The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly. It is recommended that the blade always be removed from the adapter when testing for balance. Before reinstalling the blade and the blade adapter to the unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil.
•Be sure to install the blade with the end tips facing up or side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with part number) facing the ground when the mower is in the operating position.
•Slide the blade adapter onto the engine crankshaft.
•Place the blade on the adapter. Be certain the blade is aligned and seated on the blade adapter flanges.
•Place blade bell support on blade. Make sure the notches on the blade bell support are aligned with small holes in the blade.
•Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque: 450 in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.
NOTE: To ensure safe operation of your mower, the blade bolt must be checked periodically for correct torque.
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 listed above, contact an authorized service dealer.
13
