SECTION 11: TROUBLESHOOTING Trouble
Possible Cause(s)
Corrective Action
Engine fails to start
PTO lever engaged. Parking brake not engaged. Spark plug wire(s) disconnected. Throttle control not in correct position. Choke not activated Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. Blocked fuel line. Faulty spark plug. Engine flooded. Unit running with CHOKE applied.
Place PTO lever in disengaged (OFF) position. Engage parking brake. Connect wire(s) to spark plug. Place throttle lever to fast or choke (if so equipped). Activate choke. Fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days old) gas. Clean fuel line or replace fuel filter, if so equipped. Clean, adjust gap or replace plug. Crank engine with throttle in FAST position. Place throttle lever in FAST position or push CHOKE control (if so equipped) in. Connect and tighten spark plug wire. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days old) gasoline. Replace fuel filter, if so equipped. Clear vent or replace cap if damaged. Drain fuel tank. Refill with clean, fresh (less than 30 days old) gasoline. Replace air cleaner cartridge/element or clean precleaner, if so equipped. Fill crankcase with proper capacity and weight of oil. Clean grass clippings and debris from around the engine’s cooling fins and blower housing. Remove spark plug and reset the gap to .030”. Replace spark plug. Set plug gap to .030”. Replace air cleaner cartridge/element or clean precleaner, if so equipped. Tighten blade and spindle. Balance blade. Replace blade. Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until later to cut. Mow once at a higher cutting height, then mow again. Sharpen or replace blade. Perform side-to-side deck adjustment. Sharpen or replace blade. Check tire pressure in all four tires.
Engine runs erratic
Spark plug wire loose. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel. Vent in gas cap plugged. Water or dirt in fuel system. Dirty air cleaner. Engine overheats
Engine oil level low. Air flow restricted.
Engine hesitates at high RPM Spark plug gap too close. Idles poorly Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too wide. Dirty air cleaner. Excessive vibration Cutting blade loose or unbalanced. Damaged or bent cutting blade. Mower will not mulch grass Wet grass. Excessively high grass. Dull blade. Uneven cut Deck not balanced properly. Dull blade. Uneven tire pressure.
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