Snapper R196019B User Manual

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11
Section 3 - MAINTENANCE 
 
3.1 INTRODUCTION 
To retain the quality of the mower, 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 
mower, always mention model and serial number. 
 
3.2  SERVICE - AFTER FIRST 5 HOURS 
3.2.1.  CHANGE ENGINE OIL 
 
WARNING 
DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or 
service with engine and blade running. STOP engine 
and blade. Disconnect spark plug wire and secure 
away from spark plug. Engine and components are 
HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow sufficient time for 
all components to cool. Wear heavy leather gloves 
when handling or working around cutting blades. 
Blades are extremely sharp and can cause severe 
injury. 
 
IMPORTANT: DO NOT
 tip machine with carburetor or 
spark plug down. Oil from crankcase will saturate the air 
filter and cause the engine to be hard to start or not start 
at all. If contamination does occur, the air filter will have to 
be replaced. 
 
1.  Disconnect spark plug wire and secure end 
away from plug. The items needed to perform oil 
change are: cloth rags, (1) 3/8” drive ratchet with a 
short extension and (1) shallow pan. 
2.  Tilt mower up on its rear wheels for access to 
the oil drain plug located underneath the mower 
deck. Do not tilt mower with spark plug or 
carburetor down. See Figure 3.1. 
 
 
 
 
FIGURE 3.1 
 
3.  Place shallow pan underneath the approximate 
center of the oil drain plug. 
 
4.  Loosen with ratchet and short extension, but do 
not remove oil drain plug. Loosen plug until you 
can turn it with your fingers. 
5.  Lower the mower down and place the piece of 
wood under left rear wheel. Reach under mower 
and remove drain plug and allow oil to drain out 
completely in pan. Some oil may spill onto hands, 
immediately wipe hands clean with cloth rags. 
6. Tilt mower back up and replace drain plug. 
Tighten securely but do not over tighten. 
7. Fill engine with oil as specified in Engine 
Owner’s Manual.  
8.  Check air cleaner and perform air filter 
maintenance as specified in the Engine Owner’s 
Manual. 
 
IMPORTANT: DO NOT tip machine with carburetor or 
spark plug down. Oil from crankcase will saturate the air 
filter and cause the engine to be hard to start or not start 
at all. If contamination does occur, the air filter will have to 
be replaced. 
 
 
3.2.2.  CHECK MOWER BLADE  
1.  
Disconnect spark plug wire and secure end 
away from plug. 
2. Tilt mower up on its rear wheels for access to 
the blade cap screw. Do not tilt mower with spark 
plug or carburetor down. See Figure 3.2. 
3. Check torque of blade retaining cap screw. 
Recommended torque should be 30 to 40 ft. lbs. of 
torque. See Figure 3.2. 
4.  Check blade for sharpness, wear and damage. 
Refer to Section “Blade Wear Limits”. 
 
 
 
FIGURE 3.2 
 
WARNING 
To avoid spilling fuel, empty engine gas tank before 
tilting mower. 
 
 
 
BLADE 
RETAINING 
SCREW 
CHECK TORQUE OF BLADE 
RETAINING SCREW 
TORQUE TO 30 to 40 FT. LBS. 
DRAIN PLUG