Full Product Manual

Troubleshooting
8
26
Problem Cause Remedy
Engine fails to start 1. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
2. Blocked fuel line.
3. Faulty spark plug.
4. Engine flooded.
5. Dead battery (Electric and Pull Start).
6. Blown fuse.
1. Fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days
old) gas.
2. Clean fuel line and replace fuel filter. Refer to
Engine Operator’s Manual.
3. Clean, adjust gap or replace plug. Refer to
Engine Operator’s Manual.
4. Crank engine with throttle in FAST position.
5. Recharge battery. Refer to page 24 in the
Service section.
6. Replace blown fuse. Refer to page 25 in
the Service section.
Engine runs erratically 1. Spark plug wire(s) loose.
2. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
3. Vent in gas cap plugged.
4. Water or dirt in fuel system.
5. Dirty air cleaner.
1. Connect spark plug wire(s).
2. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh
gasoline and replace fuel filter.
3. Clear vent or replace cap if damaged.
4. Drain fuel tank. Refill with clean, fresh
gasoline.
5. Replace air cleaner paper element. Refer to
Engine Operator’s Manual.
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 blower housing.
Engine hesitates at high
RPM
1. Spark plug gap too close. 1. Remove spark plug and reset the gap. Refer
to Engine Operator’s Manual.
Engine idles poorly 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. Refer to Engine Operator’s Manual.
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. Dull blade.
2. Uneven tire pressure.
3. Blade(s) out of balance.
1. Sharpen or replace blade.
2. Check tire pressure in rear tires.
3. Balance or replace blade(s).