MTD 20 manual Trouble Shooting, Problem, Cause, Remedy

SECTION 6:TROUBLE SHOOTING

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)	1.	Spark plug gap too close.	1.	Adjust gap to .030”. Refer to engine
at high speed				manual.
Idles poorly	1.	Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too	1.	Reset gap to .030” or replace spark
		wide.		plug. Refer to engine manual.
	2.	Carburetor improperly adjusted.	2.	Refer to engine manual.
	3.	Dirty air cleaner.	3.	Refer to engine manual.
Excessive vibration	1.	Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.	1.	Tighten blade and adapter. Balance
				blade.
	2.	Bent cutting blade.	2.	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.

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