SECTION12: TROUBLESHOOTING
Trouble
Engine fails to start
Engine runs erratic
Possible Cause(s)
PTO (Blade Engage) lever engaged. Parking brake not engaged.
Spark plug wire disconnected. Throttle/choke control not in correct starting position.
Choke not activated
Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. Blocked fuel line.
Faulty spark plug. Engine flooded.
Unit running with CHOKE activated. Spark plug wire(s) loose.
Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
Vent in gas cap plugged. Water or dirt in fuel system.
Corrective Action
Place PTO (Blade Engage) lever in (OFF) position. Engage parking brake.
Connect wire to spark plug.
Move Throttle/Choke Control into CHOKE position.
Move Throttle/Choke Control into CHOKE position. Fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days old) gas. Clean fuel line or replace fuel filter.
Clean, adjust gap or replace plug.
Crank engine with throttle in FAST position.
Move Throttle/Choke Control out of CHOKE position. Connect and tighten spark plug wire(s).
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.
|
| Dirty air cleaner. | |
Engine | overheats | Engine | oil level low. |
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| Air flow | restricted. |
Engine hesitates at high RPM Spark plug gap too close. | |||
Idles poorly | Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too | ||
|
| wide. |
|
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| Dirty air cleaner. | |
Excessive vibration | Cutting | blade loose or unbalanced. | |
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| Damaged or bent cutting blade. | |
Mower | will not mulch grass | Engine | speed too low. |
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| Wet grass. | |
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| Excessively high grass. | |
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| Dull blade. | |
Uneven | cut | Deck not balanced properly. | |
|
| Dull blade. | |
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| Uneven | tire pressure. |
Replace air cleaner paper element or clean foam precleaner.
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. Replace spark plug. Set plug gap.
Replace air cleaner element or clean
Place throttle in FAST (rabbit) position.
Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until later to cut. Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again at desired height or make a narrower cutting swath.
Sharpen or replace blade.
Perform
Check tire pressure in all four tires.
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