Troubleshooting
Problem
Possible Cause
Corrective Action
1. The fuel tank is empty or the fuel
system contains stale fuel.
1. Drain and/or fill the fuel tank with
fresh gasoline. If the problem persists,
contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
2. The engine is cold and the choke was
not used.
2. Move the choke lever to the Choke
position.
3. The wire is not connected to the spark
plug.
3. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
Engine does not start
4. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the
gap is incorrect.
4. Check the spark plug and adjust the
gap if necessary. Replace the spark
plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
1. The primer has not been pressed.
1. Press the primer 3 times.
2. The fuel cap vent hole is plugged.
2. Clean the fuel cap vent hole or replace
the fuel cap.
3. The air filter element is dirty and is
restricting the air flow.
3. Clean the air filter pre-cleaner and/or
replace the paper air filter.
4. The underside of the machine contains
clippings and debris.
4. Clean under the machine.
5. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the
gap is incorrect.
5. Check the spark plug and adjust the
gap if necessary. Replace the spark
plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
6. The engine oil level is too low, too high,
or excessively dirty.
6. Check the engine oil. Change the oil if
it is dirty; add or drain the oil to adjust
the oil level to the Full mark on the
dipstick.
The engine starts hard or loses power
7. The fuel tank contains stale fuel.
7. Drain and fill the fuel tank with fresh
gasoline.
1. The wire is not connected to the spark
plug.
1. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
2. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the
gap is incorrect.
2. Check the spark plug and adjust the
gap if necessary. Replace the spark
plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
Engine runs rough
3. The air filter element is dirty and is
restricting the air flow.
3. Clean the air filter pre-cleaner and/or
replace the paper air filter.
1. The blade is bent or is out of balance.
1. Balance the blade. If the blade is bent,
replace it.
2. The blade mounting nuts are loose.
2. Tighten the blade mounting nuts.
3. The underside of the machine contains
clippings and debris.
3. Clean under the machine.
The machine or the engine vibrates
excessively
4. The engine mounting bolts are loose.
4. Tighten the engine mounting bolts.
1. All 4 wheels are not at the same height.
1. Place all 4 wheels at the same height.
2. The blade is dull.
2. Sharpen and balance the blade.
3. You are mowing in the same pattern
repeatedly.
3. Change the mowing pattern.
Uneven cutting pattern
4. The underside of the machine contains
clippings and debris.
4. Clean under the machine.
1. The cutting height is too low.
1. Raise the cutting height.
2. You are mowing too fast.
2. Slow down.
3. The grass is wet.
3. Allow the grass to dry before mowing.
Discharge chute plugs
4. The underside of the machine contains
clippings and debris.
4. Clean the underside of the machine.
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