TROUBLESHOOTING
24
Problem
Cause
Remedy
Engine fails to start
1.
PTO/Blade Engage knob engaged.
2. Parking brake not engaged.
3. Spark plug wire disconnected.
4. Throttle control lever not in correct
starting position.
5. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
6. Blocked fuel line.
7.
Faulty spark plug.
8. Engine
flooded.
9. Fuse(s)
blown.
1.
Place knob in disengaged (OFF) position.
2. Engage parking brake.
3. Connect wire to spark plug.
4. Place Throttle lever to FAST position.
5. Fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days old) gas.
6. Replace fuel line. See a qualified service dealer.
Replace fuel filter. See the Service and Maintenance
section.
7.
Clean, adjust gap or replace plug.
8. Crank engine with throttle in FAST position.
9. Replace
fuse.
Engine runs erratically
1.
Tractor running with Choke
activated.
2. Spark plug wires 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.
Check that the electric choke is working. See a
qualified service dealer.
2. Connect and tighten spark plug wires.
3.
Replace fuel line. See a qualified service dealer. Fill
tank with clean, fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter.
See the Service and Maintenance section.
4. Clear vent or replace cap if damaged.
5. Drain fuel tank. Refill with clean, fresh gasoline. See
the Service and Maintenance section.
6. Clean or replace air cleaner paper element or clean
foam pre-cleaner.
Engine overheats
1.
Engine oil level low
2. Air flow restricted
1.
Fill engine with proper amount and type of oil.
2. Clean grass clippings and debris from around the
engine’s cooling fins and housing.
Engine hesitates at high RPMs 1.
Spark plug gap set too close
1.
Remove spark plug and adjust gap.
Engine idles poorly
1.
Fouled spark plug
2. Dirty air cleaner
1.
Replace spark plug and adjust gap.
2. Clean or replace air cleaner element and/or clean
pre-cleaner.
Excessive vibration
1.
Cutting blades loose or unbalanced
2. Damaged, dull, or bent cutting
blade.
1.
Tighten blade and spindle. Balance blade.
2. Replace
blade.
Tractor will not mulch grass
1.
Engine speed too low.
2. Wet
grass.
3. Excessively high grass.
4. Dull
blade.
1.
Place Throttle control in FAST 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.
WARNING
Before performing any type of maintenance/service, disengage all controls and stop the engine. Wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop. Disconnect spark
plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting. Always wear safety glasses during operation or while performing any adjustments or repairs.
This section addresses minor service issues. To locate the nearest authorized service center consult the separate supplement sheet for contact information.
