TROUBLESHOOTING
WARNING
Before performing any type of maintenance/service, disengage all controls and stop the engine. Wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop.
Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to pre- vent unintended starting. Always wear safety glasses during opera- tion or while performing any adjustments or repairs.
This section addresses minor service issues.
IMPORTANT: Before performing any troubleshooting, make sure: transmission is in Neutral, Neutral latches are locked on the control levers, blade clutch is disengaged and in the “OFF” position.
Problem |
| Cause |
| Remedy |
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Engine fails to start | 1. | Choke not activated | 1. | Place throttle/choke control lever into choke position.. |
| 2. | Throttle/choke control not in correct position | 2. | Place throttle/choke lever into fast position. |
| 3. | Spark plug wire disconnected | 3. | Connect wires to spark plug. |
| 4. | Faulty spark plug | 4. | Clean, adjust gap, or replace. |
| 5. | Fuel tank empty or stale fuel | 5. | Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. |
| 6. | Blocked fuel line | 6. | Clean the fuel line. |
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Engine runs | 1. | Unit running with choke applied | 1. | Move throttle/choke lever out of choke position. |
erratically | 2. | Spark plug wire loose | 2. | Connect and tighten spark plug wire. |
| 3. | Stale fuel. | 3. | Fill tank with fresh gasoline. |
| 4. | Water or dirt in fuel system. | 4. | Drain fuel. Refill with fresh fuel. |
| 5. | Dirty air cleaner | 5. | Replace air cleaner cartridge. |
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Engine overheats | 1. | Engine oil level low | 1. | Fill engine with proper amount and type of oil. |
| 2. | Air flow restricted | 2. | Clean grass clippings and debris from around the |
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| engine’s cooling fins and blower housing. |
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Engine hesitates at | 1. | Spark plug gap set too close | 1. | Remove spark plug and adjust gap |
high RPM’s |
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Engine idles poorly | 1. | Fouled spark plug | 1. | Replace spark plug and adjust gap. |
| 2. | Dirty air cleaner | 2. | Replace air cleaner cartridge. |
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Excessive vibration | 1. | Cutting blades loose or unbalanced | 1. | Tighten blade and spindle. Balance blade. |
| 2. | Damaged, dull, or bent cutting blade | 2. | Replace blade. |
| 3. | Loose hardware | 3. | Tighten all nuts and bolts. |
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Unit fails to propel | 1. | Drive belts loose or damaged | 1. | Replace drive belt. |
itself |
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Poor mowing | 1. | Dull blade(s) | 1. | Sharpen or replace blade(s). |
performance | 2. | Broken, loose, or worn belt(s) | 2. | Replace belt(s). |
| 3. | Blade(s) out of balance | 3. | Balance or replace blade(s). |
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