radiator when the engine is hot.


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

2. Allow engine to cool.


MX20887

3. Check recovery tank (A) coolant level:

· Coolant level should be at or slightly above the lower line (B) with the coolant cold.

4. Remove recovery tank cap (C), if necessary, to add coolant.

5. Add pre-diluted coolant or specified ratio of antifreeze and water.

6. Install and tighten recovery tank cap.

Servicing Cooling System

Draining Cooling System

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

2. Allow engine to cool.


MX21084

3. Remove radiator primary screen (A).

4. Slowly open radiator cap (B) to the first stop to release all pressure.

5. Close radiator cap tightly.


MX21083

6. Place a drain pan with at least 3 L (3.17 qt) capacity under the engine coolant drain (C). Remove engine coolant drain plug from thermostat housing.

7. When coolant has drained from the recovery tank, remove radiator cap.

8. After all coolant has drained, install engine coolant drain plug.

9. Flush cooling system.

Flushing Cooling System

1. 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.

2. Install and tighten radiator cap.

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

4. Stop engine.

5. Slowly loosen radiator cap to the first stop to release pressure. Remove radiator cap ONLY after all pressure has been released.

6. Remove engine coolant drain plug.

7. Drain cooling system immediately before rust and dirt settles.

8. Install drain plug. Fill system with clean water and repeat steps 3-7.

9. Install engine coolant drain plug and fill cooling system with correct coolant.

Filling Cooling System

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Using incorrect coolant mixture can damage the radiator:

· Do not operate engine with plain water.

· Use ethylene-glycol based antifreeze approved for use in aluminum radiators or aluminum engines.

· Do not exceed a 50% mixture of coolant and water.

· Do not pour coolant or water into the radiator when the engine is hot.


NOTE: John Deere COOL-GARD coolant is recommended when adding new coolant to the cooling system.

Follow the directions on the container for correct mixture ratio.

1. Allow radiator to cool.

2. Fill cooling system. Cooling system capacity is 2.7 L (2.9 qt).

3. Install and tighten radiator cap.

4. Run engine until it reaches operating temperature.

5. Stop engine.


MX20887

6. Check recovery tank coolant level:

· Coolant level should be at the lower line (A) on the recovery tank when the engine is cold.

7. Remove cap (B) from recovery tank to add coolant if necessary.