Troubleshooting
5
20
Problem
Cause
Remedy
Engine fails to start
1. PTO engaged.
2. Spark plug wire disconnected.
3. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
4. Choke not activated.
5. Faulty spark plug.
6. Blown fuse(s).
7. Engine flooded.
8. Parking brake not engaged.
9. Throttle/choke control lever not in correct starting
position.
10. Dead battery.
1. Place PTO in disengaged (PTO OFF) position. See
page 12.
2. Connect wire to spark plug. See Engine Operator’s Manual.
3. Fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days old) gas. See
page 9.
4. Place the throttle/choke control lever in CHOKE position.
5. Clean, adjust gap or replace plug. See Engine Operator’s
Manual.
6. Replace fuse(s). See page 17.
7. Crank engine with throttle/choke control lever in FAST
position. See page 13.
8. Engage parking brake. See page 11.
9. Place throttle/choke control lever to FAST position. See
page 13.
10. Clean, charge, jump start or replace battery. See
page 16.
Engine runs erratic
1. Unit running with CHOKE activated.
2. Spark plug wires loose.
3. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
4. Vent in gas cap plugged.
5. Water or dirt in fuel system.
6. Dirty air cleaner.
1. Move the throttle/choke contol lever out of the CHOKE
position. See page 13.
2. Connect and tighten spark plug wire. See Engine
Operator’s Manual.
3. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline and
replace fuel filter. See page 9.
4. Clear vent or replace cap if damaged. See page 9.
5. Drain fuel tank. Refill with clean, fresh gasoline. See
page 9.
6. Replace air cleaner paper element or clean foam pre-
cleaner. See Engine Operator’s Manual.
Engine overheats
1. Engine oil level low.
2. Air flow restricted.
1. Fill crankcase with proper quantity and viscosity of oil.
See Engine Operator’s Manual.
2. Clean grass clippings and debris from around the
engine’s cooling fins and blower housing.
Engine hesitates at high RPM
1. Spark plug gap too close.
1. Remove spark plug and reset the gap. See Engine
Operator’s Manual.
Engine idles rough
1. Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too wide.
2. Dirty air cleaner.
1. Replace spark plug. Set plug gap. See Engine Operator’s
Manual.
2. Replace air cleaner element and/or clean pre-cleaner.
See Engine Operator’s Manual.
Excessive vibration
1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
2. Damaged or bent cutting blade.
1. Tighten blade and spindle. Balance blade. See page 18.
2. Replace blade. See page 18.
Mower will not mulch grass
1. Engine speed too low.
2. Wet grass.
3. Excessively high grass.
4. Dull blade.
1. Place throttle/choke control lever in FAST (rabbit)
position. See page 13.
2. Do not mulch when grass is wet.
3. Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again at
desired height or make a narrower cutting path.
4. Sharpen or replace blade. See page 18.
Uneven cut
1. Deck not leveled properly.
2. Dull blade.
3. Uneven tire pressure.
1. Perform side-to-side deck adjustment. See page 17.
2. Sharpen or replace blade. See page 18.
3. Check tire pressure in all four tires. page 18.