20
TROUBLESHOOTING
WARNING
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent
unintended starting. 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. Always wear safety glasses during operation
or while performing any adjustments or repairs.
For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed here, contact Sears at 1-800-4-MY-HOME.
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. Refer to Spark Plug in Engine Maintenance section.
Idles poorly
1. Spark plug fouled, faulty, or gap too wide.
2. Dirty air cleaner.
1. Reset gap or replace spark plug.
2. 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.
