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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 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


MIF

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®

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 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.

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.


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Picture Note: Picture is of model Z850A, other models are similar.

4. Remove dipstick (A) from tube by unscrewing it. Wipe it clean.

5. Install dipstick in tube, but do not screw on to threads.

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Engine operation with insufficient, deteriorated, or contaminated engine oil will cause accelerated wear and may result in engine seizure and accident.


6. Remove dipstick. Check oil level on dipstick; oil level should be between the ADD and FULL marks.

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

• If oil level is above the FULL mark, drain to proper 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.


7. Install dipstick and tighten.

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 vehicle 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 on a level surface. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

3. Put container under oil drain area.


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4. Open oil drain plug (A) and allow oil to drain.

5. After oil drains close the drain plug and remove the oil filter (B).

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

7. Install filter. Turn filter clockwise until gasket makes contact with mounting surface. Tighten by hand 3/4 turn more after gasket contact.


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8. Clean area around the oil dipstick (C).

9. Unscrew and remove the dipstick.

10. Add approximately:

Model

Engine Oil (with filter)

Z810A, Z820A

1.5 L (1.6 qt)

Z830A, Z840A, Z850A, Z860A

1.9 L (2.0 qt)


11. Install and tighten dipstick.

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

13. Stop engine.

14. Check oil level:

• Remove and wipe dipstick clean with a rag.

• Install dipstick but do not screw onto threads.

• Remove dipstick. Check oil level on dipstick; oil level should be between the ADD and FULL marks. Add oil if needed.

15. Install dipstick and tighten.

Checking and Replacing Air Cleaner Element

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


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


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2. Unhook latches (A) and remove cover (B).


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3. Remove primary element (C) and secondary element (D).

NOTE: The air cleaner elements are not recommended to be cleaned.

• Do not wash air cleaner elements.

• Do not oil air cleaner elements.

• Do not use pressurized air to clean air cleaner elements.

4. Inspect air cleaner elements and replace if dirty or at specified intervals

• Replace the secondary element if dirty when the primary element is checked and replaced.

5. Clean the housing (E) with detergent and water. Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.

NOTE: If the housing is damaged, it must be replaced.

6. Check the housing for deformation or other damage. The housing must seal well and permit only filtered air to reach the carburetor.

7. Check that no foreign material is obstructing the air passage.

8. Install new element(s).

9. Replace cover with the “up” mark on the cover at the twelve o’clock position and secure latches.

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 plug area with spark plug removed.


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

2. Clean area around both spark plugs.


MX25976

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 0.76 mm (0.030 in.).

6. Install spark plugs.

• Tighten to 22 N•m (16 ft-lb).

7. Install both spark plug wires.

Cleaning Debris From Engine (Models Z810A and Z820A)

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! To ensure proper cooling, keep the engine cooling fins and surrounding area clean at all times. Operating the engine with obstructed cooling fins could cause engine damage due to overheating.


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

2. Allow engine to cool.


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3. Loosen and remove the four nuts (A) and remove fan guard (B).


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4. Loosen and remove the three hex socket head bolts (C) and remove fan screen (D).


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5. Loosen four hex head bolts (E); two on both sides of shroud (F).


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6. Loosen two hex head bolts (F) on left side and one hex head bolt (G) on right side of air cleaner mounting bracket (H).

7. Lift air cleaner and mounting bracket and lean away from engine.

8. Lift shroud upward and remove from engine compartment.

9. Clean debris from engine area and all engine cooling fins.

10. Install engine shroud.

11. Install air cleaner and mounting bracket.

12. Install fan screen.

13. Install fan guard.

14. Tighten all hardware.

Cleaning Debris From Engine (Models Z830A, Z850A, Z860A)

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! To ensure proper cooling, keep the engine cooling fins and surrounding area clean at all times. Operating the engine with obstructed cooling fins could cause engine damage due to overheating.


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

2. Allow machine to cool down.


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3. Loosen clamp (A), remove hex head bolts (B) and (C).

4. Lift bracket (D) and pivot air cleaner assembly (E) out leaving the intake hose connected.


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5. Remove the three hex head bolts (F) and air cleaner bracket (G).


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6. Remove the two hex head bolts (H) fuel pump (I) and disconnect the vacuum hose (J).


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7. Remove the three hex head bolts (J) and fan shroud (K).

8. Remove the four hex socket head bolts (L) and the fan screen.


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9. Remove the engine shroud bolts (M).


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10. Remove the four hex head bolts (N) and remove oil cooler (O).


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11. Z830A and Z850A: Loosen the top hex head bolts (P) to the voltage regulator.

