Troubleshooting - Cub Cadet Series 1500 1515 Operator's Manual

SECTION 11: TROUBLESHOOTING
Trouble Corrective Action
Engine fails to start
Engine runs erratic
Possible Cause(s)
PTO knob engaged.
Parking brake not engaged.
Spark plug wire(s) disconnected.
Throttle control lever not in correct
starting position.
Choke not activated
Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
Blocked fuel line.
Faulty spark plug.
Engine flooded.
Unit running with CHOKE applied.
Spark plug wire loose.
Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
Vent in gas cap plugged.
Water or dirt in fuel system.
Dirty air cleaner.
Engine oil level low.
Air flow restricted.
Engine overheats
Engine hesitates at high RPM Spark plug gap too close.
Idles poorly Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too
wide.
Dirty air cleaner.
Excessive vibration Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
Damaged or bent cutting blade.
Mower will not mulch grass Engine speed too low.
Wet grass.
Excessively high grass.
Dull blade.
Uneven cut Deck not balanced properly.
Dull blade.
Uneven tire pressure.
Place knob in disengaged (OFF) position.
Engage parking brake.
Connect wire to spark plug.
Place throttle lever to FAST position.
Pull out the CHOKE control.
Fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days old) gas.
Clean fuel line or replace fuel filter.
Clean, adjust gap to .040" or replace plug.
Crank engine with throttle in FAST position.
Push CHOKE control in.
Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30
days old) gasoline. Replace fuel filter, if so equipped.
Clear vent or replace cap if damaged.
Drain fuel tank. Refill with clean, fresh (less than 30
days old) gasoline.
Replace air cleaner paper element or clean foam pre-
cleaner.
Fill crankcase with proper capacity and weight of oil.
Clean grass clippings and debris from around the
engine's cooling fins and blower housing.
Remove spark plug and reset the gap to .040".
Replace spark plug. Set plug gap to .040".
Replace air cleaner cartridge/element or clean pre-
cleaner.
Tighten blade and spindle. Balance blade.
Replace blade.
Place throttle in FAST (rabbit) position.
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.
Sharpen or replace blade.
Perform side-to-side deck adjustment.
Sharpen or replace blade.
Check tire pressure in all four tires.
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