Not for
Reproduction
41
WARNING
Remove ignition key prior to performing maintenance on the
unit.
To avoid serious injury, perform maintenance on the unit
or mower deck only when the engine is stopped and the
parking brake is engaged.
Always remove the ignition key, disconnect the spark plug
wire(s) and fasten it away from the plug(s) before beginning
the maintenance, to prevent accidental starting of the
engine.
Troubleshooting Charts
Troubleshooting the Unit
Problem: Engine will not turnover or start.
Cause
Remedy
Parking brake not engaged.
Engage parking brake.
Out of fuel.
If engine is hot, allow it to cool, then
refill the fuel tank.
Engine flooded.
Carbureted Models:
Move choke
control to the closed position.
Fuel
Injected Models:
See authorized
service dealer.
Fuse blown.
Replace fuse.
Battery terminals require cleaning.
Clean the battery terminals.
Battery discharged or dead.
Recharge or replace.
Wiring loose or broken.
Visually check wiring & replace
broken or frayed wires. Tighten loose
connections.
Safety interlock switch faulty.
Replace as needed. See authorized
service dealer.
Spark plug(s) faulty, fouled or
incorrectly gapped.
Clean and gap or replace. See
engine manual.
Water in fuel.
Drain fuel and replace with fresh fuel.
Gas is old or stale.
Drain fuel and replace with fresh fuel.
Fuel Injected Models Only:
Malfunction in fuel injection system.
See authorized service dealer.
Problem: Engine starts hard or runs poorly.
Cause
Remedy
Fuel mixture is too rich.
1.) Clean air filter. 2.)
Carbureted
Models:
Check choke adjustment.
Fuel Injected Models:
See
authorized service dealer.
Spark plug faulty, fouled, or
incorrectly gapped.
Clean and gap or replace. See
engine manual.
Problem: Engine knocks.
Cause
Remedy
Low oil level.
Check / Add oil as required.
Using wrong grade oil.
See engine manual.
Problem: Excessive oil consumption.
Cause
Remedy
Engine running too hot.
Clean engine fins, blower screen,
and air cleaner.
Using wrong weight oil.
See engine manual.
Problem: Excessive oil consumption.
Too much oil in crankcase.
Drain excess oil.
Problem: Engine exhaust is black.
Cause
Remedy
Dirty air filter.
Replace air filter. See engine
manual.
Carbureted Models:
Engine choke
control is in closed position.
Open choke control.
Problem: Malfunction Indicator Lamp (M.I.L.)
is flashing (Fuel Injected Models Only).
Cause
Remedy
Problem with the fuel injection
system.
See authorized service dealer.
Problem: Engine runs but mower will not drive.
Cause
Remedy
Transmission release lever(s) in
"disengaged" position.
Move transmission release lever(s)
to the "engaged" position.
Transmission drive belt is broken.
See "Transmission Drive Belt
Replacement".
Transmission drive belt is slipping.
See problem and cause below.
Brake is not fully released.
See authorized service dealer.
Problem: Transmission drive belt slips.
Cause
Remedy
Pulleys or belt is greasy or oily.
Clean as required.
Tension is too loose.
Adjust spring tension. See
"Transmission Drive Belt
Replacement".
Belt stretched or worn.
Replace belt.
Problem: Parking brake will not hold.
Cause
Remedy
Brake is incorrectly adjusted.
See "Parking Brake Adjustment".
Problem: Mower steers or handles poorly.
Cause
Remedy
Ground speed control lever linkages
are loose.
Check and tighten any loose
connections.
Improper tire inflation.
See "Specifications" for proper tire
inflation and adjust tire pressures
accordingly.
Tracking needs adjustment.
See "Tracking Adjustment".
Troubleshooting the Mower Deck
Problem: Mower deck will not raise.
Cause
Remedy
Lift Linkage not properly attached or
damaged.
See authorized service dealer for
repair.
Problem: Engine stalls easily with mower deck engaged.
Cause
Remedy
Engine speed too slow.
Set to full throttle.
Ground speed to fast.
Decrease ground speed.