12. Remove the engine shroud.

13. Clean the debris from the engine area and all engine cooling fins.

14. Install engine shroud.

15. Tighten voltage regulator top bolt.

16. Install oil cooler.

17. Install fan shroud.

18. Install fuel pump and connect vacuum hose.

19. Install air cleaner bracket.

20. Pivot air cleaner to proper position and tighten hardware.

Cleaning Debris From Engine (Model Z840A)

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! To ensure proper cooling, keep the engine cooling fins and surrounding area clean at all times. Operating the engine with obstructed cooling fins could cause engine damage due to overheating.


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

2. Allow machine to cool.


MX25117

3. Rotate tab (A) 1/4 in. turn and lift up on screen housing (B).

4. Clean Debris from radiator.

5. Clean debris from engine area.

6. Install screen.

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 cause overheating and damage to the radiator and engine:

• Do not operate engine with plain water.

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

• Aluminum engine blocks and radiators require approved ethylene-glycol based antifreeze.


The following John Deere coolants are preferred:

• COOL-GARD II® PRE-DILUTED SUMMER COOLANT (TY26576).

• COOL-GARD II® CONCENTRATED SUMMER COOLANT (TY26573).

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 Coolant Level (Model Z840A)

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

2. Allow engine to cool down.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! The radiator will be hot and can burn skin. Built-up pressure can 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.


MX25123

3. With machine on a level surface remove the radiator cap (A) by turning it counterclockwise.

• Turn the cap counterclockwise to the first stop and wait for a few seconds.

• Push down on the cap, then turn the cap counterclockwise to the second stop.

• Lift off the cap.

4. The fluid level should be to the filler neck bottom (B).

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

• Do not operate engine with plain water.

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

• Aluminum engine blocks and radiators require approved ethylene-glycol based antifreeze.


NOTE: Pour in the coolant slowly so that it can expel the air from the engine and radiator.

5. If the amount of coolant is insufficient, fill the radiator to the bottom of the filler neck with the appropriate coolant and install radiator cap.

6. Before putting the engine into operation, any air trapped in the cooling system must be removed as follows.

• Remove the radiator cap.

• Fill the radiator up to the radiator filler neck with coolant.

• Check the cooling system for leaks.

• Install the radiator cap.

• Start the engine, warm it thoroughly, and then stop it.

• After the engine cools down, check the coolant level in the radiator.

• If the coolant level is low, add coolant up to the filler neck bottom and replace cap.

Servicing Cooling System (Model Z840A)

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

2. Allow engine to cool down.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! The radiator will be hot and can burn skin. Built-up pressure can 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.

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage!

• Do not flush the cooling system when the engine is hot.

• Do not operate engine without coolant.



MX25123

3. With machine on a level surface remove the radiator cap (A) by turning it counterclockwise.

• Turn the cap counterclockwise to the first stop and wait for a few seconds.

• Push down on the cap, then turn the cap counterclockwise to the second stop.

• Lift off the cap.


MX25124

4. Place a suitable container under the drain plug (B) and remove to drain the coolant.

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Soft or distilled water must be used with the antifreeze in the cooling system. If hard water is used in the system, it causes scales accumulation in the water passages, and considerably reduces the efficiency of the cooling system.


5. Visually inspect the coolant drained.

• If whitish cotton-like wafts are observed, aluminum parts in the cooing system are corroded. If the coolant is brown, iron or steel parts are rusting. In either case, flush the cooling system.

• If the coolant gives off an abnormal smell when changing, check for a cooling system leak. The smell may be caused by exhaust gas leaking in to the cooling system.

6. Close the drain plug and tighten to 15 N•m (11 lb-ft).

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! To prevent engine damage:

• Do not operate engine without coolant.

• Do not pour coolant into the radiator when the engine is hot.

To prevent engine overheating:

• Never exceed more than 50% antifreeze in the cooling system.


NOTE: Pour in the coolant slowly so that it can expel the air from the engine and radiator.

7. Fill the radiator up to the bottom of the radiator filler neck, and install the cap.

8. Before putting the engine into operation, any air trapped in the cooling system must be removed as follows.

• Remove the radiator cap.

• Fill the radiator up to the radiator filler neck with coolant.

• Check the cooling system for leaks.

• Install the radiator cap.

• Start the engine, warm it thoroughly, and then stop it.

• After the engine cools down, check the coolant level in the radiator.

• If the coolant level is low, add coolant up to the filler neck bottom and replace cap.

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 (towards the engine) for proper operation.


NOTE: Change fuel filter when fuel is low.

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

2. Allow engine to cool.

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


MX25125

4. Disconnect fuel hose (A) from the outlet side of the fuel filter (B), and drain gasoline into a properly marked container.

5. Remove the fuel filter from the inlet fuel hose (C). Discard 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.

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.