SECTION 10: TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Trouble | Possible Cause(s) | Corrective Action |
|
|
|
Engine fails to start | Blade control handle disengaged. | Engage blade control handle. |
| Spark plug wire disconnected. | Connect wire to spark plug. |
| Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. | Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. |
| Blocked fuel line. | Clean fuel line. |
| Faulty spark plug. | Clean, adjust gap or replace. |
| Engine flooded. | Wait a few minutes and crank again. |
|
|
|
Engine runs erratic | Spark plug wire loose. | Connect and tighten spark plug wire. |
| Blocked fuel line or stale fuel. | Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. |
| Vent in gas cap plugged. | Clear vent. |
| Water or dirt in fuel system. | Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel. |
| Dirty air cleaner. | Clean air cleaner. |
| Carburetor out of adjustment. | Adjust carburetor. |
|
|
|
Engine overheats | Engine oil level low. | Fill crankcase with proper oil. |
| Air flow restricted. | Remove blower housing and clean. |
| Carburetor not adjusted properly. | Adjust carburetor. |
|
|
|
Occasional skip (hesitates) at | Spark plug gap too close. | Adjust gap to.030”. |
high speed |
|
|
|
|
|
Idles poorly | Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too wide. | Reset gap to.030” or replace spark plug. |
| Carburetor improperly adjusted. | Adjust carburetor. |
| Dirty air cleaner. | Clean air cleaner. |
|
|
|
Excessive vibration | Cutting blade loose or unbalanced. | Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade. |
| Bent cutting blade. | Replace blade. |
| Bent engine crankshaft. | Take machine to authorized engine repair shop. |
|
|
|
Mower will not mulch grass | Wet grass. | Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until later to cut. |
| Excessively high grass. | Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again |
|
| at desired height or make a narrower cutting swath |
|
| (1/2 width). |
| Dull blade. | Sharpen or replace blade. |
|
|
|
Uneven cut | Wheels not positioned correctly. | Place all four wheels in same height position. |
| Dull blade. | Sharpen or replace blade. |
|
|
|
14
