20
TROUBLESHOOTING
WARNING
Before performing any type of maintenance/service, disengage all
controls and stop the engine. Wait until all moving parts have come to
a complete stop. Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it against the
engine to prevent unintended starting. Always wear safety glasses during
operation or while performing any adjustments or repairs.
Problem
Cause
Remedy
Engine fails to start
1. Blade control disengaged.
2. Spark plug boot disconnected.
3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
4. Engine not primed (if equipped with primer)
5. Faulty spark plug.
6. Engine flooded.
7. Blocked fuel line.
1. Engage blade control.
2. Connect wire to spark boot.
3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Prime engine as instructed in the Operation section.
5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
6. Wait a few minutes to restart.
7. Contact your Sears Parts & Repair Center to have
fuel line cleaned.
Engine runs erratic
1. Spark plug boot loose.
2. Stale fuel.
3. Vent in gas cap plugged.
4. Water or dirt in fuel system.
5. Dirty air cleaner.
6. Blocked fuel line.
1. Connect and tighten spark plug boot.
2. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
3. Clear vent.
4. Run engine until it stops from lack of fuel. Refill with
fresh fuel.
5. Refer to Air Cleaner in Engine Maintenance section.
6. Contact your Sears Parts & Repair Center to have
fuel line cleaned.
Engine overheats
1. Engine oil level low.
2. Air flow restricted.
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Clean area around and on top of engine.
Occasional skips (hesitates)
1. Spark plug gap too close.
1. Adjust gap to .030”.
Idles poorly
1. Spark plug fouled, faulty, or gap too wide.
2. Dirty air cleaner.
1. Reset gap to .030” or replace spark plug.
7. Refer to Air Cleaner in Engine Maintenance section.
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 until
later to cut.
2. Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again
at desired height or make a narrower cutting path.
3. Sharpen or replace blade.
Uneven cut
1. Wheels not positioned correctly.
2. Dull blade.
1. Adjust cutting height lever on right front and right
rear wheel to same position.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.
Summary of Contents for C459-36201-1
Page 8: ...8 SAFETY LABELS MAX 15 ...
Page 34: ...34 NOTES ...
