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SECTION 11: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
**Self-propelled models only
Note: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments above, contact your local authorized service dealer.
Trouble
Possible Cause(s)
Corrective Actions
Engine fails to
start
Blade control handle disengaged.
Spark plug wire disconnected.
Dirty aircleaner.
Primer button not depressed.
Throttle control lever not in correct
starting position (if so equipped).
Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
Blocked fuel line (if so equipped).
Faulty spark plug.
Engine flooded.
Engage blade control handle.
Connect wire to spark plug.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Move throttle lever to FAST or START position.
Fill tank with clean fresh gasoline. Fuel will not last over thirty
days unless a fuel stabilizer is used.
Clean fuel line.
Clean, adjust gap or replace.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Engine runs
erratic
Unit running in START position.
Spark plug wire loose.
Blocked fuel line (if so equipped) or
stale fuel.
Vent in gas cap plugged.
Water or dirt in fuel system.
Dirty air cleaner.
Carburetor out of adjustment.
Move throttle lever to FAST position.
Connect and tighten spark plug wire. Check spark plug for
fouling.
Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. Fuel will
not last over thirty days unless a fuel stabilizer is added.
Clear vent or threads or replace.
Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Engine
overheats
Engine oil level low.
Dirty air cleaner.
Air flow restricted.
Carburetor not adjusted properly.
Fill crankcase with proper oil.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire. Remove blower
housing and clean.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit or see an
authorized service dealer.*
Occasional skip
(hesitates) at
high speed
Spark plug gap too close.
Carburetor idle mixture adjustment
improperly set.
Adjust gap to .030".
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Idles poorly
Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too
wide.
Carburetor improperly adjusted.
Dirty air cleaner.
Reset gap to .030" or replace spark plug.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Excessive
vibration
Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
Bent cutting blade.
Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.
See an authorized service dealer.
Mower will not
mulch grass
Engine speed too low.
Wet grass.
Excessively high grass.
Set throttle between 3/4 and full throttle.
Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until later to cut.
Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again at
desired height or make a narrower cutting swath (1/2 width).
Uneven cut
Wheels not positioned correctly.
Dull blade.
Place all four wheels in same height position.
Sharpen or replace blade.
Wheels will not
propel**
Belt not installed properly.
Debris clogging drive operation.
Check belt for proper pulley installation and movement.
Clean out debris.
