Scag lawn mower tune up

[@apatterson8128]

I watch this video every spring just to refresh my memory on my Scag tune up. I appreciate it. Thanks.

[@fixitwithzim]

That’s great, glad to hear it helps you out. I have a bunch of videos from others that I watch over and over for tips. Thanks!

[@rgebes222]

I always run my engine for about 10 minutes before I change the oil. It allows the oil to flow better and it also helps to kick up any sludge that's on the bottom of the engine

[@wildbill23c]

I think for anyone with any sort of general mechanical knowledge the stuff in your video should be common practice. However to those who aren't familiar, this video is very well planned out and easily followed. Great job. I picked up a 20+ year old Scag this past weekend. It has sat for at least 12 years. Had fuel in it still...not good. So I ordered a new carburetor, fuel lines, fuel filter, etc. Once I get it running I'll be doing the oil/filter change as well as new belts. The one I have has the Kohler 14HP OHV engine. Supposedly it ran when it was put in the storage shed but who knows LOL. It will receive a full tune up before it hits the lawn. Thinking a new set of blades while I'm at it as well...probably standard high lift blades as its setup for side discharge, but may look at other blade options later on once I get it going and do a few lawns. Only issue I'm having is the front caster tires are in extremely bad shape, and from what I've found I have to go through a Scag dealer for parts so that'll be another item on my list is to replace all the tires.

[@CarlosMiranda-uk2ti]

you know I didn't need to watch this video but for some reason I kept watching, well done.

[@fixitwithzim]

Thanks! I often find myself wasting hours on KZbin doing the same.

[@dewanehill1232]

Thank you for an excellent video.zimsjeep. I've done it a thousand times and still enjoyed your video. The one thing I would consider is disconnecting the spark plug wire while changing the blades. There isn't a lot of risk with the impact gun, but others might accidentally get the blade moving and risk losing a finger, hand or arm. I know a few people who unfortunately made that mistake.

[@DavidGarzaFamily]

Thanks for making this. I just got the 48” and now know how to fix’r up!

[@southamericanredneck9471]

Thank you very much, Mr. Zimsjeep. This is the most useful video that I have seen in a long time. Very good job.

[@bryanaguilar4039]

new fan here could you please go more in detail about ajusting the deck height

[@jimswisher3084]

Wow-wee.. I learned a lot! Going to do my own season opener tune up! THANKS.

[@lukeandreas017]

Great video! Thanks for posting. I'v got a scag 48" and love it. I'v got to do some maintenance on it this weekend so I will definitely be coming back to it.

[@charbonneau]

Well done and thanks. My 48 belt drive is 20 yrs this summer. The dealer gets $150 plus delivery to do this work so I have learned over the years. Will look at adjusting the tracking and brakes this weekend--could never figure that out before. Q: Re greasing: I wipe well but have not tried a fitting spike. It seems like most times it is very hard to pump--possibly because they are clogged?

[@fixitwithzim]

You're welcome. Glad you found it helpful. Definitely work open those zerk grease fittings with an awl or small screwdriver. They're probably stuck closed which is causing your problem. If they won't open up, they can be easily replaced. You can get a pack of 10 online for 5-10 bucks.

[@timhelton]

Appreciate this boss! Question...I have oil coming out of the muffler on start and pooling up on the deck...any idea what could be happening?

[@davidhefner9082]

Great video I enjoyed it I'm getting ready to change the belts on mine I can't find a video on how to do that

[@fixitwithzim]

Thanks man, I had a whole video filmed of belts on this same mower last year. Went to download it to my computer and the memory stick was corrupt! Anyway what belt are you changing? Blade belt is easy. When the clutch is disengaged, you have plenty of slack to slip it over the pulleys. Drive belts are easy too. I pulled the wheels off, made it a little easier but I mainly did that because I changed the tires. Transmission belt isn’t bad either

[@SchleysBonsai]

GREAT VIDEO. I just got a Scag identical to yours , but with service replacement motor. Any way to tell how old the machine is with the serial number? The motor is last years model, but the machine is older. In fact, Looks identical to yours as far a placement of fittings, deck, handles, etc. This video was very helpful. Thanks for taking the time.

