SECTION 10: TROUBLE-SHOOTING GUIDE
Problem | Possible Cause | Corrective Action | ||
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 up tank with 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 and start again |
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 fresh gas |
| 3. | Vent in gas cap 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. Refer to engine |
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Engine overheats | 1. | Engine oil level low | 1. | Fill crankcase with proper oil |
| 2. | Air flow restricted | 2. | Clean lawn mower engine |
Occasional skip at | 1. | Spark plug gap too close | 1. | Adjust gap to.030 inches |
high speed |
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Idles poorly | 1. | Spark plug fouled, faulty, or gap too wide | 1. | Reset gap to.030 inches or replace |
| 2. | Dirty air cleaner |
| spark plug |
| 2. | Clean air cleaner | ||
Excessive vibration | 1. | Cutting blade loose or unbalanced | 1. | Tighten blade and adapter, balance |
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| blade |
| 2. | Bent cutting blade | 2. | Replace blade |
| 3. | Bent engine crankshaft | 3. | Contact your nearest service center |
Mower will not | 1. | Wet grass | 1. | Wait until grass is dry to cut |
mulch grass | 2. | Excessively high grass | 2. | Mow once at a high cutting height, |
| 3. | Dull blade |
| then mow again at desired height |
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| 3. | Sharpen or replace blade |
Uneven cut | 1. | Wheels not in same height position | 1. | Reposition all wheels at same height |
| 2. | Dull blade | 2. | Sharpen or replace blade |
NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed above, contact your nearest authorized service dealer. Refer to separate engine manual packed with your mower for more engine related information.
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