Troubleshooting

If engine troubles are experienced that appear to be fuel system related, check the following areas before adjusting the carburetor.

•Make sure the fuel tank is filled with clean, fresh gasoline.

•Make sure the fuel tank cap vent is not blocked and that it is operating properly.

•If the fuel tank is equipped with a shut-off valve, make sure it is open.

•Make sure that the in-line fuel filter is clean and unobstructed. Replace the filter if necessary.

•Make sure fuel is reaching the carburetor. Check the fuel lines and fuel pump for restrictions or faulty components, replace as necessary.

•Make sure the air cleaner element is clean and all air cleaner element components are secure.

If, after checking the items listed above, the engine is hard to start, runs roughly, or stalls at low idle speed, it may be necessary to adjust or service the carburetor.

Adjustment

NOTE: Engines may have a fixed idle or limiter cap on the idle fuel adjusting needle. Step 2 can only be performed within the limits allowed by the cap.

1.Start the engine and run at half throttle for five to 10 minutes to warm up. The engine must be warm before performing steps 2 and 3.

2.Low Idle Fuel Needle Setting: Place the throttle into the “idle” or “slow” position. Turn the low idle fuel adjusting needle out (counterclockwise) from the preliminary setting until engine speed decreases (rich). Note the position of the needle. Now turn the adjusting needle in (clockwise). The engine speed may increase, then it will decrease as the needle is turned in (lean). Note the position of the needle. Set the adjusting needle midway between the rich and lean settings. See Figure 13.

Lean

Adjust to Midpoint

Rich

Figure 13

3.Low Idle Speed Setting: Place the throttle control into the “idle” or “slow” position. Set the low idle speed to 1200 RPM* (± 75 RPM) by turning the low idle speed adjusting screw in or out. Check the speed using a tachometer.

NOTE: To ensure best results when setting the low idle fuel needle, the low idle speed must not exceed 1200 RPM (± 75 RPM).

Leveling the Deck

NOTE: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before performing any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to Tires on page 24 for information regarding tire pressure.

Front To Rear

The front of the cutting deck is supported by a stabilizer bar that can adjusted to level the deck from front to rear. The front of the deck should be between 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch lower than the rear of the deck. Adjust if necessary as follows:

•With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the deck lift lever in the top notch (highest position) and rotate the blade nearest the discharge chute so that it is parallel with the tractor.

•Measure the distance from the front of the blade tip to the ground and the rear of the blade tip to the ground.

•The first measurement taken should be between 1/4" and 3/8" less than the second measurement.

•Determine the approximate distance necessary for proper adjustment and proceed, if necessary, to the next step.

•Loosen the two jam nuts on the rear side of the deck stabilizer bracket. See Figure 14.

Lock

Nuts

Deck

Stabilizer

Bracket

Deck

Jam

Nuts

Figure 14

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