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ENG - 16
Troubleshooting
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSE(S)
SOLUTION(S)
Engine will not start (see the
separate
Engine Owner’s Manual
for further engine troubleshooting)
1. Fuel tank is empty
2. Blade control lever is not depressed
3. Engine not primed
4. Spark plug wire disconnected
5. Fouled spark plug
6. Clogged air filter
7. Engine is flooded
8. Clogged fuel filter
9. Blocked fuel line
10. Stale or contaminated fuel
11. Other
1. Add fresh fuel.
2. Grasp and hold blade control lever firmly against
handle while pulling starter rope handle.
3. Prime engine, see
Engine Owner’s Manual
.
4. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.
5. Service spark plug, see
Engine Owner’s Manual
.
6. Service air filter, see
Engine Owner’s Manual
.
7. Wait a few minutes and restart engine without
priming.
8. Remove fuel filter. Inspect. Replace if
necessary. See
Engine Owner’s Manual
.
9. Clear or replace fuel line. See
Engine Owner’s
Manual
.
10. Drain fuel tank. Clean fuel tank. Fill with fresh
fuel. See
Engine Owner’s Manual
.
11. Take unit to an authorized service center.
Engine runs rough
1. Loose spark plug wire
2. Fouled spark plug
3. Incorrect spark plug gap
4. Clogged air filter
5. Clogged vent in fuel cap
6. Clogged fuel filter
7. Partially blocked fuel line
8. Stale or contaminated fuel
9. Other
1. Securely attach spark plug wire to spark plug
2. Service spark plug. See
Engine Owner’s Manual
.
3. Service spark plug. See
Engine Owner’s Manual
.
4. Service air filter. See
Engine Owner’s Manual
.
5. Clear vent in fuel cap.
6. Remove fuel filter. Inspect. Replace if
necessary. See
Engine Owner’s Manual
.
7. Clear or replace fuel line. See
Engine Owner’s
Manual
.
8. Drain fuel tank. Clean fuel tank. Fill with fresh fuel.
9. Contact an authorized service center.
Low Engine Power
1. Grass too high, too thick or wet grass
2. Buildup of grass and debris under
mower deck
3. Clogged air filter
4. Engine oil level too high
5. Other
1. Raise cutting height or reduce cutting width, see
Mowing Tips
in the
Operation
section. Let grass
dry before cutting.
2. Clean debris on the underside of the mower
deck. See
Cleaning
in the
Maintenance
section.
3. Service air filter, see
Engine Owner’s Manual
.
4. Check engine oil as instructed in the
Engine
Owner’s Manual
; drain and adjust oil level as
necessary.
5. Contact an authorized service center.
Engine overheats
1. Engine oil level low
2. Clogged air filter
3. Other
1. Add engine oil as instructed in the
Engine
Owner’s Manual
.
2. Service air filter, see
Engine Owner’s Manual
.
3. Contact an authorized service center.
Excessive Vibration
1. Mower blade loose or unbalanced
2. Bent cutting blade
1. Tighten blade retaining bolt or balance blade as
instructed in
Blade Care
in the
Maintenance
section.
2. Replace with a new blade. If vibration
continues, contact an authorized service center
Rough or uneven cut
1. Wheel heights not correct
2. Dull blade
3. Buildup or grass and debris under
mower deck
1. Adjust wheel heights, see
Height Adjustment
in
the
Operation
section.
2. Replace or sharpen blade. See
Blade Care
in
the
Maintenance
section.
3. Clean debris on the underside of the mower
deck. See
Cleaning
in the
Maintenance
section.