Snapper Mower Drive System Repair MODEL 214X1PR

[@chipschweiss]

Thanks for the video. Your video gave me enough detailed images to see how the "newer" drive system fit together. I have an even older aluminum deck model, that I inherited from my grandfather. The older model has the idler pulley on the underside and wears out much fast because of all the grass exposure. I've now installed the newer idler pulley system and should be good for at least another decade or so. These snappers are by far the best built mowers I've ever worked with.

[@condor5635]

One thing I do is paint anti seize on the area covered by the chute guard. This last few months and it protects the area from rusting. That area is very prone to water and crap and this rust etc. I also painted some areas as well but really like the grey anti seize it really stays and does a great job protecting that area. I finished taking apart the differential yesterday and checking bearings etc. Filled with 4 oz of 00 grease. Working great!

[@Paisteboy]

Nice! Take care of that machine and it could last you a lifetime. I have anti seize so I may look into those areas next time. Thanks again for watching.

[@craignewbold9289]

I bought one of these around 1984 or 85 and recall it was about $500-600. I ran it 30-40 hrs a week for 12-14 weeks each summer and used it that way for several summers in H.S. and college. Fast forward almost 40 years and I still use this mower today. I've had to rebuild the drive system 2 or 3 times, but other than that no other major work. The engine is really phenomenal. On the fastest speed you just about have to jog behind this thing.

[@Paisteboy]

Nice! It is a really well built machine and with proper maintenance can last a lifetime. Thanks for the comment Craig!

[@deanwhitaker7374]

I have a snapper lawn mower that's a 1987 model year that I have used that mower every year scents new has the same motor never rebuilt still runs perfect. But I have rebuilt the drive parts of the mower 4 times. These mowers are rock solid when I bought my mower it was 649.00 dollars and I thought my wife was going to kill me for spending that kind of money on a lawn mower lol. God Bless everyone

[@Paisteboy]

Yeah. My father in law paid about the same thing when he got his way back when. This is proof that you get what you pay for.

[@tdb921]

I'm still using the one my father bought in roughly the same time frame. Its a model RP21500E, elec start, LoL. I do remember dad paying over $700. It still lays down an absolutely beautiful cut, looks like a golf course, and much less effort than walking the dog too. I never used the elec start even when new as its always started 2nd pull, 3rd MAX but rare if so. Just now rebuilding that same drive assy...along w/both original belts. I love it so much I bought my father in law the same model in early 2K's. Few yrs later he gave it back when he got a rider, so now I have two...and I cut their grass now also, and don't use the rider😂😅

[@tdb921]

...also, mine has the 5.5hp briggs motor. The newer one has the Briggs 6.5hp OHV Vanguard

[@mistermisterxx]

Nice to see this Snapper in such great shape - makes me feel like I should go out and wash mine off! I have a '87/'88 model with the 5 HP Wisconsin Robin engine. Had always seen the professional yard guys using Snappers so when I finally got tired of paying yard guys $35-40 a throw to mow our large yards, I went down to a commercial lawnmower shop to look at a Snapper. They had two end-of-model-year Snappers for sale for about $550 each (a lot in 1988!) but I still use mine today.

[@donfoster5576]

I have almost the same mower (commercial version), purchased in the late '70s with the Robin engine. That engine still runs like new. I've replaced the wheel bearings, shaft bearings, belts (many times), blades, lifts, drive tire, and the list goes on..... but the damned thing still starts on first or second pull (though I always run the carb dry when shutting down). I even installed a good used deck when the original finally wore through. Of course, I change the plug, oil, and all filters regularly. Thanks for your video!

[@Paisteboy]

Nice! You're welcome.

[@mistermisterxx]

My original rear guard lasted 20+ years before it broke completely off. When I got the $13 replacement guard at a local commercial lawn equipment shop, it didn't take long for it to get bent like yours from pulling the Snapper backwards on the lawn. I think the original rear guards were made of a harder thicker plastic, and more importantly, were also secured at the right end, unlike the current replacement bendable guard which relies on never pulling the mower backwards to keep its shape.

[@ratcity10]

Thanks for this. It helped a bit with my problem. My Snapper is from the early 90's and it is a tank!

[@Paisteboy]

Glad it helped.

[@jimmoudry1441]

Do you know the part number for the small belt that goes on the large pulley and the small pulley when it is engaged? Thanks for the video. It seems to be 12 years old but I still have one of these mowers that runs great.

[@Paisteboy]

Sorry, I don't know, but you can find parts tree schematic for the part. My father in law still has and uses this mower. I've repaired it a couple of times, but it's still going strong.

[@jimmoudry1441]

@@Paisteboy I figured it out finally. Thanks for the reply.

