Trouble Shooting - MTD 11A-433E500 Owner's Manual

PROBLEM
Engine fails to start
Engine runs erratic
Engine overheats
Idles poorly
Excessive vibration
Mower will not mulch grass
Uneven cut
Wheels will not propel
NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed above, contract your nearest authorized
service dealer.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

POSSIBLE CAUSE(S)
1. Blade control handle disengaged.
2. Spark plug wire disconnected.
3. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
4. Blocked fuel line.
5. Faulty spark plug.
6. Engine flooded.
1. Spark plug wire loose.
2. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
3. Vent in gas plugged.
4. Water or dirt in fuel system.
5. Dirty air cleaner.
6. Carburetor out of adjustment.
1. Engine oil level low.
2. Air flow restricted.
3. Carburetor not adjusted prop-
erly.
1. Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap
too wide.
2. Carburetor improperly adjusted.
3. Dirty air cleaner.
1. Cutting blade loose or unbal-
anced.
2. Bent cutting blade..
1. Wet grass.
2. Excessively high grass.
3. Dull blade.
1. Wheels not positioned correctly.
2. Dull blade.
1. Belt not installed properly.
2. Debris clogging drive operation.
22
CORRECTIVE ACTION
1. Engage blade control handle.
2. Connect spark plug wire.
3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Clean the fuel line.
5. Clean, adjust gap or replace.
6. Wait a few minutes to restart, but
do not prime.
1. Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
2. Clean the fuel line; fill the tank with
clean, fresh gasoline.
3. Clear vent.
4. Drain the fuel tank and carburetor.
Refill with fresh fuel.
5. Clean air cleaner.
6. Adjust carburetor.
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Remove blower housing and clean.
3. Adjust carburetor.
1. Reset gap to .030" or replace spark
plug.
2. Adjust carburetor.
3. Clean air cleaner.
1. Tighten blade and adapter. Bal-
ance blade.
2. Replace blade.
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 all four wheels in same
height position.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.
1. Check belt for proper pulley instal-
lation and movement.
2. Clean out debris.