Section 10: Troubleshooting - MTD White Outdoor GT2550 Operator's Manual

SECTION 10: TROUBLESHOOTING

Trouble
Engine fails to start
Engine runs erratic
Engine overheats
Engine hesitates at high
RPM
Idles poorly
Excessive vibration
Mower will not mulch
grass
Uneven cut
Possible Cause(s)
1. PTO knob engaged.
2. Parking brake not engaged.
3. Spark plug wire(s) disconnected.
4. Throttle control lever not in
correct starting position.
5. Choke not activated
6. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
7. Blocked fuel line.
8. Faulty spark plug.
9. Engine flooded.
1. Unit running on CHOKE.
2. Spark plug wire(s) loose.
3. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
4. Vent in gas cap plugged.
5. Water or dirt in fuel system.
6. Dirty air cleaner.
1. Engine oil level low.
2. Air flow restricted.
1. Spark plug(s) gap too close.
1. Spark plug(s) fouled, faulty or
gap too wide.
2. Dirty air cleaner.
1. Blade loose or unbalanced.
2. Damaged or bent cutting blade.
1. Engine speed too low.
2. Wet grass.
3. Excessively high grass.
4. Dull blade.
1. Deck not balanced properly.
2. Dull blade.
3. Uneven tire pressure.
Corrective Action
1. Place PTO knob in disengaged (OFF) position.
2. Engage parking brake.
3. Connect wire(s) to spark plug.
4. Place throttle lever to FAST position.
5. Pull out the CHOKE control.
6. Fill tank with clean, fresh gas.
7. Clean fuel line or replace fuel filter, if equipped.
8. Clean, adjust gap or replace plug.
9. Crank engine with throttle in FAST position.
1. Push CHOKE control in.
2. Connect and tighten spark plug wire(s).
3. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh gas.
Replace fuel filter, if so equipped.
4. Clear vent or replace cap if damaged.
5. Drain fuel tank. Refill with clean, fresh gasoline.
6. Replace air cleaner cartridge/element or clean
pre-cleaner, if so equipped.
1. Fill crankcase with proper capacity and weight
of engine oil.
2. Clean grass clippings and debris from around
the engine's cooling fins and blower housing.
1. Remove spark plug(s) and reset the gap to
.030" .
1. Replace spark plug(s). Set plug(s) gap to .030".
2. Replace air cleaner cartridge/element or clean
pre-cleaner, if so equipped.
1. Tighten blade and spindle. Balance blade.
2. Replace blade.
1. Place throttle in FAST (rabbit) position.
2. Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until later to
cut.
3. Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow
again at desired height or make a narrower
cutting swath.
4. Sharpen or replace blade.
1. Perform side-to-side deck adjustment.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.
3. Check tire pressure in all four tires.
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