19. Rebuilding a snapper drivetrain part 1 of 7

[@winfordnettles3292]

I always appreciate the videos that you make. I had forgotten about the o ring that goes on the bolt that holds the cover on the differential. Reviewed the process and will have my dad's Snapper 307XS rebuilt this coming week some time. I have been mowing grass on this mower since dad bought it in 1968. I was 10 years old then, am 66 years old now. Been through many engine replacements over the years. Getting the machine ready for my daughter to inherit when I am pushing grass up instead of mowing it! Really appreciate all the time and care you put in your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@WesleyBriggman]

Thanks for your speedy reply. I will shim the axle as necessary. The reason my mower "locked up" is because the thrust washer in the tube from the chain case broke apart. Eventually a piece got between the chain and gear. How/why the washer broke in the first place is a mystery. There was plenty of 80/90 lube. We appreciate your good work on OUR part!

[@Sir_Leelord]

I just broke the chain on my differential on my snapper 30in 13hp. thank you so much for making this video. I would be lost without it.

[@jimjackson9381]

Lee Ludtke Hey Lee it's Jim If you need any help with anything send me an email and I'll be more than happy to help you. Talk to you soon Jim

[@photomechanic4532]

Wow! Am I ever happy I found your videos. My son bought a used Snapper Series 7 several years ago and used it for a couple of years. He left it at my house when he relocated, as part of his employment. It set in my side yard for a few years before I decided to play with it. I started with tires, tubes and front bearings. It had not been well maintained. I was amazed what a well designed machine it was. With little maintenance it had survived decades of service. I got the engine running and it smoked like a fogging machine. I mowed my yard with it several times and liked it so well I decided to put a new motor on it. I bought a 13hp Honda and I have enjoyed using it for several years. Sometimes after I back up and start going forward I hear a loud pop sound. I suspect it is a chain and sprocket. Your video will be a great help to me in rebuilding the only thing on the mower that has not be rebuilt.

[@jimjackson9381]

Photo Mechanic Hi from Jim fix it shop if you have any questions about your snapper please contact me anytime and will get back to you. Jim

[@jimjackson9381]

Photo Mechanic Hi from Jim fix it shop if you have any questions about your snapper please contact me anytime and will get back to you. Jim

[@injenari]

Thank you for your time, Useful Information.

[@rokgpsman1]

The conical spring washer (Belleville washer) has a cone shape that presses against the underside of the bolt head and into the installation material. This gives increased tension that a flat washer does not give. This has a number of benefits including reducing chances of the fasteners loosening from vibration. Due to their resistance to vibrations, conical washers are also considered to be lock washers as they perform a similar function. Cone washers are also used to keep an o'ring in place for better sealing around a bolt or shaft.

[@warrior1657]

Great information! Thanks for sharing Jim.

[@puppyrex1789]

Thank you

[@markdanford1910]

just watched, you helped me soooo much. worked on it all day took it all apart could not find the problem till i watched turns out someone pinned the left axle shaft. drove out the pin works perfectly thanks

[@jimjackson9381]

Mark Danford Where did they have the axle shaft pinned to the hexagon shaft, can you send me pictures I’d like to see it. Jim

[@markdanford1910]

@@jimjackson9381 not sure about the photo about 3 inches from the end on the right side

[@markdanford1910]

@@jimjackson9381 Jim sorry it turned out to be the right shaft about 1 1/2 inches from the end. not sure i can send a photo

[@markdanford1910]

@@jimjackson9381 thanks again for your help and videos i got it all back together welded up the holes in the axel could not have done it without you!

[@jarrett6174]

Great videos. I appreciate the easy explanation.

[@DavidD6969]

Nice video 👍

[@jimjackson9381]

Thanks for watching. Jim

[@loco2]

I just found your channel and I am loving it. Great idea on the makeshift press! Thanks I am looking forward to viewing all you videos! I have a old oval steering snapper in my back yard. I guess I will rebuild it now with your help. Wish me luck.👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

[@jimjackson9381]

JC Zacatecas You don’t need luck to fix that Snapper all you need is to let me know through an email and I will be more than happy to help you out I answer every email and every comment I get usually within a day or two. Jim And I hope you are a subscriber because on that issue I need your help.

[@audimaster5000]

Wow You are the Snapper Master! Just a FYI; The 8-planetary gear 'commercial' Snappers you discuss will have the 'Extra Tough' decal up front. The Extra Tough models also use ball bearings instead of the pressed in bushings for the axle. I've got one with the 33" deck. Thanks for explaining how it all works!