[@fixitwithzim]

Jason Schley Not sure how to tell from serial numbers but if it helps, mine is a 98.

[@al1977777]

Just bought a used scag, this was a great video!

[@vincentrolfe1384]

Your voice, Zims, reminds me of NY or Conn. I don't hear Jersey in there. Best to you in the New Year

[@fixitwithzim]

Vincent Rolfe Correct, Long Island, NY. Happy New Year to you as well

[@fixitwithzim]

Thanks for watching. If you have any questions, let me know. I've owned this mower for a long time and know all the ins and outs for the most part.

[@fixitwithzim]

Sounds like a bad blade clutch or maybe something stuck under the deck preventing blades from spinning? Could even be a broken belt.

[@errolheadful]

Can you please post changing the carburetor?

[@bartneyman8344]

How do I get off the seized hydro plug? Bent the Allen wrench in the process. I need to put hydro fluid back in. Can I fill 2 quarts per each pump from the top by taking off the visible plastic holding container and pumping the fluids through the rubber tubing to the pumps?

[@lanteigned]

Great video! Could you possibly do a video on how to properly adjust or tighten the cutting / drive belt? Your instructional video was great but this one piece of info as you can see has a lot of us needing direction. Any help would be great! Keep up the awesome work.

[@fixitwithzim]

David Harkins thanks for the comment. I'll do a video regarding the belts soon. I changed to deck belt this past spring. My plan is to replace the drive belts next spring so look for a video early 2018

[@cichlid_nation5314]

Yeah I love my exmark just got all brand new belts yesterday

[@cliftondavidpowell]

How are you mowing and pulling it in reverse simultaneously?

[@serendipiry]

Hi what size or what number of belt do you buy to change for the scag 36 inch

[@keithandthomas]

Looking to change the drive belt and raise the cut of my deck with video assistant. Are there any self help videos out there?

[@robre6840]

like the video very imformative . im considering a scag for residential and some side jobs was curious if the 36 is big enough for most lawns or should go to 48?and to adjust the height of blade theres no lever or anything you have to just add or delete washers? are all scags like this ? last what about the transmission oil is that serviceable ? Thanks

[@coletraintechgames2932]

was a very good thourogh video! I am fairly mechanically inclined, but neve had a good mower untill now. just picked up a used one. Only thing I am wondering in the transmission. Since i bought it used, i just want to make sure it has oil in it. how do you check that?

[@rgebes222]

If you're still wondering they take grease not oil, I had to rebuild mine. If your concerned you can pop the cover off and check if it has grease but should be ok

[@j.jamessr.1446]

Man your a life saver. Thanks for the video.

[@camerax1]

One more: When reinstalling the blades, what is ideal torque spec and do you oppose both by 90 degrees?

[@TheFatman1918]

thank you for an excellent video!!

[@fixitwithzim]

Thanks. Hope it was helpful.

[@wildbill23c]

Any tricks to get blades off that probably haven't been removed in 12+ years? I got one broke loose, but the one on the discharge side won't budge.

[@fixitwithzim]

William Todd Other then the old tried and true block of 2x4 as a wedge and a 1/2" drive ratchet with big cheater bar, not really. I have an old piece of top pipe from a chain link fence. Thing is 6 foot long. Fits right over the ratchet handle and busts everything loose that I've used it on.

[@dewanehill1232]

Maybe try soaking it real good overnight with pb blaster. The previous suggestion will definitely work as well. A 2ft pipe over the ratchet usually works great.

[@jimmywilson1388]

Damn, I got a 1” for the blades…😂 I tried to look it up before I bought it… Oh well, back to the parts store. 😅

[@colinb7530]

How much did all of this work cost to get the materials so the kit plus new blades and oil? I am thinking o buying a used toro similar deal. I am guessing by the pictures it could use this work though.

[@fixitwithzim]

Blades were around 20, the maintenance kit I believe was somewhere around 25 and the oil around 10. So around 50-60 for everything. You'll definitely save a ton doing it yourself. Isn't too involved.

[@brojamessistertrise5289]

Do you have a video on how to change the belts next to the wheels? Cant find one on KZbin.

