Troubleshooting - MTD 159cc Manual Del Operador

Problem
Engine Fails to start
Engine fails to start with
electric starter
(Electric Start Units Only)
Engine runs erratic
Engine overheats
Occasional skips
(hesitates) at high speed
Idles poorly
Engine stalls with full
tank

TROUBLESHOOTING

Cause
1. Blade control disengaged (lawn mower only).
2. Spark plug boot disconnected.
3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
4. Fuel shut-off valve closed (if equipped).
5. Engine not primed (if equipped with primer).
6. Faulty spark plug.
7. Reduced fuel flow/Blocked fuel filter.
8. Engine flooded.
9. Engine not choked (if equipped with choke).
1. Electric starter push key not fully inserted.
2. Battery not charged.
3. Circuit breaker tripped.
1. Spark plug boot loose.
2. Reduced fuel flow/Blocked fuel filter.
3. Vent in gas cap plugged (if equipped).
4. Water or dirt in fuel system.
5. Dirty air cleaner.
6. Unit running with CHOKE (if equipped)
applied.
1. Engine oil level low.
2. Air flow restricted.
1. Spark plug gap too close.
1. Spark plug fouled, faulty, or gap too wide.
2. Dirty air cleaner.
1. Carbon filter in fuel cap is dirty or blocked (if
equipped).
1. Engage blade control.
2. Connect wire to spark boot.
3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Turn on fuel shut-off valve.
5. Prime engine as instructed in the Operation
section.
6. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
7. Replace fuel filter as instructed in the
Maintenance section.
8. Wait a few minutes to restart, but do not
prime.
9. Choke engine.
1. Insert electric starter push key into starter
housing until it snaps into place.
2. Charge battery. See Service section of
equipment Operator's Manual.
3. Debris may be blocking blade operation.
Stop engine, remove electric starter push
key, and disconnect spark plug boot. Verify
grass or other debris are not obstructing the
blade. Carefully clean out debris if necessary.
Reattach spark plug boot and reinsert electric
starter push key. Wait one minute after
tripping for circuit breaker to automatically
self-reset then reattempt start.
1. Connect and tighten spark plug boot.
2. Replace fuel filter as instructed in the Service
and Maintenance section.
3. Clear vent.
4. If necessary use fuel siphon to drain fuel tank.
Refill with fresh fuel.
5. Refer to Service and Maintenance section.
6. Push CHOKE knob in.
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Clean area around and on top of engine.
1. Adjust gap to .030".
1. Reset gap to .030" or replace spark plug.
2. Refer to Service and Maintenance section.
1. Replace fuel cap.
13
Remedy