Troubleshooting

8

Problem

Cause

Remedy

Engine fails to start

1.

PTO/Blade Engage knob engaged.

1.

Place knob in disengaged (OFF) position.

 

2.

Parking brake not engaged.

2.

Engage parking brake.

 

3.

Drive control levers not fully outward in

3.

Move drive control levers fully outward in

 

 

neutral position.

 

neutral position.

 

4.

Spark plug wire(s) disconnected.

4.

Connect wire(s) to spark plug(s).

 

5.

Throttle control lever not in correct starting

5.

Place throttle lever to FAST position.

 

 

position.

 

 

 

6.

Choke not activated

6.

Push throttle control lever to choke position.

 

7.

Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.

7.

Fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days

 

 

 

 

old) gas.

 

8.

Blocked fuel line.

8.

Clean fuel line and replace fuel filter.

 

9.

Faulty spark plug(s).

9.

Clean, adjust gap or replace plug(s).

 

10.Engine flooded.

10.Crank engine with throttle in FAST position.

 

 

 

 

 

Engine runs erratic

1.

Unit running with CHOKE activated.

1.

Pull the throttle control lever rearward from

 

 

 

 

the choke position

 

2.

Spark plug wire(s) loose.

2.

Connect spark plug wire(s).

 

3.

Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.

3.

Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh

 

 

 

 

gasoline and replace fuel filter.

 

4.

Vent in gas cap plugged.

4.

Clear vent or replace cap if damaged.

 

5.

Water or dirt in fuel system.

5.

Drain fuel tank. Refill with clean, fresh

 

 

 

 

gasoline.

 

6.

Dirty air cleaner.

6.

Replace air cleaner paper element or clean

 

 

 

 

foam precleaner.

 

 

 

 

 

Engine overheats

1.

Engine oil level low.

1.

Fill crankcase with proper amount and

 

 

 

 

weight of oil.

 

2.

Air flow restricted.

2.

Clean grass clippings and debris from around

 

 

 

 

the engine’s cooling fins and blower housing.

 

 

 

 

 

Engine hesitates at high

1.

Spark plug(s) gap too close.

1.

Remove spark plug(s) and reset the gap.

RPM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Engine Idles rough

1.

Spark plug(s) fouled, faulty or gap too wide.

1.

Replace spark plug(s). Set plug gap.

 

2.

Dirty air cleaner.

2.

Replace air cleaner element and/or clean

 

 

 

 

pre-cleaner.

 

 

 

 

 

Excessive vibration

1.

Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.

1.

Tighten blade and spindle.

 

2.

Damaged or bent cutting blade.

2.

Replace blade.

 

 

 

 

 

Uneven cut

1.

Deck not leveled properly.

1.

Perform side-to-side deck adjustment.

 

2.

Dull blade.

2.

Sharpen or replace blade.

 

3.

Uneven tire pressure.

3.

Check tire pressure in all four tires.

 

 

 

 

 

Mower will not mulch grass

1.

Engine speed too low.

1.

Place throttle in FAST (rabbit) position.

(If Equipped w/Mulching

2.

Wet grass.

2.

Do not mulch when grass is wet.

Kit)

3.

Excessively high grass.

3.

Mow once at a high cutting height, then

 

 

 

 

 

mow again at desired height or make a

 

 

 

 

narrower cutting swath.

 

4.

Dull blade.

4.

Sharpen or replace blade.

 

 

 

 

 

31

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Troy-Bilt Colt RZT warranty Troubleshooting, Problem Cause Remedy