Troubleshooting - MTD Model 588Q Operator's Manual

Wheels
• Lubricate the wheels and bearings, if so equipped,
at least once a season with light oil or engine oil.
Also, if the wheels are removed for any reason,
lubricate the surface of the pivot arm axle and the
inner surface of the wheel with light oil.
Rear Discharge Door
• Lubricate the torsion spring and the pivot point on
each end of the rear discharge door using a light oil.
This will prevent rusting of the discharge door.
Engine Care
WARNING:
Make sure to avoid muffler and
surrounding areas while the mower engine is
hot because temperature of these areas of the
engine may exceed 150
Follow the accompanying engine manual for detailed
list and instructions.
SECTION 8: TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem
Engine fails to start
Engine runs erratic
Engine overheats
Occasional skip (hesitates) at
high speed
Idles poorly
Excessive vibration
Mower will not mulch grass
Uneven cut
F.
o
Cause
1. Blade control handle disengaged.
2. Spark plug wire disconnected.
3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
4. Blocked fuel line.
5. Faulty spark plug.
6. Engine flooded
1. Spark plug wire loose.
2. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
3. Vent in gas plugged.
4. Water or dirt in fuel system.
5. Dirty air cleaner.
6. Carburetor out of adjustment.
1. Engine oil level low.
2. Air flow restricted.
3. Carburetor not adjusted properly.
1. Spark plug gap too close.
1. Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too wide.
2. Carburetor improperly adjusted.
3. Dirty air cleaner.
1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
2. Bent cutting blade.
1. Wet grass.
2. Excessively high grass.
3. Dull blade.
1. Wheels not positioned correctly.
2. Dull blade.
Off-Season Storage
The following steps should be taken to prepare your
lawn mower for storage.
• Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described
in the lubrication instructions.
We do not recommend the use of a
IMPORTANT:
pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.
• Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage
instructions.
• Coat mower's cutting blade with chassis grease to
prevent rusting.
• 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 a
poorly ventilated 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.
1. Engage blade control handle.
2. Connect wire to spark plug.
3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Clean fuel line.
5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
6. Wait a few minutes to restart, but do not
prime.
1. Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
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. Refer to engine manual.
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Remove blower housing and clean.
3. Refer to engine manual.
1. Adjust gap to.030".
1. Reset gap to.030" or replace spark plug.
2. Refer to engine manual.
3. Clean air cleaner.
1. Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.
2. Replace blade.
1. Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until later
to cut.
2. Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow
again at desired height or make a narrower
cutting path.
3. Sharpen or replace blade.
1. Place all four wheels in same height position.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.
13
Remedy