MTD 83M warranty Trouble Shooting, Problem Cause Remedy

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Trouble

Shooting

For repairs beyond the minor adjust- ments listed here, contact an authorized service dealer.

Problem		Cause		Remedy
Engine fails to start	1.	Blade control disengaged.	1.	Engage blade control.
	2.	Spark plug boot disconnected.	2.	Connect boot to spark plug.
	3.	Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.	3.	Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
	4.	CHOKE not activated.	4.	Choke engine as instructed in
				“Operating Your Lawn Mower”.
	5.	Faulty spark plug.	5.	Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
	6.	Blocked fuel line.	6.	Clean fuel line.
	7.	Engine flooded.	7.	Wait a few minutes to restart.
Engine runs erratic	1.	Spark plug boot loose.	1.	Connect and tighten spark plug
				boot.
	2.	Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.	2.	Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean,
				fresh gasoline.
	3.	Vent in gas cap plugged.	3.	Clear vent.
	4.	Water or dirt in fuel system.	4.	Drain fuel tank. Refill with
				fresh fuel.
	5.	Dirty air cleaner.	5.	Refer to engine maintenance
				section.
	6. Unit running with CHOKE applied.		6.	Push CHOKE knob in.
Engine overheats	1.	Engine oil level low.	1.	Fill crankcase with proper oil.
	2.	Air flow restricted.	2.	Remove blower housing
				and clean.
Occasional skips	1.	Spark plug gap too close.	1.	Adjust gap to .030”.
(hesitates) at
high speed
Idles poorly	1.	Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap	1.	Reset gap to .030” or replace
		too wide.		spark plug.
	2.	Dirty air cleaner.	2.	Refer to engine maintenance
				section.
Excessive	1.	Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.	1.	Tighten blade and adapter.
Vibration				Balance blade.
	2.	Bent cutting blade.	2.	See an authorized service dealer.
Mower will not	1.	Wet grass.	1.	Do not mow when grass is wet;
mulch grass	2.	Excessively high grass.		wait until later to cut.
			2.	Mow once at a high cutting height,
				then mow again at desired height
				or make a narrower cutting path.
	3.	Dull blade.	3.	Sharpen or replace blade.
Uneven cut	1.	Dull blade.	1.	Sharpen or replace blade.
Mower will not	1.	Belt not installed properly.	1.	Check belt for proper pulley
self propel				installation and movement.
	2.	Debris clogging drive operation.	2.	Stop engine, disconnect spark plug
				boot and clean out debris.
	3.	Damaged or worn belt.	3.	Inspect and replace belt.

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