Export thread

33" rer - no engine

#1

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

Just picked this up today for free. Except for missing the engine and a torn up seat it looks in pretty nice shape. Tires are good too. Don't know much about the RERs and I'm wondering what to look for in a replacement engine. Could be Briggs or Something else but particularly what shaft and pulley does it need to match up with the belt. If anyone has insight into this I'd appreciate it. It is a 1994 model 331623BVE. So I got the 33" and 16hp but what does the 23BVE stand for?

image-540734568.jpg


#2

M

mechanic mark

Engine


#3

Fish

Fish

Repower Snapper

get the shaft dimensions here


#4

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

Cool - thanks guys


#5

K

KELLY80621

I believe the 23BVE designation indicates it is a series 23 with a Briggs & Stratton engine, overhead valve design and electric start. HTH...
Kelly


#6

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

This may be a bigger project than I'm able to tackle.


#7

C

cashman

If your going to go with the twin cylinder, maybe someone could post a pic of the muffler that was used on those? Don't know if it was a Snapper muffler or a Briggs? The 12hp single cylinder worked pretty well on those back in the day.


#8

silver1

silver1

Snapperfreak said:
This may be a bigger project than I'm able to tackle.
Click to expand...

I have a picture of the pulley with drive disk. It shows a 1" output shaft is needed on the motor.
Is your wiring in good shape and key start? This pulley is from a 77 8hp B&S snapper comet

Attachments







#9

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

There is some electrical and it is a key start but I'm not sure if the wires that are there are going to be what I need for a different engine than what it came with. But I guess whatever engine I find I can wire it up. I shouldn't be so quick to give up on this, it's really cool. A twin-cylinder would be great but I may just see what pops up that I can afford. Thanks for that pic of the pulley, now I know what I'm looking for. This thing really isn't in my way and it's not a project that has to be finished right now. It's just a toy. I'll keep it and as time and money allow I'll tinker with it. I'll get some better close-up pics if it too this week.


#10

silver1

silver1

Snapperfreak said:
There is some electrical and it is a key start but I'm not sure if the wires that are there are going to be what I need for a different engine than what it came with. But I guess whatever engine I find I can wire it up. I shouldn't be so quick to give up on this, it's really cool. A twin-cylinder would be great but I may just see what pops up that I can afford. Thanks for that pic of the pulley, now I know what I'm looking for. This thing really isn't in my way and it's not a project that has to be finished right now. It's just a toy. I'll keep it and as time and money allow I'll tinker with it. I'll get some better close-up pics if it too this week.
Click to expand...

I would sell the pulley. You could get a manual start motor as they came with that option. Mine had an 8hp. you could get a 10 or 12 hp.
you have the fuel tank with is a big plus. Does it roll with ease? Shift ok?


#11

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

Yes it rolls no problem, shifts fine too. It's really in great shape...except for the engine. No rust, of course a new seat is a must but that's the last thing to do. I'd like to go at least 12hp but if a 20hp came up I'd throw that on there. There was a free riding mower on cl the other day but I was too late to grab it and get the engine out of it. But all the components that need to be good (deck, tires, wheels, axles, steering, frame) are all good.


#12

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

Here's some better pics. I just noticed...shouldn't there be a disc plate that the rubber wheel rests against in the back by the axle?

image-1503771242.jpg



image-4243792429.jpg



image-3111222516.jpg



image-1384269169.jpg


#13

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

...o ya. It's missing the drive disc. Hmmmmmm.

Well it's still not taking up any room that's needed so I'll sit on it. Just not sure how much is involved in replacing that disc plus all the rest.


#14

Fish

Fish

Don't be fooled by the partstree pic, the original engine was a single cylinder, you will have a very difficult experience trying to put on a twin engine.


#15

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

Ok. But I found the drive disc. It's $77. Maybe I'll look for another running rer and take the engine (which should have the disc on it) and electrical off that one and put it in my 33. That would save the hassle of matching up pulleys and such. I've driven a rer with a 12hp and it had plenty of power...the idea of a 20hp twin cylinder just sounds cool.


#16

Fish

Fish

Yeah, then you could get a local shop to make you some chrome twin tailpipes, maybe some cool flames painted on the side, but one thing I found out a long time ago,
it is impossible to look cool on a Snapper Rear Engine Rider.....


