Troubleshooting - Craftsman CMXGMAM1125505 Instruction Manual

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.
This section addresses minor service issues. To locate the nearest Service Center or to schedule service, call the following toll free number:
1-888-331-4569.
Problem
1. Blade control disengaged.
Engine Fails to start
2. Fuel valve is OFF (if equipped with fuel valve).
3. Spark plug boot disconnected.
4. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
5. Engine not primed (If equipped with primer).
6. Faulty spark plug.
7. Engine flooded.
8. Blocked fuel line.
Engine runs erratic 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.
Engine overheats 1. Engine oil level low.
2. Air flow restricted.
Occasional skips (hesitates) 1. Spark plug gap too close.
Idles poorly 1. Spark plug fouled, faulty, or gap too wide.
2. Dirty air cleaner.
Excessive vibration 1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
2. Bent cutting blade.
Mower will not mulch grass 1. Wet grass.
2. Excessively high grass.
3. Dull blade.
Uneven cut 1. Dull blade.
Mower will not self propel 1. Belt not installed properly.
2. Debris clogging drive operation.
3. Damaged or worn belt.
4. Drive control out of adjustment.
High pullback effort 1. Pulling mower backwards before transmission

TROUBLESHOOTING

Cause
disengages.
WARNING
1. Engage blade control.
2. Move the fuel valve lever to ON.
3. Connect wire to spark boot.
4. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
5. Prime engine as instructed in the Operation section.
6. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
7. Wait a few minutes to restart.
8. Contact your 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 Engine Manual.
6. Contact your 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 Engine Manual.
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. 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 replace belt.
4. Adjust drive control. See Drive Control Adjustment in Assembly section.
1. Allow the unit to roll forward slightly without the drive lever(s) engaged
before pulling backwards.
18
Remedy