Troubleshooting
Problem
Engine Fails to start
Engine runs erratic
Engine overheats
Occasional skips
(hesitates) at
high speed
Idles poorly
Excessive Vibration
Mower will not
mulch grass †
Uneven cut
† If Applicable
Cause
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. 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. 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. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
2. Bent cutting blade.
1. Wet grass.
2. Excessively high grass.
3. Dull blade.
1. Wheels not positioned correctly.
2. Dull blade.
Remedy
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.
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.
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Clean area around and on top of engine.
1. Adjust spark plug gap. Refer to engine
manual.
1. Reset gap to .030" or replace spark plug.
2. Refer to engine manual.
1. Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.
2. See an authorized service dealer.
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.
1. Place front and rear wheels in same height
position. (Dual lever height adjusters only)
2. Sharpen or replace blade.
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