[@jimjackson9381]

thanks Jeff for the heads-up about the extra tough machine I've never seen one except in my manuals and I did see that they're supposed to have bearings on the rear axle but the one I rebuilt 20 some years ago as long as I keep it greased the bushings work out pretty good so I didn't spend the extra money for the bearings and the side covers to mount the bearings in I think have to be different than the ones the bushings pressed into so I couldn't use them on my machine thanks again for the heads up and I hope you are subscribe to my channel I got a lot of stuff coming up you might be interested in. Jim

[@LR-jr5hi]

I have a 33" cut Snapper...3311X5S...I think it was manufactured in 1980 or 1981. It has the throttle on the left side and the bicycle style steering and I am using a Honda 13hp engine. With correct measuring could it be possible to press a roller type bearing in the place of the bushing..?? I am still using this mower today and it makes such a level cut verses the two bladed mowers that are out there today and I want to keep it going as smooth as I can and for as long as I can. If not, I suppose I will try to locate some industrial model side plates or just keep on greasing those so called bushing bearings. Thanks in advance for reading my comment and JIM...Thanks for posting these repair series on the SNAPPER MOWER...God Bless!

[@keithanneheim3390]

Thanks jim

[@jimjackson9381]

Your welcome thanks for watching. Jim

[@otismcghee8288]

Thank you Jim! I kind of just fell onto a snapper mower I found on craiglist and this will be very helpful.

[@jimjackson9381]

If you need any help feel free to contact me at [e-mail] I would be happy to help you out , please subscribe I have a whole series of video that will help you out on your new find. pictures always helps if you send me your phone number I'd be more than happy to call you and discuss your issues but just send your phone number directly to my email. thanks for your interest Jim

[@victoryfirst2878]

Jim, they use cone washers cause it is the shape of things to come. Just like the movie Coneheads. Just my two cents worth.

[@keakar63]

i also wanted to ask you if you could address the visual inspection of the main shaft gear. from my experience i know burred edges mean a worn out gear yet its still has the majority of teeth intact, just pointy and not as rounded as they should be. in other words its worn between the teeth making it very pointy and its not the tips that are worn down. this seems something the average person wouldnt think to look at very carefully and might put a shaft back in with worn teeth that will fail later on. love your videos and just trying to help you with some extra info, please keep up the good work.

[@dgvg86]

I have found that Tractor supply is a good place to buy "OO" grease. I Think it was about $6.00 a quart.

[@jimjackson9381]

A lot of my viewers buy it from there and say it works just fine. Jim

[@keakar63]

jim, i just wanted to point out you forgot the last thin flat thrust washer (part number 0110 on the diagram) that goes between the outside cover bushing and the big gear. not sure if you can edit the video to add that in but we cant forget to install that part which keeps the gear from rubbing on the shaft bushing/bearing. also could you tell us what o-ring replaces part number 0050 on the diagram? i dont mind buying snapper parts when i need actual parts but if i just need a nut or bolt or new o-rings, i would prefer to get them at the hardware store if i knew the right size to buy. i am rebuilding some of these differentials while using your guide (6 broken ones from parts mowers that i hope to combine and get 2 or maybe 3 good working ones) and i noticed the omission of installing that last thrust washer in your video

[@CuteLittleNeko]

I'm having issues with my SR1433. I got it running and I started working on the drivetrain next and it's kicking really hard and I guess a gear is missing a few teeth because it stops and starts moving.

[@jimjackson9381]

Cute Neko Well if that is the problem it’s probably the one that is inside of your differential case. Jim

[@CuteLittleNeko]

@@jimjackson9381 I made a little progress. I haven't looked inside yet but I'm having a hard time getting the wheel hubs off. It looks like the lubrication has long since leaked out and the brake pad is completely gone. Also mine appears to have bearings.

[@jimjackson9381]

Cute Neko Well if you do have bearings it’s well worth rebuilding so when you start on it if you need any help let me know. Jim

[@CuteLittleNeko]

I got the right side apart and the fender off to expose the gears. But I've been unsuccessful on getting the smaller side hub off. Is there any other way of getting the large 63 tooth (7021158YP) gear off? I've used a pully puller, a sledgehammer, and a crowbar in an attempt at getting the smaller rear hub off.

