
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  | |
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  | 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.  | |
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  | position.  | 
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  | 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  | |
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  | 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.  | |||
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Engine runs erratic  | 1.  | Unit running with CHOKE activated.  | 1.  | Pull the throttle control lever rearward from  | |
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  | 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  | |
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  | 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  | |
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  | gasoline.  | |
  | 6.  | Dirty air cleaner.  | 6.  | Replace air cleaner paper element or clean  | |
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  | foam precleaner.  | |
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Engine overheats  | 1.  | Engine oil level low.  | 1.  | Fill crankcase with proper amount and  | |
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  | weight of oil.  | |
  | 2.  | Air flow restricted.  | 2.  | Clean grass clippings and debris from around  | |
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  | the engine’s cooling fins and blower housing.  | |
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Engine hesitates at high  | 1.  | Spark plug(s) gap too close.  | 1.  | Remove spark plug(s) and reset the gap.  | |
RPM | 
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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  | |
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Excessive vibration  | 1.  | Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.  | 1.  | Tighten blade and spindle.  | |
  | 2.  | Damaged or bent cutting blade.  | 2.  | Replace blade.  | |
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Uneven cut  | 1.  | Deck not leveled properly.  | 1.  | Perform   | |
  | 2.  | Dull blade.  | 2.  | Sharpen or replace blade.  | |
  | 3.  | Uneven tire pressure.  | 3.  | Check tire pressure in all four tires.  | |
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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  | ||
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  | mow again at desired height or make a  | |
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  | narrower cutting swath.  | |
  | 4.  | Dull blade.  | 4.  | Sharpen or replace blade.  | |
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