Troubleshooting
Problem
Possible Cause
Corrective Action
1. The wire is not connected to the spark
plug.
1. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
2. The fuel cap vent hole is plugged.
2. Clean the fuel cap vent hole or replace
the fuel cap.
3. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the
gap is incorrect.
3. Check the spark plug and adjust the
gap if necessary. Replace the spark
plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
The engine does not start
4. The fuel tank is empty or the fuel
system contains stale fuel.
4. Drain and/or fill the fuel tank with
fresh gasoline. If the problem persists,
contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
1. The fuel cap vent hole is plugged.
1. Clean the fuel cap vent hole or replace
the fuel cap.
2. The air filter element is dirty and is
restricting the air flow.
2. Clean the air filter pre-cleaner and/or
replace the paper air filter.
3. The underside of the machine housing
contains clippings and debris.
3. Clean under the machine housing.
4. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the
gap is incorrect.
4. Check the spark plug and adjust the
gap if necessary. Replace the spark
plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
5. The engine oil level is too low, too high,
or excessively dirty.
5. Check the engine oil. Change the oil if
it is dirty; add or drain the oil to adjust
the oil level to the Full mark on the
dipstick.
The engine starts hard or loses power
6. The fuel tank contains stale fuel.
6. Drain and fill the fuel tank with fresh
gasoline.
1. The wire is not connected to the spark
plug.
1. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
2. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the
gap is incorrect.
2. Check the spark plug and adjust the
gap if necessary. Replace the spark
plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
The engine runs rough
3. The air filter element is dirty and is
restricting the air flow.
3. Clean the air filter pre-cleaner and/or
replace the paper air filter.
1. The underside of the machine housing
contains clippings and debris.
1. Clean under the machine housing.
2. The engine mounting bolts are loose.
2. Tighten the engine mounting bolts.
3. The blade mounting bolt loose.
3. Tighten the blade mounting bolt.
The machine or engine vibrates
excessively
4. The blade is bent or is out of balance.
4. Balance the blade. If the blade is bent,
replace it.
1. You are mowing in the same pattern
repeatedly.
1. Change the mowing pattern.
2. The underside of the machine housing
contains clippings and debris.
2. Clean under the machine housing.
There is an uneven cutting pattern
3. The blade is dull.
3. Sharpen and balance the blade.
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