#17

Carscw

Carscw

You can put a twin on it with the exhaust pipes at the back and notch the frame so the pipes sit in it and put a muffler on each pipe. Or what I did was a elbow and about a foot of pipe. Just can not stand it up anymore


#18

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

I'll admit the RERs aren't as cool as a LT16..,,or an 1855. Now THAT would be cool. But as I spent the last half hour wiping this one down and cleaning it up some more I realized I really like messing with these things. I may have a 28" I can pick up for $100 with a 12hp. Could swap over all I need from it. A twin with dual pipes WOULD also be cool of I came across an engine. I could always keep an eye out for a tractor ( which is what I really want ) and sell this once it's running for it. It's all a game, buy sell trade. It's fun.

AND I'll have to get a custom garden trailer to toe behind it too. Tandem axle. Don't need it...just want it.

image-1433194337.jpg


#19

Fish

Fish

You two will get along like peas and carrots!!!!


#20

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

Haha!!

O and I just realized the reason the drive disc is missing is because it's attached to the engine...that's also missing. Still learning on the RERs. Yep I'm liking this thing. Maybe some LED lights when it's all done.


#21

Carscw

Carscw

The tricky part is getting the disk on the shaft were it needs to be.
On my first one I was eating up the rubber clutch disk because the engine was sitting lower on the right side. Had to shim it up.
It was a 42inch that I put a 18 L head on.


#22

silver1

silver1

Snapperfreak said:
Haha!!

O and I just realized the reason the drive disc is missing is because it's attached to the engine...that's also missing. Still learning on the RERs. Yep I'm liking this thing. Maybe some LED lights when it's all done.
Click to expand...

See my photo...it has the disk and pulley. that is what u need.


#23

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

Cool. Now I think I got it. I'll start looking for that.


#24

S

shawnkajla

if i were you man id keep it and just slowly mess with it. something different to play with you know?:cool:


#25

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

Yep I'm gonna do that. After rolling it out and cleaning it up I realized how much I like it. Probably look for a parts RER with an engine. Everything I need would be there. Ya I'll take my time with this one.


#26

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

Sometimes I stumble on an offer I can't refuse. My brother-in-law had a 1990 33" rer with a 12hp Briggs for sale for the last couple months. Long story short, I picked it up today for $100. Took the engine and electrical off of it and threw it on mine. Had a new battery too. It runs good, could probably use a carb cleaning but it's ok for now. The drive disc isn't quite contacting the disc on the engine shaft though, have to figure that out. But it's a complete unit now. Just need a belt, new seat and a fuel cap. Not bad for a few hours work on a boring Sunday afternoon.

image-2266675156.jpg



image-3342646975.jpg



image-705651804.jpg



image-1087625556.jpg


#27

silver1

silver1

Snapperfreak said:
Sometimes I stumble on an offer I can't refuse. My brother-in-law had a 1990 33" rer with a 12hp Briggs for sale for the last couple months. Long story short, I picked it up today for $100. Took the engine and electrical off of it and threw it on mine. Had a new battery too. It runs good, could probably use a carb cleaning but it's ok for now. The drive disc isn't quite contacting the disc on the engine shaft though, have to figure that out. But it's a complete unit now. Just need a belt, new seat and a fuel cap. Not bad for a few hours work on a boring Sunday afternoon.

View attachment 18758



View attachment 18759



View attachment 18760



View attachment 18761
Click to expand...

DON"T FORGET THE "CUP HOLDER". glad it came together for you.


#28

Fish

Fish

Snapperfreak said:
Sometimes I stumble on an offer I can't refuse. My brother-in-law had a 1990 33" rer with a 12hp Briggs for sale for the last couple months. Long story short, I picked it up today for $100. Took the engine and electrical off of it and threw it on mine. Had a new battery too. It runs good, could probably use a carb cleaning but it's ok for now. The drive disc isn't quite contacting the disc on the engine shaft though, have to figure that out. But it's a complete unit now. Just need a belt, new seat and a fuel cap. Not bad for a few hours work on a boring Sunday afternoon.

View attachment 18758



View attachment 18759



View attachment 18760



View attachment 18761
Click to expand...


Needs a muffler too!!!


#29

Carscw

Carscw

Fish said:
Needs a muffler too!!!
Click to expand...

Just a straight pipe with a flap on the end


#30

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

Yes, good eye. A muffler too. Cup holder absolutely. Good time to have 3 days off for the holiday to play with this some more. Need to figure out the drive disc issue of no contact. I WILL be in the garage tomorrow.

...I may try the straight pipe thing.


#31

Carscw

Carscw

Snapperfreak said:
Yes, good eye. A muffler too. Cup holder absolutely. Good time to have 3 days off for the holiday to play with this some more. Need to figure out the drive disc issue of no contact. I WILL be in the garage tomorrow. ...I may try the straight pipe thing.
Click to expand...

There should be a spring to hold the clutch disk up to the drive disk


#32

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

Ahhhhhhhh cool. I will flip it up on its end tomorrow and look for that. Thanks.


#33

C

cashman

Two things that are prone to wear on the Snapper RER are the rod guide (#7031080) and the lift yoke (#7047843). Either of these are worn can affect the contact between the drive disc and the drive plate. Also make sure the bottom oil seal on the engine isn't leaking. To set the distance between the drive disc and the drive plate is to place the shift lever in 3rd gear and depress the clutch pedal fully, you want about 3/16" clearance between the drive disc and the drive plate. with the clutch pedal fully depressed. Then tighten the allen screws on the drive plate.


#34

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

Well upon further investigation today it appears that the drive disc issue is a non-issue. They make contact. BUT since it still wasn't driving I looked at other possibilities. It appeared that the axle was bad, when it was jacked up off the ground and manually rolling the wheels a grinding ratcheting noise and the opposite wheel would not spin in the opposite direction. It would just stay stationary. On the parts mower I got the axle rolled smooth and the wheels would spin in opposite directions soooooooooooooo off came the rear axle assemblies and more swapping. I spent about 3 hours messing around with them today, I'm done for now. It's all back together except for the gear selector linkage. I think it's coming together, it's just one of those fix-a-problem-only-to-find-another-problem type of thing.

image-1215654053.jpg


#35

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

Once I'm done I'll check the rod guide and lift yoke if there's still problems back there. Crossing my fingers this is it though.


#36

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

So here we are as of today. With the rear axle and everything else put back together. I looked up underneath at the drive disc and it's just barely not making contact. But I tested the axle by holding the disc to the plate with it in gear and the mower does drive so that's a non-issue now. I think the rubber wheel is just worn down too much. Heading to the shop Saturday to get a new one and whatever I need to fix the slow leak at the bottom of the float bowl. This thing is do close to finished.

Also decided to use the broken axle assembly for the running gear on a little utility trailer. Need some angle iron, nuts and bolts and some plywood. More on that after mower is done though.

image-2645917811.jpg



image-384825097.jpg



image-189609047.jpg


#37

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

Update. And a good one. Bought a new drive disc (the one with the rubber wheel) and put that in this morning. Nothing new so pulled the engine, backed off the two adjustment screws on the disc attached to the shaft and lowered it about 1/8"-3/16". Put it all back together and it drives perfect now. Mission accomplished. Also replaced the plug, put fuel cap on and new fuel line with shut-off. The muffler fell apart so I'm leaning that off til I get a new one...so straight pipe it is for now! All that's left is new seat, new belt, new muffler and....some LEDs.

image-895496693.jpg



image-4269003966.jpg


#38

Carscw

Carscw

Looking good. You have spent some time on this glad it all works good.
Kinda like winning a prize when you get it working right.


#39

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

Yep, this has been pretty fun getting it this far. Riders sure are fun. I took it up and down the street at full throttle/5th gear to get some good fuel flowing thru it. Man all u guys with riders and tractors have too much fun! I don't have enough yard to really need it but who cares, it's fun. Maybe the opportunity to use it will arise sometime. It would've come in handy when I mowed the kids soccer field a couple years ago with a walk-behind.

I have no plans on selling this one. Unless the chance to get a LT16 or 1655 for a good deal or something but other than that, this thing is great and is staying in the garage. Thanks for the help guys.


#40

Carscw

Carscw

Now I know you did a few wheelies.
Maybe the first time you did not mean to but then you just could not stop doing them.


#41

silver1

silver1

Snapperfreak said:
Yep, this has been pretty fun getting it this far. Riders sure are fun. I took it up and down the street at full throttle/5th gear to get some good fuel flowing thru it. Man all u guys with riders and tractors have too much fun! I don't have enough yard to really need it but who cares, it's fun. Maybe the opportunity to use it will arise sometime. It would've come in handy when I mowed the kids soccer field a couple years ago with a walk-behind.

I have no plans on selling this one. Unless the chance to get a LT16 or 1655 for a good deal or something but other than that, this thing is great and is staying in the garage. Thanks for the help guys.
Click to expand...

I have fun on mine also. I use it for garage sales in the area. Getting the mail 2 doors down and like you I have small lawn area, but the neighbors don't mind if I do theirs. I get beer for mowing lawns. Its a great life!


#42

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

Haha no wheelies!...yet. Picking up the last functional piece tomorrow. A new belt. Will be a totally functional machine then. And yes any neighbor who wants their lawn mowed I'll do it for free with a big grin. Couldn't stop laughing when I was driving it around once the disc was adjusted.

I did find one other thing if sell it for, although it wouldn't bring enough money for it. Found this pic when I was searching for trailer hitches but can't find these wheels anywhere online. But this is a cool deere. Have to find those wheels.

image-3995064779.jpg


#43

Carscw

Carscw

Snapperfreak said:
Haha no wheelies!...yet. Picking up the last functional piece tomorrow. A new belt. Will be a totally functional machine then. And yes any neighbor who wants their lawn mowed I'll do it for free with a big grin. Couldn't stop laughing when I was driving it around once the disc was adjusted. I did find one other thing if sell it for, although it wouldn't bring enough money for it. Found this pic when I was searching for trailer hitches but can't find these wheels anywhere online. But this is a cool deere. Have to find those wheels. <img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=18904"/>
Click to expand...

I think the chrome hubcaps at tractor supply will fit your wheels.


#44

exotion

exotion

Snapperfreak said:
Haha no wheelies!...yet. Picking up the last functional piece tomorrow. A new belt. Will be a totally functional machine then. And yes any neighbor who wants their lawn mowed I'll do it for free with a big grin. Couldn't stop laughing when I was driving it around once the disc was adjusted.

I did find one other thing if sell it for, although it wouldn't bring enough money for it. Found this pic when I was searching for trailer hitches but can't find these wheels anywhere online. But this is a cool deere. Have to find those wheels.

<img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=18904"/>
Click to expand...

Ya those look completely custom judging by the custom seat and custom tow bar I think they might be


#45

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

I wasn't going to put them on the rer, but it did make me want a new deere. And that's just not going to happen but I think I will take mine off and paint them white.


#46

Carscw

Carscw

Snapperfreak said:
I wasn't going to put them on the rer, but it did make me want a new deere. And that's just not going to happen but I think I will take mine off and paint them white.
Click to expand...

Please tell me you do not really want a junk Deere.


#47

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

Oh man, are they really junk? I just thought the pic was really neat. No I'm not particularly partial to john deere, actually I know nothing about them. The color scheme is ok but as far as a usable machine I'm in the dark. I like the shape of some of today's garden tractors though, the ones that are more boxy and not so insect-like. The new craftsmen are too round, that deere looks nice and angular. I was just looking at it from that perspective, just how it looks. I don't need one (and can't buy one) but it's a cool pic. I'm happy with my little rer...for now.

Are all deeres junk or just the ones from home depot ?


#48

Carscw

Carscw

Snapperfreak said:
Oh man, are they really junk? I just thought the pic was really neat. No I'm not particularly partial to john deere, actually I know nothing about them. The color scheme is ok but as far as a usable machine I'm in the dark. I like the shape of some of today's garden tractors though, the ones that are more boxy and not so insect-like. The new craftsmen are too round, that deere looks nice and angular. I was just looking at it from that perspective, just how it looks. I don't need one (and can't buy one) but it's a cool pic. I'm happy with my little rer...for now. Are all deeres junk or just the ones from home depot ?
Click to expand...

I agree Deere mower are cool looking.
The low end models are just cheap and over priced because of the name.
I am just not a JD fan


#49

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

Got the belt on and it's officially a working mower now. I ordered the muffler last week and it came in today so I'll pick that up and replaced that later this week....it's REALLY loud with just the pipe! And I'll probably wait on the seat for now, it's not too bad. I'll replace it eventually. But it is neat finally having a good, working riding mower. Even though I wasn't as nuts about the RERs as a kid as I was about the walk-behinds I still remember wanting one, just to have something to drive around. Now I do. Thanks again for all the help along this project. Here's a pic of it tucked away in the garage that I just cleared some room in. Had the wall that the rider is against full of firewood up until yesterday. Made a spot for it out back and now have more breathing room in there. The other wall of firewood will also be relocated soon.