[@yaeyoeboma]

Great video

[@robertkarl29]

Great video. Have you ever replaced the drive belts? I looking for some instructions on that.

[@j.jamessr.1446]

Did you ever find a video yet? I need to change mine and dont want to mess up

[@NCCCXC]

What kind of oil do you use, can’t read the weight on the bottle in the video. I just got an older scag walk behind like this one. Thanks!

[@fixitwithzim]

I’ve always used straight 30 weight oil. Had this mower for over 20 years now. No issues

[@ThePheonix2009]

Lots of great info. Thank you.

[@TheJokesterSCR]

May be a dumb question, but how do you reverse it without switching gears???? I just got a 32" Scag with a 16HP Kawasaki engine, and this is the only problem I have with it. I always find myself in spots where I need to back it up a bit to finish making a turn, but have to switch gears to do it. I'm sure it's a simple technique that I'm missing. Thanks!

[@fixitwithzim]

Pull up on the handles until forward drive disengages but not to far that the brake activates. You'll then need to muscle around the machine to reverse. Good tip is to position the mower when you're ready to turn in such a way with the forward gear that all you need to do is pull back maybe a foot before going forward again...if that makes any sense. I rarely use reverse. Once you get the above technique down, you can do it in your sleep.

[@TheJokesterSCR]

zimsjeep Thank you! This was very helpful.

[@1nonly512]

@@fixitwithzim tengo el mismo Problema no puedo ajustar la reversa solo da buelta pero no agarra las bandas para reversa Tendras una respuesta en español.

[@briantrim6833]

What's the tire pressure and the last adj for tracking. Does add more power to slipping belts/tires?

[@gizmotony1234]

does any oil go into the transmission ????? please reply , thanks a lot, Jeff

[@camerax1]

P.S. How do you make reverse mode seem so seamless? didn't see your knee hitting the bar...?

[@CaptureMotionVR]

Nice work man!

[@turboblueperformance7100]

I'm new to commercial cutting and after watching this I had one question...You put on mulching blades but are using the side discharge while cutting, is there any particular reason for this?

[@fixitwithzim]

Good question - The mulching blades regardless if the grass is side discharged or not still produces a more finely cut grass blade in my opinion. Ideally, you are correct. They would probably work better if the grass was recirculated under the deck before discharge. Also, the price difference between a mulching blade and regular blade isn't all that much.

[@tnev3717]

Id like to add to that. I use gator blades on my Ferris.(in photo) and in the spring the grass is out of control. Sometimes you're cutting off 3-4 inches in some of the first few weeks. You can go over that twice because regular blades dont chop it up fine. Gator or mulch blades shoot out a mist of grass. Also it doesn't stick as much under my deck. I go over a yard one time where competitors have to go over 2-3 times. They also spend more time blowing off sidewalks than they do mowing the grass. lol With mulch blades throwing out of the side, you get a finer grass cut. Like i said, the grass shooting out of my deck looks like a mist rather than long blades of grass that i have to go over. Time = $$$.. good luck!

[@FOOTBALL94534]

***** no matter what blades you use,you need a discharge chute on your michine ,,vedio guy dont have one

[@tnev3717]

Mowed for 20 years successfully without one. We'll manage.

[@pfisterfarm]

Really appreciate such a detailed video! Thanks for taking the time! Tammy

[@mowingman816]

Nice vídeo man!

[@405TunerZ]

I have sw36-13k right now when I cut grass thats a little tall it doesn't want to cut it. It feels like the blades get stuck or the belt slips. You think it might need a new belt or their a way to tighten the belt?

[@cichlid_nation5314]

I have a exmark 36 inch Kawasaki 16.5 hp I love it

[@fixitwithzim]

Nice, I had an exmark also when I still had my business. Great machine.

[@frogget76]

How do u clean the carburetor on the zero turn scag? do u have a video on it? thank you!

[@fixitwithzim]

Milan Nguyen I don't have a video on that but check out donyboy73 on KZbin. I'm sure he does.

