While normal care and regular maintenance will extend the life
of your equipment, prolonged or constant use may eventually
require that service be performed to allow it to continue
operating properly. The troubleshooting guide below lists the
most common problems, their causes and remedies.
If you prefer, all of these procedures can be performed for you
by a Sears Parts & Repair Center. See the back cover for
important Sears Parts & Repair Center information.
Troubleshooting the Rider
PROBLEM
CAUSE
Engine will
Ground speed levers not set to START/PARK.
not turnover
Mower blade switch in ON position.
or start.
Ground speed levers not set to START/PARK.
Choke not in CLOSED position.
Ignition switch not turned fully to START position. Turn ignition switch fully to START position.
Out of fuel.
Engine flooded.
Fuel is old or stale, or water in fuel.
Battery terminals require cleaning.
Battery discharged or dead.
Spark plug(s) faulty, fouled or incorrectly gapped. Clean and gap or replace.
Wiring loose or broken.
Solenoid or starter motor faulty.
Safety interlock switch faulty.
Engine starts
Air filter plugged
hard or runs
poorly.
Choke not set to CLOSED position when
cranking the engine, OR choke not set to OPEN
after engine starts.
Spark plug faulty, fouled, or incorrectly gapped.
Engine
Low oil level.
knocks.
Using wrong grade oil.
Excessive oil
Engine running too hot.
consumption.
Using wrong weight oil.
Too much oil in crankcase.
Engine
Dirty air filter or pre-cleaner, or both.
exhaust is
black.
Choke set to CLOSED when engine is running.
TROUBLESHOOTING
To avoid serious injury, perform maintenance on
the rider or mower only when the engine is
stopped and the ground speed levers are set to
PARK.
Always remove the ignition key, disconnect the
spark plug wire and fasten it away from the plug
before beginning the maintenance, to prevent
accidental starting of the engine.
30
WARNING
REMEDY
Set to START/PARK.
Place in OFF position.
Set to START/PARK
Move choke to CLOSED position.
Allow engine to cool, then refill the fuel tank.
Set choke to OPEN position when cranking engine.
Drain fuel & replace with fresh fuel. Contact Sears
Parts & Repair.
Clean the battery terminals
Recharge or replace.
Visually check wiring & replace broken or frayed
wires. Tighten loose connections.
Replace. Contact Sears Parts & Repair.
Replace. Contact Sears Parts & Repair.
Service pre-cleaner and/or replace air filter
element.
Set choke to CLOSED when cranking. Set choke to
OPEN when engine is running. A warm engine may
not require choking.
Clean and gap or replace.
Check/add oil as required.
See "Change Engine Oil" in the Maintenance
Section.
Clean engine cooling fins, blower screen and air
cleaner.
See "Change Engine Oil" in the Maintenance
Section.
Drain excess oil.
Service or replace as required. See Maintenance
Section.
Set choke to OPEN as soon as engine starts.