Problem
Cause
Remedy
Engine fails to start
PTO/Blade Engage knob engaged.
Parking brake not engaged.
Drive control levers not fully outward in
neutral position.
Spark plug wire(s) disconnected.
Throttle control lever not in correct starting
position.
Choke not activated
Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
Blocked fuel line.
Faulty spark plug(s).
Engine flooded.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Place knob in disengaged (OFF) position.
Engage parking brake.
Move drive control levers fully outward in
neutral position.
Connect wire(s) to spark plug(s).
Place throttle lever to FAST position.
Push throttle control lever to choke position.
Fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days
old) gas.
Clean fuel line and replace fuel filter.
Clean, adjust gap or replace plug(s).
Crank engine with throttle in FAST position.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Engine runs erratic
Unit running with CHOKE activated.
Spark plug wire(s) loose.
Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
Vent in gas cap plugged.
Water or dirt in fuel system.
Dirty air cleaner.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Pull the throttle control lever rearward from
the choke position
Connect spark plug wire(s).
Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh
gasoline and replace fuel filter.
Clear vent or replace cap if damaged.
Drain fuel tank. Refill with clean, fresh
gasoline.
Replace air cleaner paper element or clean
foam precleaner.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Engine overheats
Engine oil level low.
Air flow restricted.
1.
2.
Fill crankcase with proper amount and
weight of oil.
Clean grass clippings and debris from around
the engine’s cooling fins and blower housing.
1.
2.
Engine hesitates at high
RPM
Spark plug(s) gap too close.
1.
Remove spark plug(s) and reset the gap.
1.
Engine Idles rough
Spark plug(s) fouled, faulty or gap too wide.
Dirty air cleaner.
1.
2.
Replace spark plug(s). Set plug gap.
Replace air cleaner element and/or clean
pre-cleaner.
1.
2.
Excessive vibration
Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
Damaged or bent cutting blade.
1.
2.
Tighten blade and spindle.
Replace blade.
1.
2.
Uneven cut
Deck not leveled properly.
Dull blade.
Uneven tire pressure.
1.
2.
3.
Perform side-to-side deck adjustment.
Sharpen or replace blade.
Check tire pressure in all four tires.
1.
2.
3.
Mower will not mulch grass
(If Equipped w/Mulching
Kit)
Engine speed too low.
Wet grass.
Excessively high grass.
Dull blade.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Place throttle in FAST (rabbit) position.
Do not mulch when grass is wet.
Mow once at a high cutting height, then
mow again at desired height or make a
narrower cutting swath.
Sharpen or replace blade.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Troubleshooting
8
31
