Use and Care Manual

Troubleshooting
7
16
Problem Cause Remedy
Engine Fails to start 1. Blade control disengaged (Lawn mower
only).
2. Spark plug boot disconnected.
3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
4. Fuel shut-off valve closed (if equipped).
5. Engine not primed (if equipped with primer).
6. Faulty spark plug.
7. Reduced fuel flow/Blocked fuel filter.
8. Engine flooded.
9. Engine not choked (if equipped with choke).
1. Engage blade control.
2. Connect wire to spark boot.
3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Turn on fuel shut-off valve.
5. Prime engine as instructed in the Operation
section.
6. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
7. Replace fuel filter as instructed in the
Maintenance section.
8. Wait a few minutes to restart, but do not
prime.
9. Choke engine. See engine manual.
Engine Fails to start with
electric starter
(Electric Start Units Only)
1. Electric Start Push Key not fully inserted.
2. Battery not charged.
3. Circuit breaker tripped.
1. Insert key into starter housing until it snaps
into place.
2. Charge battery.
3. Debris may be blocking blade operation.
Stop engine, remove Electric Start Key, and
disconnect spark plug boot. Verify grass or
other debris is not obstructing the blade.
Carefully clean out debris if necessary.
Reattach spark plug boot and reinsert key.
Wait one minute after tripping for circuit
breaker to automatically self-reset then
reattempt start.
Engine runs erratic 1. Spark plug boot loose.
2. Reduced fuel flow/Blocked fuel filter.
3. Vent in gas cap plugged (if equipped).
4. Water or dirt in fuel system.
5. Dirty air cleaner.
6. Unit running with CHOKE (if equipped)
applied.
1. Connect and tighten spark plug boot.
2. Replace fuel filter as instructed in the
Maintenance section.
3. Clear vent.
4. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
5. Refer to engine manual.
6. Push CHOKE knob in.
Engine overheats 1. Engine oil level low.
2. Air flow restricted.
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Clean area around and on top of engine.
Occasional skips
(hesitates) at
high speed
1. Spark plug gap too close. 1. Adjust gap to .030”.
Idles poorly 1. Spark plug fouled, faulty, or gap too wide.
2. Dirty air cleaner.
1. Reset gap to .030” or replace spark plug.
2. Refer to engine manual.
Engine stalls with full tank 1. Carbon canister vent line(s) pinched/kinked. 1. Refer to Carbon Canister Filter Service
section to remove engine shroud and relieve
pinched/kinked vent line(s). Re-install engine
shroud making sure vent line(s) are not
pinched or kinked.