Troubleshooting; Engine Oil - Craftsman 247.20438 SERIES Operator's Manual

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.
This section addresses minor service issues. To locate the nearest Sears Service Center or to schedule service, simply contact Sears
at 1-888-331-4569.
Problem
Engine fails to start
Engine runs erratically
Engine overheats
Engine hesitates at high RPMs 1.
Engine idles poorly
Excessive vibration
Mower will not mulch grass
Uneven cut

TROUBLESHOOTING

WARNING
Cause
1. PTO/Blade Engage knob engaged.
2. Parking brake not engaged.
3. Spark plug wire disconnected.
4. Throttle control lever not in correct starting
position.
5. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
6. Blocked fuel line.
7. Faulty spark plug.
8. Engine flooded.
9. Fuse(s) blown.
1. Tractor running with Choke activated.
2. Spark plug wires loose.
3. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
4. Vent in gas cap plugged.
5. Water or dirt in fuel system.
6. Dirty air cleaner.
1. Engine oil level low
2. Air flow restricted
Spark plug gap set too close
1. Fouled spark plug
2. Dirty air cleaner
1. Cutting blades loose or unbalanced
2. Damaged, dull, or bent cutting blade
1. Engine speed too low.
2. Wet grass.
3. Excessively high grass.
4. Dull blade.
1. Deck not leveled properly.
2. Dull blade.
3. Uneven tire pressure.
1. Place knob in disengaged (OFF) position.
2. Engage parking brake.
3. Connect wire to spark plug.
4. Place Throttle lever to FAST position.
5. Fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days old) gas.
6. Replace fuel line. See a Sears or other qualified
service dealer. Replace fuel filter. See the Service
and Maintenance section.
7. Clean, adjust gap or replace plug.
8. Crank engine with throttle in FAST position.
9. Replace fuse.
1. Check that the electric choke is working. See a
Sears or other qualified service dealer.
2. Connect and tighten spark plug wires.
3. Replace fuel line. See a Sears or other qualified service
dealer. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline and replace
fuel filter. See the Service and Maintenance section.
4. Clear vent or replace cap if damaged.
5. Drain fuel tank. Refill with clean, fresh gasoline. See
the Service and Maintenance section.
6. Clean or replace air cleaner paper element or clean
foam pre-cleaner.
1. Fill engine with proper amount and type of oil.
2. Clean grass clippings and debris from around the
engine's cooling fins and blower housing.
1. Remove spark plug and adjust gap.
1. Replace spark plug and adjust gap.
2. Clean or replace air cleaner element and/or clean
pre-cleaner.
1. Tighten blade and spindle. Balance blade.
2. Replace blade.
1. Place Throttle control in FAST (rabbit) position.
2. Do not mulch when grass is wet.
3. Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again
at desired height or make a narrower cutting swath.
4. Sharpen or replace blade.
1. Perform side-to-side deck adjustment.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.
3. Check tire pressure in all four tires.
28
Remedy