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SECTION 11: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
Refer to separate engine manual packed with your mower for more engine related information.
NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed above, contact your nearest authorized service dealer.
Trouble
Possible Cause(s)
Corrective Action
Engine fails to start
Blade control handle disengaged.
Start control button not depressed.
Spark plug wire disconnected.
Safety key not in run position.
Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
Blocked fuel line.
Faulty spark plug.
Engine flooded.
Engine not primed.
Self starter already de-energized.
Engage blade control handle.
Depress starter control button.
Connect wire to spark plug.
Place safety key in run position.
Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
Clean fuel line.
Clean, adjust gap or replace.
Wait a few minutes.
Push primer bulb three times to prime
engine.
Use recoil starter to start engine
Engine runs erratic
Spark plug wire loose.
Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
Vent in gas cap plugged.
Water or dirt in fuel system.
Dirty air cleaner.
Carburetor out of adjustment.
Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh
gasoline.
Clear vent.
Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
Clean air cleaner.
Adjust carburetor.
Engine overheats
Engine oil level low.
Air flow restricted.
Carburetor not adjusted properly.
Fill crankcase with proper oil.
Remove blower housing and clean.
Adjust carburetor.
Occasional skip (hesitates) at
high speed
Spark plug gap too close.
Adjust gap to .030”.
Idles poorly
Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too
wide.
Carburetor improperly adjusted.
Dirty air cleaner.
Reset gap to .030” or replace spark plug.
Adjust carburetor.
Clean air cleaner.
Excessive vibration
Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
Bent cutting blade.
Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.
Replace blade.
Mower will not mulch grass
Wet grass.
Excessively high grass.
Dull blade.
Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until
later to cut.
Mow once at a high cutting height, then
mow again at desired height or make a nar-
rower cutting swath (1/2 width).
Sharpen or replace blade.
Uneven cut
Wheels not positioned correctly.
Dull blade.
Place all four wheels in same height posi-
tion.
Sharpen or replace blade.
