Troubleshooting
Engine will not start
Mower ENGINE Specific: | Mower ENGINE Specific: | ||
1. | Brake Handle not held or brake | 1. | Make sure brake handle is held down and |
| cable not connected properly. |
| brake cable is properly adjusted. |
2. | Mower on top of grass. | 2. | Start mower atop clear area free of loose |
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| objects and grass. |
Fuel Related: | Fuel Related: | ||
1. | No fuel in tank or fuel valve closed. | 1. | Fill fuel tank and open fuel valve. |
2. | Choke not in start position, | 2. | Move choke to start position if engine is |
| especially with cold engine. |
| cold. |
3. | Low quality or deteriorated, old | 3. | Use only fresh 89+ octane unleaded |
| gasoline. |
| gasoline. |
4. | Carburetor not primed. | 4. | Prime carburetor by pressing priming bulb |
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| specified number of times (if equipped). |
5. | Dirty fuel passageways blocking fuel | 5. | Clean out passageways using fuel additive. |
| flow. |
| Heavy deposits may require further |
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| cleaning. |
6. | Carburetor needle stuck. Fuel can | 6. | Gently tap side of carburetor float chamber |
| be smelled in the air. |
| with screwdriver handle. |
7. | Too much fuel in chamber. This can | 7. | Turn choke to run position. Remove spark |
| be caused by the carburetor needle |
| plug and pull the start handle several times |
| sticking. |
| to air out the chamber. Reinstall spark plug |
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|
| and set choke to start position. |
Ignition (spark) Related: | Ignition (spark) Related: | ||
1. | Spark plug wire not connected | 1. | Connect spark plug wire properly. |
| securely. |
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2. | Spark plug electrode wet or dirty. | 2. | Clean spark plug. |
3. | Incorrect spark plug gap. | 3. | Correct spark plug gap. |
4. | Spark plug wire or spark plug | 4. | Replace spark plug wire and/or spark plug. |
| broken. |
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5. | Incorrect spark timing or faulty | 5. | Have qualified technician diagnose/repair |
| ignition system. |
| ignition system. |
Compression Related: | Compression Related: | ||
1. | Cylinder not lubricated. Problem | 1. | Pour tablespoon of oil into spark plug hole. |
| after long storage periods. |
| Crank engine a few times and try to start |
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|
| again. |
2. | Loose or broken spark plug. | 2. | Tighten spark plug. If that does not work, |
| (Hissing noise will occur when trying |
| replace spark plug. If problem persists, may |
| to start.) |
| have head gasket problem, see #3. |
3. | Loose cylinder head or damaged | 3. | Tighten head. If that does not remedy |
| head gasket. (Hissing noise will |
| problem, replace head gasket. |
| occur when trying to start.) |
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4. | Engine valves or tappets | 4. | Adjust valve clearance. If that does not |
| misadjusted or stuck. |
| work, clean or replace valves/tappets. |
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the engine.
Page 14 | For technical questions, please call | SKU 96156 |