[@mistermisterxx]

I mentioned that they had two end-of-model-year commercial grade Snappers left because I bought one and I called my brother-in-law up on the phone and convinced him to buy the other one sight unseen. Mine's still running (although it seems to have gotten louder over the years); don't know what happened to his since he moved to snow country. BTW, I see your father-in-law's Snapper also has that "bent" rear plastic deflector guard. Same here-I don't remember the original one having that problem.

[@williamajthompson9166]

I picked up a similar era snapper. I can't get the friction disc to slide on the shaft. Bathed it in penetration oil. Hoping it frees up

[@Paisteboy]

Yeah. It sounds like it stuck pretty good. You make have to work at that fir a little while. Many snowblowers have the same system. Yiu nay be able to find a video with the same issue for more help. Try "donyboy73" channel.

[@williamajthompson9166]

@@Paisteboy I got it freed up. Put a 5/8" socket with an extension over the shaft. And knocked on it with a hammer putting force right in the barring. Broke it free and sprayed the shaft with PB Blaster. Works very nice now.

[@Paisteboy]

Nice job.

[@tdb921]

​@@williamajthompson9166Take care of that hex shaft. Thats one of the FEW parts that's no longer available. Hard to believe too

[@Banjomountain]

I have a '79 snapper push mower that is almost identical to the one in the video. Only real difference is that mine has a 5hp Briggs & Stratton motor. It's one of the best mowers I've ever used. Very sturdy and tough!

[@randallarbini7776]

I have a snapper that looks like this one. My question is how do I attach the metal frame to the new bag

[@Paisteboy]

Sorry. I'm not sure as this is my father-in-law's mower.

[@computernostalgia6293]

My 1986 is still running strong!

[@Paisteboy]

I believe it. These were really well build machines back then. Thanks for watching.

[@MattsRageFitGarage]

35 years ago my dad bought a 20 inch cut side discharge LawnChief push mower for $120.00 with a 3.5 HP Briggs on it, on it's 30th season the wheels pretty much had fallen off of it and the deck had a small rust hole in the side, so we threw that deck away and found a similar 20 inch deck to put it on, the engine still starts on the first pull every time and runs like brand new, I had the engine apart and nothing had worn at all in 30 years, only break down was the condenser failed 12 years ago

[@photographybyfredhughes7387]

Thank you for your video I was really having trouble trying to understand how to install a new belt this video had a clear enough picture I could get that done!

[@Paisteboy]

Yeah, I noticed that bent palstic guard. I'll try to fix that when I replace the belt soon. My Father in law already mentioned this season when I was going to change the belt for him.

[@aprildunbar5502]

I still have one of these... and I've been using it even longer.... love it!!

[@Paisteboy]

Yeah. It's a great well built mower.

[@aprildunbar5502]

Paisteboy I’m trying to figure out how to change the oil... or find an owners manual. That one has a Wisconsin Robin engine doesn’t it?

[@Paisteboy]

I believe the drain plug is on the bottom underneath the mower deck and if I remember correctly it is a square hole. I think a 3/8" ratchet extension should fit inside the square hole. I don't own this machine my father in law does so I going from memory.

[@Paisteboy]

And yes, it is a Wisconsin Robin engine.

[@aprildunbar5502]

Paisteboy thanks!! I’m in a shelter at home location so I’m digging out my socket set and giving it a shot. How much 30 weight oil do you think?

[@Paisteboy]

Yeah, They are pretty impressive how long they last comparred to todays throw away mowers. Thanks for watching.

[@danielboguse4249]

It's a Wisconsin Robin engine made by Subaru not a Wisconsin engine, that's a totally different company.

[@Paisteboy]

I must have misspoke since I'm not very familiar with the brand and they are not as common as a Briggs & Stratton or Tecumseh were.

[@jonathanbenoit8828]

I've fixed a lot of those,a massive mule mower and a monkey 🐻🦁 love it ❤️❤️❤️ super nice 👍👍👍

[@Paisteboy]

Cool 👍. Yes it is.

[@giribaba28]

I had to replace the rubber drive disc and bearing on a standard walk-behind (MR series 14 - 15) Snapper. The bearing has a lip on the inside which makes it slide along the hexagonal shaft (as shown at 7:46). 2 retaining rings hold the bearing in place. But what is supposed to hold the bearing in place when moving the speed changer in the other direction? It has nothing retaining it so it falls out of the thrust plate. I must be missing something...?

