30
9
Trouble
Shooting
For repairs beyond
the minor adjust-
ments listed here,
contact an authorized
service dealer.
Cause
Problem
Remedy
Engine fails to
start
1. PTO engaged.
2. Spark plug wire(s) disconnected.
3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
4. Choke not activated.
5. Faulty spark plug.
6. Blocked fuel line.
7. Engine flooded.
8. Parking brake not engaged.
9. Throttle control lever not in correct starting
position.
1. Place PTO knob (or lever) in disengaged
(OFF) position.
2. Connect wire(s) to spark plug(s).
3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Pull out the CHOKE control (if equipped)
or place the throttle control in CHOKE
position.
5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
6. Clean fuel line or replace fuel filter, if
equipped.
7. Crank engine with throttle in FAST position.
8. Engage parking brake.
9. Place throttle lever to FAST position.
Engine runs
erratic
1. Push CHOKE control (if equipped) in, or
move the throttle control out of the CHOKE
position.
2. Connect and tighten spark plug wire(s).
3. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh
(less than 30 days old) gasoline. Replace
fuel filter, if so equipped.
4. Clear vent or replace if damaged.
5. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
6. Replace air cleaner cartridge/element or
clean pre-cleaner, if so equipped.
1. Unit running with CHOKE applied.
2. Spark plug wire(s) 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.
Engine overheats
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Clean grass clippings and debris from
around the engine’s cooling fins and blower
housing.
1. Engine oil level low.
2. Air flow restricted.
Engine hesitates
at high RPM
1. Remove spark plug(s) and reset the gap.
1. Spark plug(s) gap too close.
Idles poorly
1. Replace spark plug(s). Set plug(s) gap.
2. Replace air cleaner cartridge/element or
clean pre-cleaner, if so equipped.
1. Spark plug(s) fouled, faulty, or gap too
wide.
2. Dirty air cleaner.
Mower will not
mulch grass (If
Equipped)
1. Place throttle in FAST (rabbit) position.
2. Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until
later to cut.
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.
1. Engine speed too low.
2. Wet grass.
3. Excessively high grass.
4. Dull blade.
Uneven cut
1. Perform side-to-side deck adjustment.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.
3. Check tire pressure in all four tires.
1. Deck not balanced properly.
2. Dull blade.
3. Uneven tire pressure.
Excessive
Vibration
1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
2. Damaged or bent cutting blade.
1. Tighten blade and spindle. Balance blade.
2. Replace blade.