Troubleshooting
Problem
Possible Cause
Corrective Action
1. The safety bail is in the O
FF
position.
1. Hold the safety bail against the handle.
2. If your model is equipped with an
engine with an On/Off switch, the
switch is in the O
FF
position.
2. Move the switch to the O
N
position.
3. The fuel-shutoff valve is closed.
3. Open the fuel-shutoff valve.
4. The choke is open.
4. Close the choke when starting a cold
engine.
5. The fuel tank is empty.
5. Fill the tank with fresh fuel.
The engine does not start.
6. The spark plug wire is loose or
disconnected.
6. Check the electrode gap and clean or
replace the spark plug.
1. The choke is closed.
1. Open the choke.
2. The air filter is clogged.
2. Clean or replace the air filter.
3. The fuel line is clogged.
3. Clean the sediment cup.
4. There is water or contaminants in the
fuel.
4. Drain the fuel tank and fill it with fresh
fuel.
The engine runs rough.
5. The spark plugs are worn or have
buildup on the electrodes.
5. Check the electrode gap and clean or
replace the spark plug.
The belt slips or comes off the pulleys.
1. The belt tension is insufficient.
1. Adjust the belt tension. Reduce the
cutting depth.
1. The engine speed is insufficient to
activate the centrifugal clutch.
1. Move the throttle to the E
NGAGED
position.
2. The belt tension is insufficient.
2. Adjust the belt tension.
The cutting wheel does not rotate.
3. The clutch shoes are worn.
3. Replace the clutch.
1. The engine speed is excessive.
1. Move the throttle to the D
ISENGAGED
position.
2. The belt is off the pulleys or broken.
2. Replace the drive belt.
The cutting wheel continues to rotate.
3. The clutch springs are weak or broken.
3. Replace the clutch.
1. The parking brake is out of adjustment.
1. Adjust the parking brake.
The parking brake does not hold.
2. The brake pads are worn.
2. Replace the brake.
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