Troubleshooting
Problem
Engine fails to start
Engine runs erratically
Engine overheats
Engine hesitates at high
RPM
Engine idles poorly
Excessive vibration
Mower will not mulch grass
Uneven cut
26
Cause
1. Choke not activated.
2. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
3. Blocked fuel line.
4. Faulty spark plug.
5. Engine flooded.
6. Dead battery (electric start models only).
7. Blown fuse (electric start models only).
1. Engine running with CHOKE activated.
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.
1. Engine oil level low.
2. Air flow restricted.
1. Spark plug gap too close.
1. Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too wide.
2. Dirty air cleaner.
1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
2. Damaged or bent cutting blade.
1. Engine speed too low.
2. Wet grass.
3. Excessively high grass.
4. Dull blade.
1. Dull blade.
2. Uneven tire pressure.
3. Blade(s) out of balance.
Remedy
1. Place throttle/choke control in CHOKE
position.
2. Fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days
old) gas.
3. Clean fuel line and replace fuel filter. Refer to
Engine Operator's Manual.
4. Clean, adjust gap or replace plug. Refer to
Engine Operator's Manual.
5. Crank engine with throttle in FAST position.
6. Recharge battery. Refer to page 24 in the
Service section.
7. Replace blown fuse. Refer to page 25 in
the Service section.
1. Move throttle/choke control out of CHOKE
position.
2. Connect spark plug wire(s).
3. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh
gasoline and replace fuel filter.
4. Clear vent or replace cap if damaged.
5. Drain fuel tank. Refill with clean, fresh
gasoline.
6. Replace air cleaner paper element. Refer to
Engine Operator's Manual.
1. Fill crankcase with proper amount and
weight of oil.
2. Clean grass clippings and debris from around
the engine's cooling fins and blower housing.
1. Remove spark plug and reset the gap. Refer
to Engine Operator's Manual.
1. Replace spark plug. Set plug gap.
2. Replace air cleaner element and/or clean pre-
cleaner. Refer to Engine Operator's Manual.
1. Tighten blade and spindle.
2. Replace blade.
1. Place throttle in FAST (rabbit) position.
2. Do not mulch when grass is wet.
3. Mow once at a high cutting height, then
mow again at desired height or make a
narrower cutting swath.
4. Sharpen or replace blade.
1. Sharpen or replace blade.
2. Check tire pressure in rear tires.
3. Balance or replace blade(s).
8