Section 3 - Maintenance Instructions; Service - After First 5 Hours; Change Engine Oil; Service Engine Air Cleaner - Snapper 281320BE, 301320BE, 3314520BVE, 331520KVE Operator's Manual

Section 3 – MAINTENANCE
WARNING
DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance, service
or repairs with the engine running. STOP engine. STOP
blade. Engage parking brake. Remove key. Remove
spark plug wire from spark plug and secure away from
plug. Engine and components are HOT. Avoid serious
burns, allow all parts to cool before working on
machine. Fuel Filler Cap and vent must be closed
securely to prevent fuel spillage.
3.1 INTRODUCTION
To retain the quality of the Rear Engine Rider, use
genuine SNAPPER replacement parts only. Contact a
local SNAPPER dealer for parts and service
assistance. For the correct part or information for a
particular Rear Engine Riding Mower, always mention
the model and serial number. SNAPPER recommends
returning the Rear Engine Rider to an authorized
SNAPPER dealer annually for inspection and addition
of any new devices which might upgrade the safety of
the Rear Engine Rider. For the nearest SNAPPER
dealer in your area, check the yellow pages under the
heading LAWN MOWERS. For engine parts and
service, look for the engine manufacturer's dealers
under the heading, ENGINES - gasoline.

3.2 SERVICE - AFTER FIRST 5 HOURS

Routine maintenance is important to the performance
and life of your Rear Engine Rider. Service performed
properly and at the recommended interval is essential.
Refer to Section "MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE" in this
manual and in the Engine Owner's Manual. Carefully
complete all of the recommended service procedures.

3.2.1. CHANGE ENGINE OIL

1. Place bricks or wooden blocks under the front
wheels to lower rear of engine.
2. Loosen or remove oil fill cap on engine.
3. Loosen oil drain plug.
4. Place a 2 quart minimum capacity container
under the end of the oil drain. Open oil drain. See
Figure 3.1 for oil drains used on the Rear Engine
Riders.
REMOVE OIL PLUG TO
ALLOW OIL TO DRAIN
PUSH IN AND ROTATE
CLOCKWISE TO CLOSE
FIGURE 3.1
Remove the battery if the Rear Engine Rider will be left
standing on the rear bumper for longer than 2 hours.
Refer to Section "BATTERY REMOVAL". DO NOT use a
cutting blade that shows signs of excessive wear or
damage on the Rear Engine Rider. Refer to Section
"MOWER BLADE REPLACEMENT" for proper blade
inspection and service procedures.
ROTATE COUNTER-
CLOCKWISE AND
PULL OUT TO OPEN
13
5. After all the oil has drained, close the drain and
wipe up any oil that may have spilled. See Figure 3.1.
Dispose of used oil properly.
6. Fill engine crankcase with new oil.
your engine owner's manual for oil specifications.
7. Change oil filter on 14HP Kohler engines at every
oil change. Refer to your engine owner's manual for
service instructions.

3.2.2. SERVICE ENGINE AIR CLEANER

The engine is equipped with a dual element air
cleaner. Both the foam pre-cleaner and cartridge
require service. Refer to Engine Owner's Manual
for recommended service procedures.

3.2.3. CHECK MOWER BLADE

1. Follow WARNING statement found on this page.
2. Check fuel level in tank. If over 3/4 full, remove
tank. Refer to Section "REMOVING FUEL TANK".
If 3/4 or less, proceed to next step.
3. Carefully stand Rear Engine Rider on rear
bumper.
WARNING
4. Check torque of blade mounting bolts. As
necessary, torque to 30 to 40 ft. lbs. See Figure 3.2.
5. Check blade for sharpness, wear and damage.
Refer to Section "BLADE WEAR LIMITS".
TORQUE BLADE
MOUNTING BOLTS TO
30 TO 40 FT. LBS.
FIGURE 3.2
6. Check blade for straightness. Refer to Section
"ADJUSTING MOWER BLADE".
Refer to