Troubleshooting - Craftsman 247.397900 Operator's Manual

This section addresses minor service issues. To locate the nearest Sears Service Center or to schedule service, call the following toll free number: 1-888-
331-4569.
Problem
Engine fails to start
Engine runs erratic
Engine overheats
Occasional skips (hesitates)
Idles poorly
Excessive vibration
Mower will not mulch grass
Uneven cut
Mower will not self propel
High pullback effort

TROUBLESHOOTING

Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent
unintended starting. 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. Always wear safety glasses during operation
or while performing any adjustments or repairs.
Cause
1. Spark plug boot disconnected.
2. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
3. Engine not primed (If equipped with primer).
4. Faulty spark plug.
5. Engine flooded.
6. Blocked fuel line.
1. Spark plug boot loose.
2. Stale fuel.
3. Vent in gas cap plugged.
4. Water or dirt in fuel system.
5. Dirty air cleaner.
6. Blocked fuel line.
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. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
2. Bent/damaged cutting blade.
1. Wet grass.
2. Excessively high grass.
3. Dull blade.
1. Dull blade.
1. Belt not installed properly.
2. Debris clogging drive operation.
3. Damaged or worn belt.
1. Pulling mower backwards before transmission
disengages.
WARNING
1. Connect wire to spark boot.
2. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
3. Prime engine as instructed in the Operation section.
4. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
5. Wait a few minutes to restart.
6. Contact your Sears Parts & Repair Center to have fuel line
cleaned.
1. Connect and tighten spark plug boot.
2. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
3. Clear vent.
4. Run engine until it stops from lack of fuel. Refill with fresh fuel.
5. Refer to Air Cleaner Maintenance in the Engine Manual.
6. Contact your Sears Parts & Repair Center to have fuel line
cleaned.
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Clean area around and on top of engine.
1. Adjust gap. Refer to Spark Plug Maintenance in Engine Manual.
1. Reset gap or replace spark plug.
2. Refer to Air Cleaner Maintenance in the Engine Manual.
1. Tighten blade. Balance blade.
2. Replace blade.
1. Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until dry 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. Sharpen or replace blade.
1. Check belt for proper pulley installation and movement.
2. Stop engine, disconnect spark plug boot, and clean out debris.
3. Inspect and, if necessary, see your Sears Parts & Repair Center to
have belt replaced.
1. Allow the unit to roll forward slightly without the drive lever(s)
engaged before pulling backwards.
18
Remedy