Troubleshooting - MTD 260 Series Operator's Manual

Troubleshooting

Problem
Engine Fails to start
Engine runs erratic
Engine overheats
Occasional skips
(hesitates) at
high speed
Idles poorly
Excessive Vibration
Poor Trimming Performance
14
Cause
1. Control lever disengaged.
2. Spark plug boot disconnected.
3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
4. Engine not primed (if equipped with primer).
5. Faulty spark plug.
6. Blocked fuel line.
7. Engine flooded.
8. Fuel valve (if equipped) closed.
9. Engine not choked (if equipped with choke).
1. Spark plug boot loose.
2. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
3. Vent in gas cap plugged.
4. Water or dirt in fuel system.
5. Dirty air cleaner.
6. Unit running with CHOKE (if equipped)
applied.
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. Spindle wing nuts loose.
2. Spindle damaged.
1. Trimmer line too short or worn.
2. Worn or damaged spindle belt.
Remedy
1. Engage control lever.
2. Connect wire to spark boot.
3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Prime engine as instructed in the Operation
section.
5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
6. Clean fuel line.
7. Wait a few minutes to restart, but do not
prime.
8. Open fuel valve. See engine manual.
9. Choke engine. See engine manual.
1. Connect and tighten spark plug boot.
2. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh
gasoline.
3. Clear vent.
4. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
5. Refer to engine manual.
6. Push CHOKE knob in.
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.
2. Refer to engine manual.
1. Tighten wing nuts.
2. See an authorized service dealer.
1. Replace trimmer line.
2. Replace spindle belt.
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