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ENG - 20
Troubleshooting
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PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSE(S)
SOLUTION(S)
Engine will not start
1. Fuel tank is empty
2. Blade control lever is not depressed
3. Engine not primed
4. Spark plug wire disconnected
5. Fouled spark plug
6. Clogged air filter
7. Engine is flooded
8. Clogged fuel filter
9. Blocked fuel line
10. Stale or contaminated fuel
11. Other
1. Add fresh fuel.
2. Grasp and hold blade control lever firmly
against handle while pulling starter rope handle.
3. Prime engine as instructed in “Starting The
Engine” on page 14.
4. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug
5. Service spark plug as instructed on page 18.
6. Service air filter as instructed on page 18.
7. Wait a few minutes and restart engine without
priming.
8. Remove fuel filter. Inspect. Replace if
necessary.
9. Clear or replace fuel line.
10. Drain fuel tank. Clean fuel tank. Fill with fresh
fuel.
11. Take unit to an authorized service center.
Engine runs rough
1. Loose spark plug wire
2. Fouled spark plug
3. Incorrect spark plug gap
4. Clogged air filter
5. Clogged vent in fuel cap
6. Clogged fuel filter
7. Partially blocked fuel line
8. Stale or contaminated fuel
9. Other
1. Securely attach spark plug wire to spark plug
2. Service spark plug as instructed on page 18.
3. Service spark plug as instructed on page 18.
4. Service air filter as instructed on page 18.
5. Clear vent in fuel cap
6. Remove fuel filter. Inspect. Replace if necessary
7. Clear or replace fuel line
8. Drain fuel tank. Clean fuel tank. Fill with fresh fuel
9. Take unit to an authorized service center
Low Engine Power
1. Grass too high, too thick or wet grass
2. Buildup of grass and debris under
mower deck
3. Clogged air filter
4. Engine oil level too high
5. Other
1. Raise cutting height or reduce cutting width
as instructed in “Mowing Tips” on page 15. Let
grass dry before cutting.
2. Clean debris on the underside of the mower
deck as instructed in “General Mower Care” on
page 16.
3. Service air filter as instructed in “To Service the
Air Filter” on page 18.
4. Check engine oil as instructed in “Checking
and Adding Engine Oil” on page 13; drain and
adjust oil level as necessary.
5. Take unit to an authorized service center.
Engine overheats
1. Engine oil level low
2. Clogged air filter
3. Other
1. Add engine oil as instructed in “Checking and
Adding Engine Oil” on page “13”
2. Service air filter as instructed in “To Service the
Air Filter” on page 18.
3. Take unit to an authorized service center.
Excessive Vibration
1. Mower blade loose or unbalanced
2. Bent cutting blade
1. Tighten blade retaining bolt or balance blade as
instructed in “Blade Care” on page 16.
2. Replace with a new blade. If vibration
continues, take unit to an authorized service
center
Rough or uneven cut
1. Wheel heights not correct
2. Dull blade
3. Buildup or grass and debris under
mower deck
1. Adjust wheel heights as instructed on page 12.
2. Replace or sharpen blade as instructed in
“Blade Care” on page 16.
3. Clean debris on the underside of the mower
deck as instructed in “General Mower Care” on
page 16.