[@condor5635]

If I recall on mine I used 3 screws to hold the bearing in place. I believe there are holes already there but for some reason not used. They will hold the bearing in place identical to how the wheel bearings are in place. To keep them secured I used a little JB Weld on the exit side of the bolt once installed. Has worked great. Key for all these several bearings I have found is to sprays with WD40 after every use. Get a spray bottle and buy the gallon option. Much cheaper than aerosol cans. Yeh that might ruin the grease possibly in the ‘sealed’ bearing but I have found this to work very well. All bearings work great

[@kodypagel9167]

hey do you have a video of putting on the gear lever, I am having problems putting it on

[@tonyjandura9654]

i have my 1988 snapper with a 3.5 hp b&s motor my question is what purpose is the white wire going from the deck to the engine is that a stop switch in case you forget to put the side discharge chute on or rear bagger chute the engine won't start? i was doing some work on my mower had the recoil starter hood off, carburetor and gas tank off and noticed the end of that wire not hooked up to anything just hanging there can't tell what it was hooked up to so i electrical taped the end of wire just left it unhooked.

[@Paisteboy]

That's what it looks like to me.

[@streamlight2]

I need a crankshaft for one of those, got any spare parts?

[@sonictherevenge]

Same mower I have trying to fix the self propelled thing. I freakin love it

[@scottroyse1871]

i get on face book buy sell or free pick up lawn mowers to fix and sell came across one like this it's not a commercial one got it clean up but no kill switch and when you put it in low for rear wheel drive it pull you really good it has the same body style as you'rs

[@Paisteboy]

Nice

[@MattsRageFitGarage]

@paisteboy Yeah it's a simple mower, only feature is the throttle control and new ball bearing wheels and height adjusters. But it's the most reliable and best running mower I have and have ever used, they sure don't make em like they used to. It runs so good now it'll probably outlast me and I'm 15 lol

[@Bxtskul1l]

Thanks for the vid, just bought a used one of these and I think I have an old belt just like in the video, also the loose nut on the buttom causing the friction disc and pulley to not work right.

[@johnbailey9682]

That was the best engine ever put on the snappers .

[@Paisteboy]

Agreed!

[@boombob10]

were did u get it? and i know it off topic by i am having problems baja doodle bug i have worn down the tire so i bought a new one. i had it weighed and installed. my engine wants to cut out and my plug it filing down to the point were it stalls. then my carb like floods out if i don't burn any gas. have any tips????

[@leisuresuitlarry1777]

Thanks man! I got one of these the other day, exactly the same body looks like, doesn't have a Wisconsin on it though, its got a crazy motor on it however. LOL a commercial electronic ignition Kawasaki is on it. I really appreciate this video though man, i had no idea what the model number was and the belts are worn enough i cant see the number on it. appears my tension pulley is gone for some reason. weird though because it still goes forward possible I have the same body ( deck) and a little older design. i see what they call them a vac. LOl if you start that thing up without the bag on it it will blow the hair off your head. must be that slight curl around the edge of the bottom of the deck, did you notice that? it covers the edge of the blade, none of my other mowers have that. could be too that this kawasaki motor is more powerful than the original, i think it;s a 6hp. at any rate. I dont have to rake anymore. LOl this thing sucks everything up out of the grass, i don't think even the bugs have a chance with this on the job,.

[@Paisteboy]

Leisure suit Larry Cool. Glad it helped. Thanks for watching.

[@knighthawk86855]

I have two of these mowers....one was free...the other a scrap yard pick for 10 bucks...one is a vac with bag other is side discharge....both are the best running most reliable mowers I own....also best cut too....the vac one is my leaf mower and I love em both!

[@cjbeamer2462]

I have one very similar mine is one year older than yours and my drive quite to I am now completely rebuilding it. mine has the 3.5 HP Briggs instead those little rubber wheels go bad easy so watch those.

[@chevychevelle7216]

I have a 1990 Snapper self propelled mower and I am trying to remove the tires/wheels on it ,So I can replace them. I haven't figured out how to remove them and there is no video out there to show me how to remove the wheels on it. Help!

[@Paisteboy]

I'd help you but the mower in my father in-laws and I don't have access to it at this time.

[@Paisteboy]

@1972FordF150 Sounds like a great mower. They don't make them like that anymore. Thanks for watching.

[@Paisteboy]

Yeah. They really built them well and to last back then.

[@Paisteboy]

@Smallgasengine1 Not sure about that other than Subaru makes industrial motors and that's what wisconsin engines were. Thanks for watching.

[@JRV1948]

How good are you at troubleshooting? My Snapper self propelled Mower, after replacing the drive belt [off the blade shaft] won't pull now. It pulled fine before the replacement, until the belt slipped off. With the motor off and the lever engaged, I cannot push it at all, stuck. Letting go of the lever, it pushes fine. What do I need to do to regain propulsion??

[@condor5635]

With the mower not running and the drive engaged as you said you are not supposed to be able to push the mower. That’s like pushing a car with it in drive and off. Should be able to push it with it not engaged. Is the wheel disc spinning when motor is on?

