19
SECTION 10: TROUBLE-SHOOTING GUIDE
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Engine fails to start
1. Blade control handle disengaged
2. Spark plug wire disconnected
3. Throttle control lever not in starting position
4. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel
5. Blocked fuel line
6. Faulty spark plug
7. Engine flooded
1. Engage blade control handle
2. Connect wire to spark plug
3. Move throttle lever to correct position
4. Fill up tank with fresh gasoline
5. Clean fuel line
6. Clean, adjust gap, or replace
7. Wait a few minutes and start again.
Engine runs erratic
1. Spark plug wire loose
2. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel
3. Vent in gas cap plugged
4. Water or dirt in fuel system
5. Dirty air cleaner
1. Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
2. Clean fuel line, fill tank with clean, fresh
gasoline.
3. Clear vent.
4. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
5. Clean air cleaner. Refer to engine
manual.
Engine overheats
1. Engine oil level low
2. Air flow restricted
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Clean lawn mower engine.
Occasional skip
(hesitates) at high
speed
1. Spark plug gap too close
1. Adjust gap to.030 inches.
Idles poorly
1. Spark plug fouled, faulty, or gap too wide
2. Dirty air cleaner
1. Reset gap to.030 inches or replace
spark plug.
2. Clean air cleaner.
Excessive vibration
1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced
2. Bent cutting blade
3. Bent engine crankshaft
1. Tighten blade and adapter, balance
blade.
2. Replace blade.
3. Contact your nearest service center
Mower will not
mulch grass
1. Engine speed too low
2. Wet grass
3. Excessively high grass
4. Dull blade
1. Move throttle lever to FAST position.
2. Wait until grass is dry to cut.
3. Mow once at a high cutting height, then
mow again at desired height.
4. Sharpen or replace blade.
Uneven cut
1. Wheels not in same height position
2. Dull blade
1. Reposition all wheels at same height.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.
