MTD 580 Series Operator's Manual page 18

SECTION 14: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
Trouble Possible Cause(s)
Engine fails to Blade control handle disengaged.
start Spark plug wire disconnected.
Dirty aircleaner.
Primer button not depressed.
Throttle control lever not in correct
starting position (if so equipped).
Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
Blocked fuel line (if so equipped).
Faulty spark plug.
Engine flooded.
Engine runs Unit running in START position.
erratic Spark plug wire loose.
Blocked fuel line (if so equipped) or
stale fuel.
Vent in gas cap plugged.
Water or dirt in fuel system.
Dirty air cleaner.
Carburetor out of adjustment.
Engine Engine oil level low.
overheats Dirty aircleaner.
Air flow restricted.
Carburetor not adjusted properly.
Occasional Spark plug gap too close.
skip (hesitates) Carburetor idle mixture adjustment
at high speed improperly set.
Idles poorly Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too
wide.
Carburetor improperly adjusted.
Dirty air cleaner.
Excessive Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
vibration Bent cutting blade.
Mower will not Engine speed too low.
mulch grass Wet grass.
Excessively high grass.
Uneven cut Wheels not positioned correctly.
Dull blade.
Wheels will not Belt not installed properly.
propel** Debris clogging mechanism.
**Self-propelled models only
Note: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments above, contact your local authorized service dealer.
Corrective Actions
Engage blade control handle.
Connect wire to spark plug.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Move throttle lever to FAST or START position.
Fill tank with clean fresh gasoline. Fuel will not last over thirty
days unless a fuel stabilizer is used.
Clean fuel line.
Clean, adjust gap or replace.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Move throttle lever to FAST position.
Connect and tighten spark plug wire. Check spark plug for
fouling.
Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. Fuel will
not last over thirty days unless a fuel stabilizer is added.
Clear vent or threads or replace.
Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Fill crankcase with proper oil.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire. Remove blower
housing and clean.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit or see an
authorized service dealer.*
Adjust gap to .030".
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Reset gap to .030" or replace spark plug.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.
See an authorized service dealer.
Set throttle between 3/4 and full throttle.
Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until later to cut.
Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again at
desired height or make a narrower cutting swath (1/2 width).
Place all four wheels in same height position.
Sharpen or replace blade.
Check belt for proper pulley installation and movement.
Clean out debris.
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