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.

Clean air cleaner.

 

6.

Carburetor out of adjustment.

6.

Adjust carburetor.

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.

Adjust carburetor.

Occasional skip (hesitates)

1.

Spark plug gap too close.

1.

Adjust gap to .030”.

at high speed

 

 

 

 

Idles poorly

1.

Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too

1.

Reset gap to .030” or replace spark

 

 

wide.

 

plug.

 

2.

Carburetor improperly adjusted.

2.

Adjust carburetor.

 

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.

NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments above, contact your local authorized service dealer.

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Bolens Series 540 manual Troubleshooting, Problem Cause Remedy