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SECTION 11: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDETrouble Possible Cause(s) Corrective Action
Engine fails to start 1. Blade control handle disengaged.
2. Spark plug wire disconnected.
3. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
4. Blocked fuel line.
5. Faulty spark plug.
6. Engine flooded.
1. Engage blade control handle.
2. Connect wire to spark plug.
3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Clean fuel line.
5. Clean, adjust gap or replace.
6. Wait a few minutes to restart. Do not
prime.
Engine runs erratic 1. Spark plug wire l oose.
2. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
3. Vent in gas cap plugged.
4. Water or dirt in fuel system.
5. Dirty air cleaner.
6. Carburetor out of adjustment.
1. Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
2. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh
gasoline.
3. Clear vent.
4. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
5. Clean air cleaner.
6. Adjust carburetor.
Engine overheats 1. Engine oil level low.
2. Air flow restricted.
3. Carburetor not adjusted properly.
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Remove blower housing and clean.
3. Adjust carburetor.
Occasional skip
(hesitates) at high
speed
1. Spark plug gap too close. 1. Adjust gap to .030”.
Idles poorly 1. Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap t oo
wide.
2. Carburetor improperly adjusted.
3. Dirty air cleaner.
1. Reset gap to.030” or replace spark plug.
2. Adjust carburetor.
3. Clean air cleaner.
Excessive vibration 1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
2. Bent cutting blade.
1. Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.
2. Replace blade.
Mower will not mulch
grass 1. Wet grass.
2. Excessively high grass.
3. Dull blade.
1. Do not mow when grass is wet; wait u ntil
later to cut.
2. Mow once at a high cutting height, then
mow again at desired height or make a
narrower cutting swath (1/2 width).
3. Sharpen or replace blade.
Uneven cut 1. Wheels not p ositioned correctly.
2. Dull blade.
1. Place all four wheels in same height
position.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.