[@jimjackson9381]

Cute Neko Are you talking about the wheel flange that the tire and rim bolts to if so sometimes them are extremely hard to get off they are rusted on. Sometimes you have to cut them in half to get them off and just replace them. Jim

[@doct0rnic]

When you replace the nylon washer you want the lip facing out right? I just took mine apart and they had the lip facing in which I'm guessing is backwards.

[@jimjackson9381]

Ben Lawver The lip on the plastic thrust washer goes towards the gear or inward. Jim

[@doct0rnic]

@@jimjackson9381 thanks for the info, just want to make sure before i put it together, thanks, greetings from North Dakota.

[@jimjackson9381]

Ben Lawver Well then let me know if you need anything else. Jim

[@ralphkincaid3980]

The reason they use the cone shaped wasers with the 0 rings so they don't flatten the 0 rings and cause leak.

[@jimjackson9381]

Ralph Kincaid Hey Ralph Yes I figured that the cone captures the o- ring and pinches it a flat washer would pinch it too much and it would pop out from under the washer, clever idea on their part, As long as the O-ring is thick enough to get pinched before the washer hits the other metal surface. Thanks Jim

[@robertstein1974]

Jim, Where might you suggest i go for parts?

[@SB-bm5vf]

Jim, My machine (about a 1993 Snapper SR928) conventional rider stopped and never re-engaged after my foot sliiped off the combo clutch-brake. My clutch and pressure plate are making good contact. Appears I may have a chain or bind of some sort in the drive train, gear box, or other. I removed the entire back assembly in one piece - whats the best test to make to pinpoint the issue. Thanks again for sharing your craft - as I will be viewing these exact videos as I progress - Respectfully Steve

[@jimjackson9381]

Steve hi this is Jim at Jim's Fix-It shop, If your engine was running at full speed and your foot slipped off the clutch the excessive torque could have broke one of the two chains inside the drivetrain on your tractor one chain is inside of your chain case where your clutch disc is attached the other chain is inside of your differential by your left hand rear tire I've never heard of this issue happening but I have heard of the chains breaking when they get worn and old If you need any further help please email me at [e-mail] if you send me your phone number to my email I'd be more than happy to call you to work on this problem thanks for your interest and comments and don't forget to subscribe I have more videos to come Jim

[@SB-bm5vf]

Jim - Thank you for the rebuild info on this machine. So I checked the DT and sure enough I snapped the chain on my drive train/differential unit. On to rebuild... Well, just as you pointed out, I failed to reinstall the cone shaped washer on the unit. Not good. The unit spun just fine etc after reassemble, then after running it for a few yard laps the DT locked up - well if you forget that cone washer the chain/drive sprocket will be torqued almost right against the cover body - thus my lockup. Performed reinstall/chain/washer- GTG now. Like I said lessons learned! Thanks again for your expert craftsmanship:)

[@WesleyBriggman]

I have reassembled the differential and have on my work bench. I have approximately 1/4" lateral movement in the axles. Is that normal?

[@jimjackson9381]

@@WesleyBriggman if you mean your tires move from side to side a quarter of an inch no that is not normal. There is nylon shim washers to use to bring that down to about a 1/32”. Jim

[@DanielGarcia-hs4hj]

What is the part number for the commercial gear for the 8 threaded gear

[@jimjackson9381]

They haven’t made those in years and all the ones that they did make are sold no one that I can find that sells parts has any of those in stock you’ll have to use a standard four pinion gear for your machine. Jim

[@djpainting7769]

Do you know what part would cause wear to drive housing

[@jimjackson9381]

Send me some pictures of the issues you’re having I don’t know what you’re calling the drive house. [e-mail] Thanks. Jim

[@epperb]

Jim, I normally consider myself pretty handy but I'm having a problem with my rear engine snapper. It will not turn over with the ignition switch. I can pull start with no problem and when I jump the solenoid it turns over fine. I tested the ignition and all safety switches with multimeter and all seems to check out good. I also just replaced solenoid thinking that might be the problem. Still nothing!! Can you please offer a little advice on where to go from here. Thank you,

[@jimjackson9381]

Brian Epperson Hi Brian it's Jim If you're sure you ignition switch works then it has to be the wire coming from the battery to the ignition switch, or from the ignition switch to the solenoid. You can test that by running a wire from the battery to the hot side of the solenoid. if it works then it has to be the wires or the ignition switch. Let me know what you find out thanks Jim

[@boat6868]

