18
SECTION 8: TROUBLESHOOTING
Trouble
Possible Cause(s)
Engine loses power
Engine overheating
Too much oil in engine
Faulty spark plug
Fuel supply being restricted
Fuel filter plugged
Fuel line pinched or kinked
Fuel pump output not adjusted to
specification.
Improper fuel
Air cleaner element plugged
Engine knocks
Low engine speed.
Stale or low octane fuel.
Engine overloaded.
Starter does not work
Loose or corroded connections.
Low battery output
Sulfate or worn-out battery.
Faulty starter.
Starter crank slowly
Low battery output.
Sulfated or worn-out battery.
Engine oil too heavy.
Loose or corroded connections.
Entire electrical sys-
tem does not work
Blown fuse.
Loose or corroded connections.
Sulfated or worn-out battery.
Dead Battery
Shorted starter solenoid.
Key switch not turned to STOP
position.
Sulfated or worn-out battery.
Battery light comes on
when engine is running
Low engine speed.
Faulty voltage regulator.
Faulty battery.
Faulty alternator
Grounded wire in circuit.
Indicator lights do not
come on when key
switch is in START
position
Faulty bulb.
Faulty wiring.
Faulty sensor.
Battery will not take a
charge
Dead battery.
Loose or corroded connections.
Sulfated or worn-out battery.
Fluid level low.
Trouble
Possible Cause(s)
Engine will not start
Battery has low voltage.
Loose or corroded battery connections.
Fusible link is melted.
Spark plug wire is loose or discon-
nected.
Faulty spark plug or coil.
Fuel shut-off valve turned off.
No Fuel or improper fuel.
Plugged fuel filter.
Defective starter solenoid.
Open-circuit in wiring.
Engine is hard to start
Engine is cold.
Plugged fuel filter.
Carburetor not adjusted properly or
dirty.
Engine oil viscosity too heavy.
Spark plug is fouled.
Faulty spark plug or wire.
Loose or corroded electrical connec-
tions.
Stale or improper fuel.
Choke not being used or adjusted
incorrectly.
Engine misses under
load
Faulty spark plug.
Stale or dirty fuel.
Plugged fuel filter.
Faulty coil or wire.
Engine vapor locks
Poor quality fuel or methanol.
Very hot weather conditions.
Fuel tank vent plugged.
Dirt in fuel filter.
Engine runs unevenly
Loose electrical connections.
Choke or throttle cable sticking.
Fuel line or fuel filter plugged.
Stale or dirty fuel.
Improper fuel.
Air cleaner element plugged.
Carburetor not adjusted correctly.
Spark plug is fouled.
Engine overheats
Air cleaner element missing or plugged.
Carburetor air intake tube plugged.
Engine oil low.
Engine operated too long at slow
engine speed.
NOTE: For repairs beyond minor adjustments or corrections, contact your nearest Cub Cadet service dealer or call
1-877-282-8684.
