Cub Cadet 3185 manual Trouble Shooting, Engine Operates Irregularly or Knocks

SECTION 12: TROUBLE SHOOTING

Possible CausePossible Remedy

Hard To Start
No fuel in fuel tank or carburetor	Fill the tank with fuel. Check the fuel line,
	carburetor and fuel filter.
Fuel ine or carburetor clogged	Clean the fuel line and carburetor with a
	commercial carburetor cleaner.
Fuel filter plugged	Replace
Water in fuel	Drain the fuel tank and carburetor. Use new
	fuel and dry the sparks 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 improperly gapped	Clean, adjust the gap to .030-inch or replace
	the plug.
Engine Operates Irregularly or Knocks
Engine incorrectly timed	See your authorized dealer.
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	See your authorized dealer.
Engine smokes	See your authorized dealer.
Oil level rises due to fuel in the crankcase	See your authorized dealer.
Air filter becomes oil and fuel soaked	See your authorized dealer.
Engine leaks oil	See your authorized dealer.
Misfiring	See your authorized dealer.
Other engine problems	See your authorized dealer.
Excessive oil in air cleaner	Be sure that oil dipstick is fully seated, oil fill
	cap is tight, and all excess oil is squeezed out
	of the pre-cleaner.
PTO Clutch Will Not Engage
Reverse pedal is partially depressed	Depress brake pedal.
Vacuum actuator not energized	Check PTO switch and connections, check
	for worn or broken wiring.
Vacuum leak	Check vacuum lines.
Lack of Power
Air cleaner clogged	Service the air cleaner element. Refer to
	“MAINTENANCE.”
Engine overload	Reduce the load.
Engine overheated	Make sure the air intake screen, shrouding,
	engine fins, side panels, dash intake screen
	and grille are free of accumulated dirt and
	debris. Refer to “MAINTENANCE.”

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