Snapper rear engine rider tube stuck can't tighten belt

stuckmotor · Sep 11, 2019

You're right, I need it in a hurry. Thanks for the link.

stuckmotor · Sep 16, 2019

MossRoad,
Here's the video we were looking for.
56. Buying a used snapper, things to look for - YouTube
Jim explains the stuck tube, why it happened, and how he fixed one at around 19:00 minutes. I found the video AFTER I drove mine out. Had to heat it with map gas and punch it out using 1/2" X 1" flat stock as a punch. It's mostly back together now . I still have to hook up the wiring and adjust the brake and clutch.
Maybe I got Jim's address wrong and for some reason, didn't get a bounce notice. I never found his return message.

MossRoad · Sep 17, 2019

Good. Makes sense that it would rust stuck if it was not articulated much or lubed. Were you able to get new bushings?

stuckmotor · Sep 17, 2019

My mapp gas torch didn't get the bushings hot enough to do much melting and my cutting and banging didn't completely destroy them. Jim must have used acetylene to get his red hot and melt the bushing. I cleaned it up with a burr "that Chucke2009 recommended" smeared it heavily with silicone O ring lube and it went back together.
I hope to get back to it tomorrow and see if my sawing and hammering have caused any problems that will require further repair. We're having a dry spell and the grass isn't growing much, so things aren't as urgent as they were.

MossRoad · Sep 17, 2019

It's nice to have folks that put out these types of videos with detailed procedures on YouTube. :thumbsup:

I use them a lot on first-time repairs on things I'm not familiar with. For example, I'm now an old pro at changing out electric window actuators in early 2000's Ford and Mercury vehicles thanks to one guy's very detailed videos. :laughing:

stuckmotor · Sep 17, 2019

It certainly is! I was going through Jim's videos and came across one from a couple of years back. Jim said he was getting so many negative comments and criticisms that he was taking his series down and quitting. Thinking it was a new post I PANICKED! Then checked the number and found he'd reconsidered and kept on going. What a relief!

MossRoad · Sep 17, 2019

Yes, you must have thin skin, or, disable comments anytime you post on any social media.

stuckmotor · Sep 21, 2019

Jim and I finally got together and exchanged several pleasant emails. He's a very helpful person and I've learned great a deal from his videos. This link that I put up in a previous post to Moss Road is one of my favorites. 56. Buying a used snapper, things to look for - YouTube
At any rate my Snapper is running again and when I cut the grass today, it cut better than it has in a long time. The front wheels pivot independent of the rear and the belt doesn't seem to slip anymore.:dance1: