Repairs loose front end and steering RE snapper

[snapper1951]

I have 3 Snapper RIDERS that I mess with in the winter; hobbies? Anyway, I have a Snapper 30" cut 9HP BS engine and I want to fix the real sloppy steering. Also, would like to convert to electric start. The front end appears to need bushings that I have ordered, but the steering wheel is off center, like it has been twisted or even the shaft is twisted??? As there is no pinion gear or other fancy steering gear, just direct to the spindles, I was wondering if anyone has had this problem or has ever repaired the problem. ALSO, I have ordered a ring gear, have the starter and solenoid and ingnition switch for the conversion. Has anyone done this lately that could give me sme pointers??

Thanks for any advise.

Snapper1951

 

[bertsmobile1]

Can't help you with the snapper but can with the engine.
First of all post the engine number.
If it was a pull start motor and there were no electrics then better than average chance there is no generator fitted either and perhaps a plain fly wheel with no generator magnets.
There is a lot more to it than just fitting a starter & ring gear.

 

[Mow Joe]

Many years ago when I was in the equipment business, there were a few mowers out there (not Snapper) that had electric start, but no charging system. They came with a small charger and you plugged it in every now and then, maybe just left it plugged in when not in use. It's been so long and so very few of them, I don't remember for sure. Whenever we converted something to electric start, we always had a junk engine to scavenge all of that stuff from. It was never feasible to use new stuff.

 

[mechanic mark]

Google: Snapper Manuals & enter your complete model number from data plate on chassis for illustrated parts breakdown of steering parts.