Bolens Model 588Q Troubleshooting, Engine Care, Off-Season Storage, Wheels, Rear Discharge Door

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Wheels

Lubricate the wheels and bearings, if so equipped, at least once a season with light oil or engine oil. Also, if the wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate the surface of the pivot arm axle and the inner surface of the wheel with light oil.

Rear Discharge Door

Lubricate the torsion spring and the pivot point on each end of the rear discharge door using a light oil. This will prevent rusting of the discharge door.

Engine Care

WARNING: Make sure to avoid muffler and surrounding areas while the mower engine is hot because temperature of these areas of the engine may exceed 150o F.

Follow the accompanying engine manual for detailed list and instructions.

Off-Season Storage

The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower for storage.

Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the lubrication instructions.

IMPORTANT: We do not recommend the use of a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.

Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage instructions.

Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent rusting.

Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.

NOTE: When storing any type of power equipment in a poorly ventilated or metal storage shed, care should be taken to rust-proof the equipment. Using a light oil or silicone, coat the equipment, especially cables and all moving parts.

SECTION 8: TROUBLESHOOTING

Problem

 

Cause

 

Remedy

 

 

 

 

 

Engine fails to start

1.

Blade control handle disengaged.

1.

Engage blade control handle.

 

2.

Spark plug wire disconnected.

2.

Connect wire to spark plug.

 

3.

Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.

3.

Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.

 

4.

Blocked fuel line.

4.

Clean fuel line.

 

5.

Faulty spark plug.

5.

Clean, adjust gap, or replace.

 

6.

Engine flooded

6.

Wait a few minutes to restart, but do not

 

 

 

 

prime.

 

 

 

 

 

Engine runs erratic

1.

Spark plug wire loose.

1.

Connect and tighten spark plug wire.

 

2.

Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.

2.

Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh

 

 

 

 

gasoline.

 

3.

Vent in gas 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 manual.

 

6.

Carburetor out of adjustment.

6.

Refer to engine manual.

 

 

 

 

 

Engine overheats

1.

Engine oil level low.

1.

Fill crankcase with proper oil.

 

2.

Air flow restricted.

2.

Remove blower housing and clean.

 

3.

Carburetor not adjusted properly.

3.

Refer to engine manual.

 

 

 

 

 

Occasional skip (hesitates) at

1.

Spark plug gap too close.

1.

Adjust gap to.030”.

high speed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Idles poorly

1.

Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too wide.

1.

Reset gap to.030” or replace spark plug.

 

2.

Carburetor improperly adjusted.

2.

Refer to engine manual.

 

3.

Dirty air cleaner.

3.

Clean air cleaner.

 

 

 

 

 

Excessive vibration

1.

Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.

1.

Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.

 

2.

Bent cutting blade.

2.

Replace blade.

 

 

 

 

 

Mower will not mulch grass

1.

Wet grass.

1.

Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until later

 

 

 

 

to cut.

 

2.

Excessively high grass.

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.

Wheels not positioned correctly.

1.

Place all four wheels in same height position.

 

2.

Dull blade.

2.

Sharpen or replace blade.

 

 

 

 

 

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Contents MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, Ohio Operator’s ManualTable of Contents General Operation Important Safe Operation PracticesSlope Operation ServiceChildren Do NotYour Responsibility General ServiceSlope Gauge Setting Up Your Lawn Mower Before AssemblyAssembling Your Lawn Mower Removing Unit From CartonAttaching Starter Rope Attaching Rear WheelsAssembling Grass Catcher Attaching Grass Catcher To MowerKnow Your Lawn Mower Cutting Height Adjustment LeversBlade Control Handle Recoil StarterOperating Your Lawn Mower Service & Adjustments Maintaining Your Lawn Mower Cleaning MowerBlade Care LubricationEngine Care TroubleshootingOff-Season Storage WheelsParts List Model 588Q Model 588Q MANUFACTURER’S Limited Warranty for