QuestionHello ! I didn't expect to find anyone "available" for a question, but great! What I have is a Snapper rear engine rider, that is pretty old, but I love the way it cuts! This model is actually one of the original "Comet" models, but I don't think they are too different than the newer ones. (?) Anyhow, it has a brand new 12HP B&S on it, but I'm having a hard time with the 'drive', (I think). Is there a hard rubber wheel in it I can replace? Or is it something else? (The hard rubber wheel I'm refering to would be similar to the one in a Troy Bilt self propelled push mower. I don't know what they are called ! ) Also, both the clutch and brake have to be 'coaxed' to return to the disengaged position, is this a spring in the rear? or have the cables just stretched? For general maintenance purposes, where can I get a manual for this model ? (More so for the deck, brakes, wheels, etc. than for the motor.) And one more,....a Weed Eater model GT115, (curved) the throttle seems to be somehow worn out,....with the trigger completely pressed, it runs great, then wants to die, but if you shake (ha!) the whole thing, or 'pump' the trigger, you can keep it running. Almost like the idle needs reset, but I really feel it is in the trigger mechanism somewhere, not a carb problem. Any help is much appreciated,.....and thanks for being so patient! Sheri Ok, last one,........is it ok to set this Snapper on end to work on it? I realize (now) that you can't do this with all mowers, but I thought you could with the rear engine rider models. Thanks!
AnswerThere is a rubber disc on your mower, it's called the friction disc. These should be available at any Snapper dealer which should also be able to help you out with a manual. Due to the age of your mower a manual may be difficult to find; you can try E-bay and other message boards.
Make sure the metal disc on the engine crankshaft is not wore out. A wore out drive disc will no longer be flat and smooth but rough and uneven.
As for the cables, there is some stretch but I've seen older mowers like yours with the same problem. The bad part is that there are many small parts that add up to create the problem. You pretty much have to replace all the nylon bushings in the pedal controls and replace cables. This usually will help the problem but doesn't always completely cure it.
You can stand these tractors on end but make sure you remove the battery and remove or drain all of the fuel from the fuel tank. The engine oil can stay in the engine.
The Weed Eater problem could be an air leak or carb problem. Check all the screws to be sure they are tight. If you find a lot of oil residue on the trimmer then this might indicate a leaking gasket. The other thing to try is to turn out the carb high/low speed needle. Turn it out no more then 1/4 turn. If it does not help then this is not your problem. Has the muffler and exhaust ports ever been cleaned? Older trimmers need to have their muffler and exhaust posts cleaned every now and then.
Let me know is this helps.
Eric
