Yard Machines 429 manual Trouble Shooting Guide, Off-Season Storage

SECTION 8: OFF-SEASON STORAGE

If the lawn mower is not going to be used for 30 days or longer, prepare the unit for storage. Follow the steps below for proper storage of the mower.

•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 unventilated 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 9: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

Trouble	Possible Cause(s)		Corrective Actions
Engine fails to	1.	Blade control handle disengaged.	1.	Engage blade control handle.
start	2.	Spark plug wire disconnected.	2.	Connect wire to spark plug.
	3.	Dirty aircleaner.	3.	Refer to the engine manual.
	4.	Primer button not depressed.	4.	Refer to the engine manual.
	5.	Throttle control lever (if so equipped) not in	5.	Move throttle lever to FAST or START position.
		correct starting position .
	6.	Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.	6.	Fill tank with clean fresh gasoline.
	7.	Blocked fuel line	7.	Clean fuel line.
	8.	Faulty spark plug.	8.	Clean, adjust gap or replace.
	9.	Engine flooded.	9.	Refer to the engine manual.
Engine runs	1.	Throttle lever (if so equipped) in START.	1.	Move throttle lever (if so equipped) to FAST position.
erratic	2.	Spark plug wire loose.	2.	Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
	3.	Blocked fuel line (if equipped) or stale fuel.	3.	Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
	4.	Vent in gas cap plugged.	4.	Clear vent or threads or replace.
	5.	Water or dirt in fuel system.	5.	Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
	6.	Dirty air cleaner.	6.	Refer to the engine manual.
	7.	Carburetor out of adjustment.	7.	Refer to the engine manual.
Engine	1.	Engine oil level low.	1.	Fill crankcase with proper oil.
overheats	2.	Dirty aircleaner.	2.	Refer to the engine manual.
	3.	Air flow restricted.	3.	Stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire. Remove
				blower housing and clean.
	4.	Carburetor not adjusted properly.	4.	Refer to the engine manual.
Occasional skip	1.	Spark plug gap too close.	1.	Adjust gap to .030".
(hesitates) at	2.	Carburetor idle mixture adjustment	2.	Refer to the engine manual.
high speed		improperly set.
Idles poorly	1.	Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too wide.	1.	Reset gap to .030" or replace spark plug.
	2.	Carburetor improperly adjusted.	2.	Refer to the engine manual.
	3.	Dirty air cleaner.	3.	Refer to the engine manual.
Excessive	1.	Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.	1.	Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.
vibration	2.	Bent cutting blade.	2.	See an authorized service dealer.
Mower will not	1.	Engine speed too low.	1.	Set throttle between 3/4 and full throttle.
mulch grass	2.	Wet grass.	2.	Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until later to cut.
	3.	Excessively high grass.	3.	Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again at
				desired height or make a narrower cutting swath (1/2
				width).
Uneven cut	1.	Wheels not positioned correctly.	1.	Place all four wheels in same height position.
	2.	Dull blade.	2.	Sharpen or replace blade.

NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments above, contact your local authorized service dealer or call Customer Service at 1(330) 220-4MTD or 1(800)800-7310.

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