Troubleshooting
Problem
The engine does not start.
The engine starts hard or loses power.
The engine runs rough.
The machine or engine vibrates
excessively.
The cutting pattern is uneven.
The discharge chute plugs up.
The machine does not self-propel.
Possible Cause
1. The fuel tank is empty or the fuel
system contains stale fuel.
2. The engine is cold and the choke was
not used.
3. The wire is not connected to the spark
plug.
4. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the
gap is incorrect.
1. The fuel tank contains stale fuel.
2. The fuel cap vent hole is plugged.
3. The air filter element is dirty and is
restricting the air flow.
4. The underside of the machine housing
contains clippings and debris.
5. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the
gap is incorrect.
6. The engine oil level is low or the oil is
dirty.
1. The wire is not connected to the spark
plug.
2. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the
gap is incorrect.
3. The air filter element is dirty and is
restricting the air flow.
1. The blade is bent or is out of balance.
2. The blade mounting nuts are loose.
3. The underside of the machine housing
contains clippings and debris.
4. The engine mounting bolts are loose.
1. All 4 wheels are not at the same height.
2. The blade is dull.
3. You are mowing in the same pattern
repeatedly.
4. The underside of the machine housing
contains clippings and debris.
1. The cutting height is too low.
2. You are mowing too fast.
3. The grass is wet.
4. The underside of the machine housing
contains clippings and debris.
1. The self-propel drive cable is out of
adjustment or is damaged.
2. There is debris under the belt cover.
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Corrective Action
1. Drain and/or fill the fuel tank with
fresh gasoline. If the problem persists,
contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
2. Move the choke lever to the Choke
position.
3. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
4. Check the spark plug and adjust the
gap if necessary. Replace the spark
plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
1. Drain and fill the fuel tank with fresh
gasoline.
2. Clean the fuel cap vent hole or replace
the fuel cap.
3. Clean the air filter pre-cleaner and/or
replace the paper air filter.
4. Clean under the machine housing.
5. Check the spark plug and adjust the
gap if necessary. Replace the spark
plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
6. Check the engine oil. Change the oil if
it is dirty or add oil if it is low
1. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
2. Check the spark plug and adjust the
gap if necessary. Replace the spark
plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
3. Clean the air filter pre-cleaner and/or
replace the paper air filter.
1. Balance the blade. If the blade is bent,
replace it.
2. Tighten the blade mounting nuts.
3. Clean under the machine housing.
4. Tighten the engine mounting bolts.
1. Place all 4 wheels at the same height.
2. Sharpen and balance the blade.
3. Change the mowing pattern.
4. Clean under the machine housing.
1. Raise the cutting height.
2. Slow down.
3. Allow the grass to dry before mowing.
4. Clean the underside of the machine
housing.
1. Adjust the self-propel drive cable.
Replace the cable if necessary.
2. Clean the debris from under the belt
cover.