Yard Machines 820 Thru 829 manual Trouble Shooting, Trouble Possible Corrective Action Causes

SECTION 13: TROUBLE SHOOTING

Trouble	Possible	Corrective Action
	Cause(s)
Engine will	Safety switch	There are two switches in the starting circuit of your unit: the clutch pedal switch and
not crank	button not	the deck lift lever switch. Make certain the actuator is fully depressing the buttons on
	depressed.	each switch.
	Battery installed	The battery must be installed with negative terminal attached to black ground wire.
	incorrectly.	Negative terminal is identified at the post by “NEG”, “N” or “-”. The positive terminal,
		identified by “POS”, “P” or “+”, must be attached to the big red wire which goes to the
		solenoid. All batteries are to be fully charged before installing. Refer to “Quick Start”
		battery guide that came with the operator’s manual.
	Battery is dead	Check fluid level in battery. If fluid is low, fill to just below split rings with water. Charge
	or weak.	with 6 AMP charger until fully charged.
	Blown fuse or	Refer to operator’s manual for fuse box location. Replace fuse with automotive type
	circuit breaker.	fuse. Fuses seldom fail without a reason. The problem must be corrected. Check for
		loose connections in the fuse holder. Replace fuse holder if necessary. A dead short
		may be in the cranking or charging circuit where the insulation may have rubbed
		through and exposed the bare wire. Replace the wire or repair with electrician's tape if
		the wire strands have not been damaged.
		Note: Look for a wire pinched between body panels, burned by the exhaust pipe or
		muffler or rubbed against a moving part.
	Engine ground	Engine should have a black ground wire running from engine to frame or mounting
	wire loose.	bolt.
Engine	Throttle or choke	Check operator's manual for correct position for throttle control and choke for starting.
cranks but	not in starting
will not start	position.
	No fuel to the	Gasoline tank empty. Fill tank.
	carburetor.	Fuel line or in-line fuel filter plugged. Remove and clean fuel line. Replace filter if
		necessary.
	No spark to	Spark plug lead disconnected. Connect lead. Hold spark plug lead away from engine
	spark plug.	block about 1/8". Crank engine. There should be a spark. If not, have engine repaired
		at authorized engine service dealer.
		Faulty spark plug. To test, remove spark plug. Attach spark plug lead to spark plug.
		Ground the spark plug body against the engine block. Crank the engine. The spark
		plug should fire at the electrode. Replace if it does not.
	Dirty air cleaner.	If the air cleaner is dirty, the engine may not start. Refer to the engine manual packed
		with your unit.
Engine	Engine oil has	Check oil level.
smokes	been overfilled.
	Engine loses	Dipstick not seated or broken. Replace defective part.
	crankcase	Engine breather defective. Replace.
	vacuum.
Excessive	Bent or	Stop engine immediately. Check all pulleys, blade adapters, keys and bolts for
vibration	damaged blade.	tightness and spindle damage. Tighten or replace any damaged parts.
	Bent blade.	Stop engine immediately. Replace damaged blade. Only use original equipment
		blades.
Mower will	Engine speed	Throttle must be set at full throttle.
not	low.
discharge	Speed selection.	Use lower ground speed. The slower your ground speed, the better the quality of cut.
grass or	Cutting height	Raise deck.
leaves	set too low.
uncut strips	Blades short or	Sharpen or replace blades (uncut strip problem only).
	dull.

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