[@frogget76]

thank you very much

[@jaxonslocum8948]

I'm new to these type of mowers and this may be a stupid question, but can you change the deck height? I'm stepping up from a regular push mower

[@fixitwithzim]

Yes, check the part of this video where I change the blades...you can adjust the cut height by placing the spacer washers above or under the blades.

[@jaxonslocum8948]

+zimsjeep I mean the deck. I understand what you're saying but is there a way to raise/lower the deck like on a regular push mower? Thanks

[@mikestieber2148]

So helpful! Thank you man.

[@duellingcarl]

I was wondering how easy it is to muscle around with the pistol grips. I have an Exmark with ECS controls and sometimes it's a real pain so I wind up just mowing my lawn in a cross cut pattern. So, I was thinking of selling it and getting a scag sw.

[@fixitwithzim]

I don't mind the pistol grips. Some complain about them but I don't have any issues. I only use it for my yard now but used it a while Back for my business I sold. No issues either way. Now going from a hydro to this might be a different story but I think in your case, you'll be alright. Just keep everything well greased. It helps a lot.

[@duellingcarl]

+zimsjeep I am coming from a belt machine but there's only one exmark dealer in my area and he wont come pick the machine up and work on it if something majorly goes wrong with it and though I am handy I can't tear my engine apart and rebuild it. There are several scag dealers that will pick the machine up and work on them so I figure if I am going to have an expensive machine I might as well have that safety blanket. Also how is the stripe? My exmark stripes last like a month but the cut isn't exactly anything to rave about, it leaves stragglers and tall grass just bent over. Also if the grass it high it leaves a strip down the center of uncut grass. The scag looks like it cut that tall grass perfectly in one pass.

[@fixitwithzim]

duellingcarl I had that problem with a strip of grass left uncut down the middle once when I changed blades. I don't recall why it happened. They were the right size blade but maybe something with the air velocity in the middle with the mulching blade caused it. Like I said I don't remember as it was a long time ago. Stripe is great with the scag. As far as worrying about the engine, do the proper tuneups and take care of it and you almost certainly won't have to worry about rebuilding the engine. Most of the time, guys don't even rebuild anymore - Easier and faster to just replace the motor. 95% of your engine problems with be fuel/carb issues. They are always easy to fix and remedy.

[@duellingcarl]

+zimsjeep I think the strip of uncut grass has something to do with air velocity. I am down on rpms already and the belt tension adjustment is right under the muffler (bad design) so the belt is definitely too loose. It's just so hard to get to.

[@kbzenk]

what is the best way to change the Drive belt? It is located right under the engine block but there are 2 other belts below it. Do you take off the other belts then put on drive belt. Or take off the pulley?

[@kbzenk]

I figured it out. I took off a bracket, loosened the tension on the belts, unclipped wire harness. Slid drive belt up to top pulley. Then tighten everything back up. Its a good idea to take pics before you start demo & you can refer to them when putting back together.

[@fixitwithzim]

Kim Zenk Glad you got it figured out. I'm actually doing a full belt change on the mower in this video tomorrow. Drive belt on mine is original. Not bad - almost 17 years old. Thanks for the tips, very timely.

[@zachb4990]

Awesome video, I learned a lot. Thanks

[@fixitwithzim]

Thanks, glad it was helpful.

[@gregoryfranklin17]

hi ,I have a encore pro 36 walk behind ,question when cutting my lawn it looks like it barely cutting the grass.i lowered the front wheels,and still cutting poorly.i changed the blades,and still poor cut,what can I do for a better cut.belt driven

[@redneckchick72]

Z B ddddddddddddddd

[@405TunerZ]

Thanks for the advice but I sold it a week ago

[@tyarthur1800]

awesome video!

[@lazaromartinez4780]

Question i have a scag sw36a-16kai will that kit work on mine ??

[@fixitwithzim]

Lazaro Martinez I believe if you google the part number of the kit, you can cross reference to see if it fits the motor on your mower.

[@lazaromartinez4780]

zimsjeep idk i cant seem to fine any kits for the 16hp Kawasaki engine , i keep coming across the same one u have for the 14hp engine but dont know if its the same thing . Oh well

[@pspsurf]

What type of grease do you use for greasing the mower ?

