Pull the spark plug wire off the spark plug to prevent the engine from starting during the process.
Locate the black plastic belt cover over the left front tire on top of the mower deck. Place the mower on its side so the air cleaner faces upward. Locate the screws that secure the plastic belt cover to the mower deck. The screws are positioned under the mower deck.
Remove both screws located under the mower socket with a 3/8-inch socket and ratchet and then pull the cover off the top of the mower deck.