Yard Machines 387 Off-Seasonstorage, Trouble Shooting Guide, Possible Causes, Corrective Action

SECTION 10: OFF-SEASON STORAGE

The following steps should be taken to prepare lawn mower for storage.

•Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the lubrication instructions.

•Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage instructions.

•Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent rusting.

•Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.

NOTE: When storing any type of power equipment in an poorly ventilated or metal storage shed, care should be taken to rust-proof the equipment. Using a light oil or silicone, coat the equipment, especially cables and all moving parts.

SECTION 11: TROUBLE SHOOTING 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.
	Throttle control lever not in correct	Move throttle lever to FAST or START posi-
	starting position.	tion.
	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.	Crank engine with throttle in FAST position.
Engine runs erratic	Unit running in START position.	Move throttle lever to FAST position.
	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	Reset gap to .030” or replace spark plug.
	wide.
	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.
Mower will not mulch grass	Engine speed too low.	Set throttle between 3/4 and full throttle.
	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 nar-
		rower cutting swath (1/2 width).
	Dull blade.	Sharpen or replace blade.
Uneven cut	Wheels not positioned correctly.	Place all four wheels in same height posi-
		tion.
	Dull blade.	Sharpen or replace blade.

Refer to separate engine manual packed with your mower for more engine related information.

NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed above, contact your nearest authorized service dealer or call 1-800-800-7310 for the Customer Support Center.

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