Troubleshooting
8
18
Problem
Cause
Remedy
Engine Fails to start
1.
Blade control disengaged.
2. Spark plug boot disconnected.
3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
4.
Engine not primed (if equipped with primer).
5. Faulty spark plug.
6.
Blocked fuel line.
7. Engine flooded.
8. Fuel valve (if equipped) closed.
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. Prime engine as instructed in the Operation
section.
5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
6.
Clean fuel line.
7. Wait a few minutes to restart, but do not
prime.
8.
Open fuel valve. See engine manual.
9.
Choke engine. See engine manual.
Engine runs erratic
1.
Spark plug boot 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.
6. Unit running with CHOKE (if equipped)
applied.
1.
Connect and tighten spark plug boot.
2. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh
gasoline.
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.
Excessive Vibration
1.
Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
2. Bent cutting blade.
1.
Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.
2. See an authorized service dealer.
Mower will not
mulch grass †
1.
Wet grass.
2. Excessively high grass.
3. Dull blade.
1.
Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until
later to cut.
2. Mow once at a high cutting height, then
mow again at desired height or make a
narrower cutting path.
3. Sharpen or replace blade.
Uneven cut
1.
Wheels not positioned correctly.
2. Dull blade.
1.
Place front and rear wheels in same height
position.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.
† If Equipped