[@giuliolancia5095]

Have any idea when I disengage the clutch and I trying to go backwards it does not go to Neutral

[@Paisteboy]

Sounds like the cable may be too tight.

[@Paisteboy]

@streamlight2 No spare parts. This mower is my father in law's and he doesn't have any parts. Thanks for watching.

[@FirebirdRestores]

Got the same setup on my mower unfortunately, the wires that are on the handlebars are all disconnected from the mower. Do you know how to connect them?

[@Paisteboy]

I don't remember there being wires on the handlebars. There are some control cables though. Is that what you are talking about?

[@condor5635]

If you are asking this you might consider changing your pen name

[@Paisteboy]

Ok. Thanks for the insite. I'm going to try to salvage the original then.

[@Paisteboy]

@boombob10 Check your fuel lines. Maybe one is cracked and you are sucking in air? And where did I get what? If yiou are talking about the mower, I mention in the video that it is my father in laws mower.

[@boat6868]

Nice vid. Very well build mower.

[@davjan4]

I haveone just like that. I think it's a 1976 model. Where can I get a replacement bag?

[@Paisteboy]

I would check with an authorized Snapper dealer for a replacement bag.

[@TheKellisunshyne]

I just picked one of these up for free...bad belt so he was throwing it out...do you know the part number for the belt?

[@Paisteboy]

No. They don't make that belt anymore. You have to brung the old belt to a dealer and they will match it up. That's what I did.

[@dfields9511]

Wisconsin-robin is really the previous name of engines made by Subaru

[@davidwooderson46]

fuji robin they where japan made engines distributed by wisconsin

[@Paisteboy]

👍

[@josephtuleya5296]

how old is mine it is the old v21 with the cast aluminum deck?

[@Paisteboy]

It could be from the early 80's.

[@bryancoats5328]

I need parts for this engine, any suggestions

[@Paisteboy]

I know you can get parts for the mower but I don't think you can for the engine.

[@Paisteboy]

Cool. My father in law uses his to bag his leaves too.

[@bryancoats5328]

I’d love to find an old WR engine for my old Snapper.

[@Paisteboy]

They're probably really hard to find. Good luck and thanks for watching.

[@danielboguse4249]

You need a new 3/8 x 24" belt. Don't even try putting on the old belt because you will have to do the job twice.

[@Paisteboy]

I did end up replacing the old belt.

[@wilymcgee]

nice mower, have you still got it?

[@Paisteboy]

It belongs to my father in law and he still has it. It's a beast! Thanks for watching.

[@jonathanbenoit8828]

Good work 👍

[@Paisteboy]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mack1ford]

wisconsin isn't out of business just bought out the mower engines are now by robin and industrial engines are by continental engines.

[@boombob10]

@suzukiman650 tried didnt do anything

[@suzukiman650]

@boombob10 Clean the carb.

[@BandOnTheRun87]

they don't make these mowers anymore

[@marklockwood803]

CHECK ROTARY GREASE RESIVIOR

[@jonathanbenoit8828]

Never back up with that mower

[@Paisteboy]

ok.

[@grin64]

in my opinion anyway if everybody was in such a hurry to buy Chinese crap Wisconsin would still be in business. isn't it worth buying quality stuff?

[@Paisteboy]

I see your point, but in many cases, people would have bought nothing because of the high cost of the high-quality American engine. The cheap Chinese option is something they are willing to spend for a small engine. Thanks for watching.

[@jasonwb6884]

wisconsin robin, is owned by fuji heavy industries or teledyne total power, fuji heavy industries is formally known as subaru. Subaru still has a small engine name of subaru robin which is still around...although not the same quality as the old engines of wisconsin robin.

[@davidwooderson46]

fuji made these engine in japan. My mower is 35 year old 2 cycle robin and still has more power than my newer snapper with a honda gxv160. Now the new engines even honda's and subaru's are chinese made and are design to be throw away engines. They dont start you throw them away and just buy a new one which is such a waste compared to me having a mower and engine thats was my grandfathers and cuts better than the new ones. The only other engine that came close to the fuji robins where the toro's with suzuki tv5002 engine also a 2 stroke. My grandfather had his own lawn cutting company and had a little of both the robin's and suzuki's. i still have 2 that where in his fleet a snapper 214xp2 4hp robin and a toro 22043 suzuki both going strong. In fact when i bought my new snapper with gxv 160 honda i was very disappointed in the power it had vs thoses mowers

[@johnbattles1320]

The next time you decide to make a video try to know what you are talking about.

[@Paisteboy]

I repaired the drive system didn't I!

[@Paisteboy]

What video were you watching? I diagnosed and fixed this mower you troll.

[@condor5635]

@@Paisteboy John ‘battles’ with his ego getting the better of him. He is a know it all of all things. 😃