image-4192238834.jpg


#50

silver1

silver1

Snapperfreak said:
Got the belt on and it's officially a working mower now. I ordered the muffler last week and it came in today so I'll pick that up and replaced that later this week....it's REALLY loud with just the pipe! And I'll probably wait on the seat for now, it's not too bad. I'll replace it eventually. But it is neat finally having a good, working riding mower. Even though I wasn't as nuts about the RERs as a kid as I was about the walk-behinds I still remember wanting one, just to have something to drive around. Now I do. Thanks again for all the help along this project. Here's a pic of it tucked away in the garage that I just cleared some room in. Had the wall that the rider is against full of firewood up until yesterday. Made a spot for it out back and now have more breathing room in there. The other wall of firewood will also be relocated soon.

View attachment 18970
Click to expand...

Now get a small trailer to pull behind the Snapper out to the wood pile and haul two to three days of wood at once.


#51

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

I've been thinking of that. I kept the axle that I had to swap out with the bad gears with the idea of possibly fashioning it into a trailer. I don't need a tandem-axle but if I came across another dead axle I could weld or bolt then together and make it a little bigger. Yes a trailer would be good.

image-1190499189.jpg


#52

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

Somebody mention a trailer? Found this on cl this morning buried down a few pages. It's in near perfect shape too. Craftsman dump trailer, 48"x30". Only $40. So I took the tires/wheels off the dead rer axle and swapped them on. Well I got one on so far...didn't realize the left and right wheel hubs (triangle things with the 3 threaded holes) have different diameter center holes. One is 1-1/8" the other is 3/4". U all may already know this but this is the first time I had those all the way off. So the left (3/4") fits perfectly on the trailer axle. I need to get another one of those for the other side so for now it's got one of each on there but it looks like it sits totally level with the mismatched wheels. I'll pick up another hub next week and complete it but too good of a deal to pass up.

Just messing around with seeing if all the other equipment would fit back there. Funny haha.

image-3786557687.jpg



image-3209475307.jpg



image-3133589045.jpg



image-3200223740.jpg


#53

exotion

exotion

Snapperfreak said:
Somebody mention a trailer? Found this on cl this morning buried down a few pages. It's in near perfect shape too. Craftsman dump trailer, 48"x30". Only $40. So I took the tires/wheels off the dead rer axle and swapped them on. Well I got one on so far...didn't realize the left and right wheel hubs (triangle things with the 3 threaded holes) have different diameter center holes. One is 1-1/8" the other is 3/4". U all may already know this but this is the first time I had those all the way off. So the left (3/4") fits perfectly on the trailer axle. I need to get another one of those for the other side so for now it's got one of each on there but it looks like it sits totally level with the mismatched wheels. I'll pick up another hub next week and complete it but too good of a deal to pass up.

Just messing around with seeing if all the other equipment would fit back there. Funny haha.

<img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=19044"/>

<img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=19045"/>

<img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=19046"/>

<img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=19047"/>
Click to expand...

Nice sir I love those little trailers and the big tires will be a good addition especially if you haul mulch or rock or wood


#54

A

Alanky

Looks good! You need some older RERs for your collection as well!

Im sure I have a hub....or 10-15. :laughing: If you cant find one local, let me know. Just pay shipping and its yours.


#55

Snapperfreak

Snapperfreak

I picked one up but thanks Alanky! I will keep that in mind if another small part is needed. I appreciate it. I don't think I'll be collecting RERs though, this one I just couldn't pass up. Well, I have said that before time and time again...but for now I don't have plans for a fleet of them. But I am glad to have had this one to work on and learn about. There's been so little on cl lately in the way of old decent snappers though, not much out there around here. We got a hell of a drought going on so maybe more will surface as people don't think they need them. I sure hope we get rain sometime but that is one possibility I see. I got the trailer for so cheap because the guy was giving up his small landscape business. I should have time Thursday to get that hub on and be finished with it.


#56

A

Alanky

Yea, just let me know! Shoot me a private message with your address if your comfortable doing so. I'll send you something snapper related. I bought a parts lot and the were probably 50 of these in the bottom of the box. No way I'll ever use that many, so might as well share with a fellow "snapperfreak"! I'm not telling what it is though!


Footer Links 1

Top