Hi Jim, I am curious if you have any words of caution for what I am thinking of trying to do. I have a RER SR140 (12.5 hp, 33 inch). The big gear in the transaxle developed a knifes edge and two of the teeth broke. Also I see that the inside of the transaxle cover has a significant groove due to the chain rubbing against it as a result of side slop. (all things you talk about but that I did not realize until watching your videos). I found an earlier version 33 inch Snapper (model 3312X6S, has the bicycle handlebar) for a parts mower. I hope I can swap the right fender with the transaxle and axle in place (would reuse my original chaincase) onto my original machine (I have looked a the parts diagrams of the two machines and it looks like the axles and hex tube all have the same parts numbers) Any cautions or suggestions would be appreicated.

[@jimjackson9381]

boat6868 If you have both model numbers to your machines go on Parts Tree.Com. look up your model number and you can get the breakdowns and all the part numbers from them, I do that and I’ll take screenshots of the pages and have them printed works great, if you’re going to change fenders make sure both machines have bearings in the back fenders most all of the Machines with the rectangular tubes have bearings that is the best thing to have the other machines have cheap bushings. Jim

[@deanbarry1]

JIM I have been following your videos for some time and fine them very helpful. I have 3 snappers(One in Miami the other two in Georgia). Just experienced a problem with the one in Georgia. The mower runs but every couple of seconds the mower has a metallic clunk. Everything checks out now play in the axles. Sounds like the chain case has a problem could be a chain or worn sprocket. Any time ideas?

[@jimjackson9381]

deanbarry1 Push the machine in neutral and see if it makes the noise and pay attention to see if it’s every rotation of the tire when it makes the clunk put a line on the tire and push it and see where the tire is when it makes the noise again, if it’s making the noise on every tire rotation it’s probably the large gear in the differential let me know what you find out. Jim

[@deanbarry1]

Jim Jackson thanks for the quick reply. I will try your suggestion tomorrow

[@deanbarry1]

Moved the snapper in neutral several times but no clunk. Perhaps in needs to be under a load. Saw your other video with regard to the differential rebuild and how both rear wheels should move when lifted up off the ground. I will check this out as well to see if I can detect any noise in the drive train.

[@jimjackson9381]

deanbarry1 Let me know what you find out. Jim

[@tamaraelkins2718]

I’m trying to figure out how to get the four bolts out

[@tamaraelkins2718]

Of the cover plate

[@jimjackson9381]

Well if you holds the clutch disc assembly with a pair of channel locks and let it swing down till it hits the spreader bar on the rear fenders you can break the nuts loose and get them off. Jim

[@henryseger5114]

My planetary on my snapper isn’t working and I wondered if you had any ideas, thanks

[@jimjackson9381]

Henry Seger You say your differential isn’t working what is it doing or should I say what isn’t it doing that it is supposed to do if you stand your machine up and turn one tire in One Direction the other one should spin in the opposite direction. Jim

[@henryseger5114]

I tore it apart and got into the planetary it seems like the central gear isn’t engaged, are replacement gears available?

[@jimjackson9381]

Henry Seger You can get any part you need for these things from Parts Tree.Com. and sometimes even Amazon. Jim

[@henryseger5114]

Alright thanks a lot

[@ralphdoogooder8389]

Where did you get torqe specs and parts

[@jimjackson9381]

Parts I get from Parts Tree. com Torque I have a chart. Jim

[@Gorbitschov]

Jim, I have rebuilt mine with new components. However after assembling the differential it will only spin 180 degrees then lock up. Any clue why?

[@jimjackson9381]

Michael Meredith A picture or two would help a lot, With your machine standing up you turn the tires in the same direction and it will go half a turn and lock up can you turn it the opposite direction half a turn and does it still lock up let me know what it does, but you have to turn both tires in the same direction. Try turning one tire and see if the other tire turns the opposite direction. Let me know what you find out. Thanks Jim

[@haroldshepherd3887]

Hi Jim this is Harold from Tennessee I purchased a 2007 model rear engine Drive Snapper Mower with a blown motor I am looking for a new motor to purchase it is a 13 horsepower Briggs & Stratton could you recommend a company or a dealer with a good background and a reasonable price thank you so much Jim Harold

[@barnjob75]

hey jim,i am having problems ordering parts for my old snapper rider,i found the original decal from mc donough power equipment in ga., i called them and their no longer there.there is no tag on the frame,only a decal that reads serial #538033 model #307x.307x does not come up at parts tree when i called them.i think it was bought around 1970,it was my dads mower.do these new parts inter change change with the old snapper riders.its a 30 inch cut with a 8 hp motor.i took the drivetrain apart and the gear that goes into the planitary gears is seperate from the hex shaft.meaning the gear and hex shaft are 2 different pieces.i need to know the what series to order for parts.also who makes the seal for the left side that goes in the outside axel boot.THANX FOR YOUR VIDIOS ,hope you can help!

