Troubleshooting - Craftsman CX Series Operator's Manual

Problem
Engine fails to start
Engine runs erratic
Engine overheats
Occasional skips (hesitates)
Idles poorly
Excessive vibration
Mower will not mulch grass
Uneven cut
Wheels will not propel
High pullback effort

TROUBLESHOOTING

WARNING
Before performing any type of maintenance/service, disengage all
controls and stop the engine. Wait until all moving parts have come to
a complete stop. Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it against the
engine to prevent unintended starting. Always wear safety glasses during
operation or while performing any adjustments or repairs.
Cause
1. Blade control disengaged.
2. Spark plug boot disconnected.
3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
4. Faulty spark plug.
5. Engine flooded.
6. Blocked fuel line.
1. Spark plug boot loose.
2. Stale fuel.
3. Vent in gas cap plugged.
4. Water or dirt in fuel system.
5. Dirty air cleaner.
6. Blocked fuel line.
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.
1. Belt not installed properly.
2. Debris clogging drive operation.
3. Damaged or worn belt.
4. Drive control out of adjustment.
1. Pulling mower backwards before transmis-
sion disengages.
1. Engage blade control.
2. Connect wire to spark boot.
3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
5. Wait a few minutes to restart.
6. Contact your Sears Parts & Repair Center to have
fuel line cleaned.
1. Connect and tighten spark plug boot.
2. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
3. Clear vent.
4. Run engine until it stops from lack of fuel. Refill with
fresh fuel.
5. Refer to Air Cleaner in Engine Maintenance section.
6. Contact your Sears Parts & Repair Center to have
fuel line cleaned.
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.
7. Refer to Air Cleaner in Engine Maintenance section.
1. Tighten blade and adapter. Balance 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. Adjust cutting height lever on right front and right
rear wheel to same position.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.
1. Checking belt for proper pulley installation and
movement.
2. Clean out debris.
3. Inspect and replace belt.
4. Adjust drive control. See Drive Control in Assembly
section.
1. Allow the unit to roll forward slightly without the drive
lever(s) engaged before pulling backwards.
19
Remedy