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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.


MX25122

Picture Note: Dipstick in similar location on all models.

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

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

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.

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.


MX25120

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.


MX25121

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

9. Unscrew and remove the dipstick.

10. Add approximately:

Model

Engine Oil (with filter)

Z910A, Z920A, Z925A, Z930A, Z950A, Z960A, Z970A

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.)


MX25118

Picture Note: Your model may be different from the model shown.

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


MX25119

Picture Note: Your model may be different from the model shown.

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.


MX27403

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 Z910A and Z920A)

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.


MX27410

3. Loosen and remove three hex socket head bolts (A) and remove fan screen guard (B).

4. Remove three hex head bolts (C) and remove fan screen (D).

5. Open air cleaner latch (E) and remove air cleaner assembly (F) from top of engine.

6. Remove two hex head bolts (G) and remove fuel pump (H).

7. Remove six engine shroud hex head bolts (I).


MX27409

8. Lift shroud (I) upward and remove from engine compartment.

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

10. Install engine shroud.

11. Install fuel pump.

12. Install air cleaner.

13. Install fan screen.

14. Install fan screen guard.

15. Tighten all hardware.

Cleaning Debris From Engine (Models Z925A, Z930A, Z950A, Z960A, and Z970A)

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.


NOTE: Your model may be different from the model shown.

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

2. Allow machine to cool down.


MX25110

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.


MX25113

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


MX25111

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


MX25112

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

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


MX25114

9. Remove the engine shroud bolts (N).


MX25115

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


MX25116

11. Z925A, Z930A and Z950A: Loosen the top hex head bolts (Q) to the voltage regulator (R).

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.

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.