Southland SM2243, Operator'S Manual

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Copyright © 2014 MAT Engine Technologies, LLC

ENG - 23

Troubleshooting

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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.