Off-Season Storage; Troubleshooting - MTD 21 Operator's Manual

SECTION 8: OFF-SEASON STORAGE
The following steps should be taken to prepare lawn
mower for storage.
• Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described
in the lubrication instructions.
• Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage
instructions.
• Coat mower's cutting blade with chassis grease to
prevent rusting.
SECTION 9: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
Trouble Possible Cause(s)
Engine fails to 1. Blade control handle disengaged.
start 2. Spark plug wire disconnected.
3. Dirty aircleaner.
4. Primer button not depressed.
5. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
6. Blocked fuel line.
7. Faulty spark plug.
8. Engine flooded.
Engine runs 1. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
erratic 2. Carburetor out of adjustment.
Engine 1. Engine oil level low.
overheats 2. Dirty air cleaner.
3. Air flow restricted.
4. Carburetor not adjusted properly.
Occasional skip 1. Spark plug gap too close.
(hesitates) at 2. Carburetor idle mixture
high speed adjustment improperly set.
Idles poorly 1. Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap
too wide.
2. Carburetor not adjusted.
Excessive 1. Cutting blade loose or
vibration unbalanced.
2. Bent cutting blade.
Mower will not 1. Wet grass.
mulch grass 2. Excessively high grass.
Uneven cut 1. Wheels positioned incorrectly.
2. Dull blade.
NOTE: For repairs beyond those listed above, contact your local authorized service representative.
• Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next
to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
NOTE: When storing any type of power equipment in
an unventilated or metal storage shed, care should be
taken to rust-proof the equipment. Using a light oil or
silicone, coat the equipment, especially cables and all
moving parts.
Corrective Actions
1. Engage blade control handle.
2. Connect wire to spark plug.
3. Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
4. Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
5. Clean fuel line.
6. Clean, adjust gap or replace.
7. Refer to the engine manual.
8. Wait for a while and crank the engine.
1. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
2. Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
3. Stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire. Remove
blower housing and clean.
4. Refer to the engine manual.
1. Adjust gap to.030".
2. Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
1. Reset gap to.030" or replace spark plug.
2. Refer to the engine manual.
1. Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.
2. See an authorized service dealer.
1. Wait until later to cut.
2. Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again at
desired height.
1. Place all four wheels in same height position.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.
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