Cub Cadet 2176 Hard to Start, Engine Operates Irregularly or Knocks, PTO Clutch will not Engage

TROUBLE SHOOTING
Possible Cause	Possible Remedy
	HARD TO START
No gasoline in fuel tank or carburetor	Fill the tank with gasoline. Check the fuel line, carburetor
	and fuel filter.
Fuel line or carburetor clogged	Clean the fuel line and carburetor with a commercial
	carburetor cleaner.
Fuel filter plugged	Replace.
Water in gasoline	Drain the fuel tank and carburetor. Use new fuel and dry the
	spark plugs.
Choked improperly. Flooded engine	Follow the starting instructions.
Defective ignition or loose wiring	Check the wiring, spark plugs or fuse.
Defective battery	Check and service. Refer to “BATTERY.”
Spark plug dirty or improper gap	Clean, adjust the gap to .030-inch or replace the plug.
ENGINE OPERATES IRREGULARLY OR KNOCKS
Engine incorrectly timed	*
Spark plug dirty; wrong gap or wrong type	Clean, reset the gap or replace.
Poor or weak spark	Check the spark plugs and wiring.
Carburetor setting incorrect	Adjust. Refer to “ADJUSTMENTS.”
Poor grade fuel or water in fuel	Drain and use a good grade of clean fuel.
Engine overheating	Refer to “MAINTENANCE.”
Engine valves at fault	*
Engine smokes	Adjust the carburetor.*
Oil level rises due to gasoline in crankcase	*
Air filter becomes oil and fuel soaked	*
Engine leaks oil	*
Misfiring	*
Other engine problems	*
Excessive oil in air cleaner	Be sure that oil dipstick is fully seated and all excess oil is
	squeezed out of the pre-cleaner foam element.
PTO CLUTCH WILL NOT ENGAGE
Low or zero voltage	Check battery. Charge or replace. Check charging system.
	Check for worn or broken wiring or connections. Check
	clutch coil resistance. Check switch.
Rotor/armature air gap too large	Rotor/armature worn. Replace PTO clutch.

* See your authorized dealer.

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