Use and Care Guide

34
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem Cause Remedy
Engine fails to start 1. PTO/Blade Engage lever engaged.
2. Parking brake not engaged.
3. Spark plug wire(s) disconnected.
4. Throttle/Choke control lever not in correct
starting position.
5. Choke not activated
6. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
7. Blocked fuel line.
8. Faulty spark plug(s).
9. Engine flooded.
10. Blown Fuse(s).
11. Safety switch(s) not properly engaged.
1. Place lever in disengaged (OFF) position.
2. Engage parking brake.
3. Connect wire(s) to spark plug(s).
4. Place Throttle/Choke lever into the FAST position.
5. Move the Throttle/Choke lever into the Choke
position.
6. Fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days old) gas.
7. Replace the fuel line and replace fuel filter.
8. Clean, adjust gap or replace plug(s).
9. Crank engine with throttle in FAST position.
10. Replace Fuse(s)
11. Ensure seat is in the proper operating position, and/
or deck chute, tube or mulch plug properly installed.
Engine runs erratically 1. Unit 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. Deactivate the CHOKE.
2. Connect spark plug wire(s).
3. Replace the 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 or clean foam
pre-cleaner, if equipped.
Engine overheats 1. Engine oil level low.
2. Air flow restricted.
1. Fill crankcase with proper amount and weight of oil.
2. Clean grass clippings and debris from around the
engine’s cooling fins and housing.
Engine hesitates at high RPM 1. Spark plug gap too close. 1. Remove spark plug and reset the gap.
Engine idles rough 1. Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too wide.
2. Dirty air cleaner.
1. Replace spark plug. Set plug gap.
2. Replace air cleaner element and/or clean pre-
cleaner.
Excessive vibration 1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
2. Damaged or bent cutting blade.
1. Tighten blade and spindle.
2. Replace blade.
Mower will not mulch grass 1. Engine speed too low.
2. Wet grass.
3. Excessively high grass.
4. Dull 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.
Uneven cut 1. Deck not leveled properly.
2. Dull blade.
3. Uneven tire pressure.
1. Perform side-to-side deck adjustment.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.
3. Check tire pressure in all four tires.