Troubleshooting
Problem
Possible Cause
Corrective Action
1. The fuel tank is empty or the fuel
system contains stale fuel.
1. Drain and/or fill the fuel tank with
fresh gasoline. If the problem persists,
contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
2. The throttle lever is not in the Choke
position.
2. Move the throttle lever to the Choke
position.
3. The wire is not connected to the spark
plug.
3. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
Engine does not start
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.
1. The fuel tank contains stale fuel.
1. Drain and fill the fuel tank with fresh
gasoline.
2. The fuel cap vent hole is plugged.
2. Clean the fuel cap vent hole or replace
the fuel cap.
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.
4. The underside of the lawn mower deck
contains clippings and debris.
4. Clean the underside of the lawn mower
deck.
5. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the
gap is incorrect.
5. Check the spark plug and adjust the
gap if necessary. Replace the spark
plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
Engine starts hard or loses power
6. The engine oil level is low or the oil is
dirty.
6. Check the engine oil. Change the oil if
it is dirty or add oil if it is low.
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.
3. The throttle lever is not in the Fast
position.
3. Move the throttle lever to the Fast
position.
Engine runs rough
4. The air filter element is dirty and is
restricting the air flow.
4. Clean the air filter pre-cleaner and/or
replace the paper air filter.
1. The blade is bent or is out of balance.
1. Balance the blade. If the blade is bent,
replace it.
2. The blade mounting nuts are loose.
2. Tighten the blade mounting nuts.
3. The underside of the lawn mower deck
contains clippings and debris.
3. Clean the underside of the lawn mower
deck.
Lawn mower or engine vibrates
excessively
4. The engine mounting bolts are loose.
4. Tighten the engine mounting bolts.
1. All 4 wheels are not at the same height.
1. Place all 4 wheels at the same height.
2. The blade is dull.
2. Sharpen and balance the blade.
3. You are mowing in the same pattern
repeatedly.
3. Change the mowing pattern.
Uneven cutting pattern
4. The underside of the lawn mower deck
contains clippings and debris.
4. Clean the underside of the lawn mower
deck.
1. The throttle lever is not in the Fast
position.
1. Move the throttle lever to the Fast
position.
2. The cutting height is too low.
2. Raise the cutting height.
3. You are mowing too fast.
3. Slow down.
4. The grass is wet.
4. Allow the grass to dry before mowing.
Discharge chute plugs
5. The underside of the lawn mower deck
contains clippings and debris.
5. Clean the underside of the lawn mower
deck.
Lawn mower does not self-propel
1. The self-propel drive cable is out of
adjustment or is damaged.
1. Adjust the self-propel drive cable.
Replace the cable if necessary.
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