Troubleshooting
Problem
The engine does not start
The engine starts hard or loses power
The engine runs rough
The mower or engine vibrates excessively
There is an uneven cutting pattern
The mower does not self-propel
Possible Cause
1. The wire is not connected to the spark
plug.
2. The primer has not been pressed.
3. The fuel cap vent hole is plugged.
4. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the
gap is incorrect.
5. The fuel tank is empty or the fuel
system contains stale fuel.
1. The primer has not been pressed.
2. The fuel cap vent hole is plugged.
3. The air filter element is dirty and is
restricting the air flow.
4. The underside of the mower housing
contains clippings and debris.
5. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the
gap is incorrect.
6. The engine oil level is too low, too high,
or excessively dirty.
7. The fuel tank contains stale fuel.
1. The primer has not been pressed.
2. The wire is not connected to the spark
plug.
3. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the
gap is incorrect.
4. The air filter element is dirty and is
restricting the air flow.
1. The underside of the mower housing
contains clippings and debris.
2. The engine mounting bolts are loose.
3. The blade mounting nuts are loose.
4. The blade is bent or is out of balance.
1. You are mowing in the same pattern
repeatedly.
2. All 4 wheels are not at the same height.
3. The underside of the mower housing
contains clippings and debris.
4. The blade is dull.
1. There is debris under the belt cover.
2. The self-propel drive cable is out of
adjustment or is damaged.
15
Corrective Action
1. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
2. Press the primer 3 times.
3. Clean the fuel cap vent hole or replace
the fuel cap.
4. Check the spark plug and adjust the
gap if necessary. Replace the spark
plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
5. Drain and/or fill the fuel tank with
fresh gasoline. If the problem persists,
contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
1. Press the primer 3 times.
2. Clean the fuel cap vent hole or replace
the fuel cap.
3. Clean the air filter pre-cleaner and/or
replace the paper air filter.
4. Clean under the mower housing.
5. Check the spark plug and adjust the
gap if necessary. Replace the spark
plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
6. Check the engine oil. Change the oil if
it is dirty; add or drain the oil to adjust
the oil level to the Full mark on the
dipstick.
7. Drain and fill the fuel tank with fresh
gasoline.
1. Press the primer 3 times.
2. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
3. Check the spark plug and adjust the
gap if necessary. Replace the spark
plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
4. Clean the air filter pre-cleaner and/or
replace the paper air filter.
1. Clean under the mower housing.
2. Tighten the engine mounting bolts.
3. Tighten the blade mounting nuts.
4. Balance the blade. If the blade is bent,
replace it.
1. Change the mowing pattern.
2. Place all 4 wheels at the same height.
3. Clean under the mower housing.
4. Sharpen and balance the blade.
1. Clean the debris from under the belt
cover.
2. Adjust the self-propel drive cable.
Replace the cable if necessary.