16
12. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
PROBLEM
PROBABLE CAUSE
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Engine does not start.
Throttle choke not in the correct position
for the prevailing conditions.
Move throttle choke to correct position.
Fuel tank is empty.
Fill tank with fuel: refer to ENGINE
OWNERS MANUAL.
Air cleaner element is dirty.
Clean air cleaner element: refer to
ENGINE OWNERS MANUAL.
Spark plug loose.
Tighten spark plug to 25-30 Nm.
Spark plug wire loose or disconnected
from plug.
Install spark plug wire on spark plug.
Spark plug gap is incorrect.
Set gap between electrodes at 0.7 to
0.8 mm.
Spark plug is defective.
Install new, correctly gapped plug: refer
to ENGINE OWNERS MANUAL.
Carburetor is flooded with fuel.
Remove air cleaner element and pull
starter rope continuously until carburetor
clears itself and install air cleaner
element.
Faulty ignition module.
Contact the service agent.
Engine difficult to start or loses
power.
Dirt, water, or stale fuel tank.
Drain fuel and clean tank. Fill tank with
clean, fresh fuel.
Vent hole in fuel tank cap is plugged.
Clean or replace fuel tank cap.
Air cleaner element is dirty.
Clean air cleaner element.
Engine operates erratically.
Spark plug is defective.
Install new, correctly gapped plug: refer
to ENGINE OWNERS MANUAL.
Spark plug gap is incorrect.
Set gap between electrodes at 0.7 to
0.8 mm.
Air cleaner element is dirty.
Clean air cleaner element: refer to
ENGINE OWNERS MANUAL.
Engine idles poorly.
Air cleaner element is dirty.
Clean air cleaner element: refer to
ENGINE OWNERS MANUAL.
Air slots in engine shroud are blocked.
Remove debris from slots.
Cooling fins and air passages under
engine blower housing are blocked.
Remove debris from cooling fins and air
passages.
Engine skips at high speed.
Gap between electrodes of spark plug is
too close.
Set gap between electrodes at 0.7 to
0.8 mm.
Engine overheats.
Cooling air flow is restricted.
Remove any debris from slots in shroud,
blower housing, air passages.
Incorrect spark plug.
Install RC12YC spark plug and cooling
fins on engine.
Mower vibrates abnormally.
Cutting assembly is loose.
Tighten blade.
Cutting assembly is unbalanced.
Balance blade.
