26
SECTION 11: TROUBLESHOOTING
Trouble
Possible Cause(s)
Corrective Action
Engine fails to start
PTO engaged.
Parking brake not engaged.
Spark plug wire(s) disconnected.
Throttle control lever not in correct
starting position.
Choke not activated
Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
Blocked fuel line.
Faulty spark plug.
Engine flooded.
Place PTO knob (or lever) in disengaged (OFF)
position.
Engage parking brake.
Connect wire(s) to spark plug(s).
Place throttle lever to FAST position.
Pull out the CHOKE control (if so equipped) or place the
throttle control in CHOKE position.
Fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days old) gas.
Clean fuel line or replace fuel filter, if so equipped.
Clean, adjust gap or replace plug.
Crank engine with throttle in FAST position.
Engine runs erratic
Unit running with CHOKE applied.
Spark plug wire(s) loose.
Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
Vent in gas cap plugged.
Water or dirt in fuel system.
Dirty air cleaner.
Push CHOKE control (if so equipped) in, or move the
throttle control out of the CHOKE position.
Connect and tighten spark plug wire(s).
Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30
days old) gasoline. Replace fuel filter, if so equipped.
Clear vent or replace cap if damaged.
Drain fuel tank. Refill with clean, fresh (less than 30
days old) gasoline.
Replace air cleaner cartridge/element or clean pre-
cleaner, if so equipped.
Engine overheats
Engine oil level low.
Air flow restricted.
Fill crankcase with proper capacity and weight of oil.
Clean grass clippings and debris from around the
engine’s cooling fins and blower housing.
Engine hesitates at high RPM Spark plug(s) gap too close.
Remove spark plug(s) and reset the gap.
Idles poorly
Spark plug(s) fouled, faulty or gap too
wide.
Dirty air cleaner.
Replace spark plug(s). Set plug(s) gap.
Replace air cleaner cartridge/element or clean pre-
cleaner, if so equipped.
Excessive vibration
Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
Damaged or bent cutting blade.
Tighten blade and spindle. Balance blade.
Replace blade.
Mower will not mulch grass
Engine speed too low.
Wet grass.
Excessively high grass.
Dull blade.
Place throttle control in FAST (rabbit) position.
Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until later to cut.
Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again at
desired height or make a narrower cutting swath.
Sharpen or replace blade.
Uneven cut
Deck not balanced properly.
Dull blade.
Uneven tire pressure.
Perform side-to-side deck adjustment.
Sharpen or replace blade.
Check tire pressure in all four tires.
