Snapper Rear Engine Rider - NEWBIE NEED HELP

[AL Farmall Boy]

I have a Snapper Rear Engine Rider with the white handlebars. It has an 8 hp Briggs engine. The model number is 30083. The serial number is 23066202. I am VERY familiar with Cub Cadets and Farmall tractors, but not these. I couldn't find anything on TractorData.com about them. This tractor was just given to me, and hasn't ran in about 4 to 5 years. I want to fix it up, maybe "restore" it, once we get it operational. THANKS!

[B Shaver]

I have a 1990 version of the Snapper Mower and found manuals for it on the Snapper Web site.


Bill S.

[AL Farmall Boy]

How do you know the year model? I did a search on Google for my model number and got literally NO results. I will try the Snapper website.

[Eugene]

You may be able to narrow down the year range from the B&S model and specification numbers.

You may be able to obtain repair parts for the tractor and deck from you local auto parts dealership. Snapper parts are listed in their catalog. B&S parts are readily available at auto parts stores.

[AL Farmall Boy]

Thanks Eugene. Any other info on this tractor is greatly appreciated. I know it needs the pull start cord replaced. I'm sure you guys know how to do that. Is there a "How to" on this forum?

[AL Farmall Boy]

Here are some pictures to help I.D. the tractor, and hopefully you guys can help me get it running again after 3 years of being in the garage. I really don't know where to start with these small engines! haha.

[Rodney51Cub]

The Briggs engine was assembled March 12, 1982. If the motor was not changed then you should have a 1982 model.
Briggs engines use the code number for a manufacturing date. Year, month, day, assembly line and manufacturing plant.
They are good little mowers and the starter cord is fairly easy to replace, just don't let the rewind spring come unwound.

[AL Farmall Boy]

Is there a good "how to" on replacing the cord, or the spring if its broke? What happens if I let the spring come unwound? How can I prevent that?

[Rodney51Cub]

I don't know if there is a "How to" on the cord. I have been fixing small engine stuff for 30 + years as a hobby. I learned by doing it right and wrong. The spring is really no big deal it is just fun to get back into place. Google "small engine pull cord repair ", you might find what you need there.

[Eugene]

B&S How To section. Compliments of the Farmall Cub.Com board.

Remove the engine shroud - sheet metal on top of engine. I usually find the starter clutch broken.

Starter clutch (part number 7-03451 on most B&S engines) unscrews counter clockwise. Block of wood or hard object catching one lip - real hard rap with hammer - should unloosen the starter. Edit: The starter clutch is the thing on the upper end of the flywheel - has a square end.

Spring part number is 7-03404, if needed.

Decent autoparts stores usually have B&S starter parts on hand. If not they will be able to obtain the parts - next day service.

Nother edit: If you autoparts store doesn't use the numbers I provided - just give them the model and spec numbers fromt he side of the engine. The numbers are for NAPA and several other brand name stores.

[AL Farmall Boy]

Thanks Eugene! I will have to tear into it and see if we can get the cord fixed. One thing though....I didn't see any bolts or screws holding the engine cover (where the cord is) on. How does it come off? Thanks again.

[Wakulla Bill]

You will need to remove the whole top cover. The bolts are on the side 7/16 I think. The you can see how to remove the recoil assembly.

[Eugene]

Couple of suggestions.

Put all of the bolts in a container as you remove them.

Once the shroud is removed - take a photo or two of the underside - the location of the rewind. Might make a sketch on how the spring (which direction it's wound) is attached.

Visit your local public library. Reference section should have a number of books on lawn mowers and small engines. There will also be more books that can be checked out in the general section of the library.

[Landreo]

I have a similar mower, 1989, 26 inch instead of 30 inch, same rust and white engine. A Eugene said, remove the 3 screws and the whole top will come off. The ratchet mechanism on the top of the engine may be stuck and that is why the cord will not rewind. Eitherway, the square top ratched will have a small hole in the center top, put several drops of oil into that hole. It should ratchet one way and lock the other way, if not then the oil may free up the drive, if it does, oil anyway since it likely needs it.

The throttle cable has a rack and pinion mechanism on the carb, make sure it has some graphite lube on it otherwise the plastic rack may break if the throttle cable is forced. The carb is the one peice flojet and should be clear how it comes apart.

Unlikely the spring is broken but if it is just get another. Easy to replace.

[klyant]

Dad was a snapper dealer for many years. The model number tells me it is a 30 inch deck 8 hp and was made in 83.