I have an 80s era 8hp Snapper rear engine rider. The problem I'm having is that the mower bogs down terribly when attempting the cut even the most moderately thick grass. The engine seems to run just fine and the mower moves just fine. I was just wondering if there was a clutch of something for the blade that might need to be replaced. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi,
You could have a bad idler on the deck adding load. The 8 HP engine was one of the last to go to electronic ignition, so if there is not a Magnetron sticker on the center of the starter, you may well have bad points.
Peace,
Clarke

Thanks Clarke, I was wondering if I just needed a tune-up.

Clarke,

I checked this evening and it looks like my engine does have electronic ignition. Any other ideas. One thing I should probably mention is that the engine is not the easiest thing to start. I have to pull the starter coil several times to get the thing to fire.

Thanks,

Robert