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 customer’s 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

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

The following John Deere oils are preferred:

• 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

Using Proper Fuel

Use regular grade unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 87 octane or higher. Fuel blends containing up to 10% ethanol or up to 15% MTBE reformulated fuel are acceptable. Do not use fuel or additives containing methanol as engine damage can occur.

Always use fresh, clean fuel that is purchased in a quantity that can be used within approximately 30 days, or add fuel stabilizer.

Fuel is blended to give best seasonal performance. To avoid engine performance problems such as hard starting or vapor lock, use in-season fuel. Use fuel during warm weather that was purchased during that season, and use fuel during cold weather that was purchased during that season.

Fuel can become stale in machines with engines that are used seasonally or infrequently during a season. Stale fuel can produce varnish and plug carburetor components which can affect engine performance.

Keep fuel storage container tightly covered and in a cool area out of direct sunlight. Fuel can break down and degrade if not sealed properly or exposed to sun and heat.

Condensation may collect in the fuel tank because of a variety of operating or environmental conditions and, over time, may affect your machine’s operation. Fill fuel tank at the end of daily use and store fuel in plastic containers to reduce condensation.

For best year-round performance and fuel-handling, add stabilizer to fuel immediately after fuel purchase. Such practice helps prevent engine performance problems and allows fuel storage in the machine all year without draining.

Filling Fuel Tank

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

• Shut engine off before filling fuel tank.

• Allow engine to cool before refueling.

• Do not smoke while handling fuel.

• Keep fuel away from flames or sparks.

• Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well ventilated area.

• Clean up spilled fuel immediately.

• Use clean approved non-metal container to prevent static electric discharge.

• Use clean approved plastic funnel without screen or filter to prevent static electric discharge.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Dirt and water in fuel can cause engine damage: • Clean dirt and debris from the fuel tank opening. • Use clean, fresh, stabilized fuel. • Fill the fuel tank at the end of each day’s operation to keep condensation out of the fuel tank. • Use a non-metallic funnel with a plastic mesh strainer when filling the fuel tank or container.

Fill fuel tank at the end of each day’s operation to prevent condensation and freezing during cold weather.

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

2. Allow engine to cool.

3. Remove any trash from area around fuel tank cap.

4. Remove fuel tank cap slowly to allow any pressure built up in tank to escape.

5. Fill fuel tank only to bottom of filler neck.

6. Install fuel tank cap.

Adjusting Throttle Lever Location

MX23516

1. Remove two hex head bolts (A).

2. Remove handlebar cover (B).

M72968A

3. Loosen two nuts (C).

4. Move throttle lever plate (D) to where the throttle lever location is most comfortable for the operator.

5. Tighten nuts.

6. Install handlebar cover with two bolts and tighten.

Adjusting Throttle Lever Tension

MX23516

1. Remove two hex head bolts (A).

2. Remove handlebar cover (B).

M72968A

3. Using two wrenches, tighten or loosen the lock nut (C) on the throttle pivot bolt (D). At the proper tension, the throttle lever is easy to move, yet maintains the desired throttle setting during operation.

4. Install handlebar cover with two bolts and tighten.

Cleaning Air Cleaner

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! 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.

1. Remove wing nut (A) to remove air cleaner cover (B).

MX21103

2. Remove second wing nut (A) to remove air cleaner element (C) and precleaner (D).

3. Check housing, precleaner, element and rubber gasket (E) for damage. Housing must seat well and permit only filtered air to reach carburetor. Replace if necessary.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not clean precleaner with solvent or compressed air.

4. Be sure nothing is obstructing the air passage.

5. Precleaner (D) - Clean every 25 hours of operation:

• Wash in detergent and water, rinse in clean water.

• Dry thoroughly.

• Air cleaner element (C) - Clean or replace every 100 hours of operation:

• If element is extremely dirty or damaged, install new element.

• Assemble air cleaner assembly and install two wing nuts. Ensure base (F) is properly installed prior to assembly.

Cleaning Fuel Sediment Bowl

M86623

1. Turn fuel shut-off valve (A) to the off position.

2. Unscrew and remove sediment bowl (B) and O-ring (C).

3. Clean thoroughly with John Deere degreasing solvent or equivalent.

4. Install bowl.

Checking Engine Oil Level


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Failure to check the oil level regularly could lead to serious engine problems if oil level is out of the operating range: • Check oil level before operating. • Check oil level when the engine is cold and not running. • Keep oil level between the dipstick 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.

MX11267

1. Be sure engine is in a level position, if necessary, put a block under front roller to level engine.

NOTE: Do not screw dipstick into engine to check oil level.

M86629

2. Remove dipstick (A), wipe clean, and insert into filler port.

3. If no oil or only a slight amount is seen, add to full level (B). Do not overflow.

4. Wipe any spilled oil off mower.

Changing Engine Oil


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! • Do not check oil level or add oil while engine is running. • Engine should be level prior to checking oil level.

NOTE: Change engine oil after first 20 hours of operation, then every 50 hours. Check and fill plugs are located in front and rear of machine.

1. Run engine a few minutes to warm oil.

2. Be sure engine is in a level position, if necessary, put a block under front roller to level engine.

3. Stop engine.

MX11253

4. Remove drain plug (A) and drain oil into container.

5. Install drain plug.

M86629

6. Remove dipstick (B), wipe clean.

7. Add to full level (C). Do not overflow.

8. Wipe any spilled oil off mower.

Cleaning Spark Plug And Adjusting Electrode Gap

MX11268

1. Disconnect plug wire (A) and remove plug.

2. Thoroughly clean plug using high flash-point solvent and wire brush.

3. Inspect plug for cracked porcelain, pitted or damaged electrodes, or other damage.

NOTE: In Canada, replace plug with a resistor plug.

4. Replace plug if necessary.

M85200

5. Check plug gap (B) with a round wire-type feeler gauge.

• Gap must be 0.7–0.8mm (0.028–0.031 in.).

• Change gap by moving only the outer electrode toward center electrode.

6. Install and tighten plug to 25 N•m (18 lb-ft).

7. Connect spark plug wire.

Adjusting Carburetor

NOTE: The carburetor is calibrated by the 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 your John Deere dealer.

If engine is hard to start or runs rough, check the TROUBLESHOOTING section of this manual.

After performing the checks in the troubleshooting section and your engine is still not performing correctly, contact your John Deere dealer.

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