[@ericklodnicki]

Awesome video super helpful. Has anyone seen good videos or tutorials on adjusting deck height on a velocity plus deck? Manual is just not very descriptive.

[@fixitwithzim]

Eric Klodnicki Thanks! Sorry don't have any help on the velocity - not familiar with it

[@tommymann69]

Ive been using scag since 1985k

[@JessePlaysDrums]

great video, thank you

[@kspisk5696]

Please tell me what exhaust this is

[@dogoargentino1420]

What's the cut sizes whit this blades set up

[@bradenballard6995]

How did u reverse it when turning since it is a gear drive and u didn't shift it into reverse

[@fixitwithzim]

Pull up on the controls to disengage the forward drive but not too far that the brakes engage. You're now basically in neutral and can free wheel the deck around with some muscle.

[@bradenballard6995]

zimsjeep thanks

[@lanteigned]

Wow never knew you could do this! Was wondering the same thing!

[@cichlid_nation5314]

Nice scag

[@fixitwithzim]

Thanks

[@a.jol.sr_photography]

I have a 48inch... Is changing the blades the same

[@fixitwithzim]

Should be exactly the same

[@jakefisher5440]

Does anyone know what size spark plug the scag sw48-14ka with a Kawasaki fc420v engine takes??

[@fixitwithzim]

Jake Fisher NGK BPR5ES (7734) gapped to 030. I've ran brand new plugs in the past not gapped correctly and this motor runs terrible with them. Make sure you gap them correctly. The NGK's are pretty good out of the box but I'd still check.

[@brentgoodman1861]

scag mower Boggs down when blades are engaged any solutions

[@fixitwithzim]

Brent Goodman Could be a couple things: easiest to hardest: blade spindles need grease, dull blades, belt not tensioned properly, bad belt/replace, governor needs adjustment, bad blade spindle. Good luck

[@brentgoodman1861]

Thanks for your help belts blades an spindles look good I will check out governor adjustment next thanks again Brent

[@cichlid_nation5314]

Mine has a Kawasaki fc 420v I actually think it's a 14 hp

[@domantor11]

Should change the gear box grease for the transmission

[@fixitwithzim]

Thanks - I'll have to check into that

[@domantor11]

Yip

[@rgebes222]

Glad I saw this, what type of grease is good for those transmissions?

[@wildbill23c]

domantor11 I was wondering that, except the Scag I have its a sealed transmission, so I don't think it would be wise to open it up would it? I think its like 8 bolts that hold it together. Looks pretty dirty, may attempt at least to open it up and make sure it has grease in it. Its about 25 years old.

[@exmark5248]

Why don't you run Hydro?

[@fixitwithzim]

Because I don't have a hydro :) this is the mower I own and it works great for me.

[@arthurtreyenterprises843]

I have the same scag can you raise the deck

[@fixitwithzim]

You can raise or lower the front casters and the blades

[@arthurtreyenterprises843]

ok how do you do that

[@arthurtreyenterprises843]

ok how do you do that

[@fixitwithzim]

Arthur Moore The blades and front casters have spacer washers on the spindle bolts. You can move them below or above the spindle to raise or lower. Think there is 4 or 5 total on each blade. The casters I very rarely if ever change.

[@arthurtreyenterprises843]

thanks

[@ernestmassey256]

why my scag 48in mower want go in reverse

[@fixitwithzim]

You sure it's actually not going in reverse? Reason I'm asking is reverse doesn't act like the forward gears. It's more of an assist when pulling the machine backwards. You'll still need to give the mower a decent tug backwards for the reverse gear to actually work somewhat. Hope that makes sense.

[@FOOTBALL94534]

WHERES YOUR DIS CHARGE AT,, THINK SAFETY

[@fixitwithzim]

Yes, you're right. Should have it on. Most the time never do. Don't be mowing around the kids or neighborhood cat.

[@michaelbradford4444]

Zzzzzz

[@mowingman816]

Nice vídeo man!

[@fixitwithzim]

Thanks for watching! Appreciate it.

[@Southwell_13]

What kind of grease did you use?

[@fixitwithzim]

Robskie13 Lucas heavy duty grease from Home Depot. Seems to work well. Been using it for past 5 years with no issues.