[@jimjackson9381]

ed damude Hi Ed it’s Jim Most all of the parts are interchangeable, if you call Briggs and Stratton in Milwaukee Wisconsin they might be able to come up with a model number using your serial number. deck size, and engine size. The seal in the dust cap on the outside of your bushing between your fender and Tire are all the same size as far as I know. Let me know if you need any further assistance. Thanks Jim

[@Garylee62]

So, I’m mowing with my snapper and it quit running, now it will only run with the clutch /brake pushed in. Why does it die e every time I let off the clutch? It will run as long as the clutch is in… help!

[@jimjackson9381]

Well it sounds like the switch on the yolk inside of the rare case has gone bad, or it could be the interlock modem which is about 60 bucks but I’m pretty sure it’s probably the switch you’ll have to stand the machine up as you’re looking at the bottom of the machine it will be on the lower left-hand side in the rear case it should have four wires hooked to it depending on the year of your machine Check it out and let me know what you fine once you get to switch out you can check it with a meter and see if it’s good or bad. The interlock modem there’s no way that I know to check them to see if there any good. Jim

[@Garylee62]

@@jimjackson9381 Also another weird thing the mower started dying when I tried to engage the blade!!! What is going on?

[@jimjackson9381]

@@Garylee62 Again that could be a safety switch issue there is a safety switch underneath the black cover on the mower deck you will want to check that with a meter and see if that’s working properly. Jim

[@Garylee62]

@@jimjackson9381 It was the safety switch in the far back underneath the engine, replaced it, mowed 3 yards today! Thx so much Jim!!!

[@Garylee62]

FYI- When you’re washing underneath your mower don’t get those safety switches to wet it seems like my trouble started when I was cleaning and got them wet underneath their washing the mower With a water hose

[@HappyHands.]

crap... i didn't use locktite hate to tare it apart now and lose my gasket.. but i guess i will

[@jimjackson9381]

Yes I know exactly what you mean but it probably would be a good idea maybe if it hasn’t been together too long you’ll be able to get it off and reuse the gasket. Jim

[@HappyHands.]

@@jimjackson9381 i just finished redoing it. sadly no way to save the gasket as the sealant i used bonded too well . However i had some cork and rubber gasket material so i just made another one. My Loctite was ancient hope it holds.😆

[@jimjackson9381]

@@HappyHands. let me know how this thing is running and I would like a picture of you sitting on your machine to hang on my wall of friends. Jim You can send that to my email which is. [e-mail] Thanks. Jim

[@tri5garage544]

where do you get your parts for these things

[@jimjackson9381]

adam white Good morning Adam this is Jim I get all my parts from PartsTree.Com. There a great bunch of guys check them out on line I just call him I don't order on the computer I like to talk to a person they'll help you out if you've got the wrong part they'll let you know I just can't say enough good about these guys check them out see what you think thanks Jim

[@NullenVoid]

Anyone have the part number for the gear that supports the 8 planitary gears ?

[@jimjackson9381]

kris eastman Hi it's Jim Sorry about the delay it took me a while to find my old paperwork, the part number for the gear that you're looking for should be 7027644YP. I'm trying to do a little research to make sure it's for eight pinion gears but if you call parts tree they should be able to tell you if it is or not. Thanks Jim

[@jimjackson9381]

kris eastman Hi Kris it's Jim I just got off the phone with Parts Tree.Com Sales and they verified that the number 7027644YP is in eight pinion gear current price is $75.30 when I bought mine in 2016 it was $86.49 so it's come down in price for you. Hope this helps and I hope you're subscribed talk to you later Jim

[@halpadgett3166]

@@jimjackson9381 mentioned this in another comment, but sadly, these commercial gears are just about impossible to find from any on-line suppliers. Maybe your local snapper dealer has some NOS.

[@robertdarby5982]

I need your email can you send it to me or list it here

[@jimjackson9381]

Robert Darby Hi Robert My email is [e-mail] talk to you soon Jim