Troubleshooting - MTD 1R61RU Operator's Manual

Troubleshooting

Problem
Engine Fails to start
Engine runs erratic
Engine overheats
Occasional skips
(hesitates) at
high speed
Idles poorly
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Cause
1. Blade control disengaged (lawn mower only).
2. Spark plug boot disconnected.
3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
4. Fuel shut-off valve closed (if equipped).
5. Engine not primed (if equipped with primer).
6. Faulty spark plug.
7. Reduced fuel flow/Blocked fuel filter.
8. Engine flooded.
9. Engine not choked (if equipped with choke).
1. Spark plug boot loose.
2. Reduced fuel flow/Blocked fuel filter.
3. Vent in gas cap plugged (if equipped).
4. Water or dirt in fuel system.
5. Dirty air cleaner.
6. Unit running with CHOKE (if equipped)
applied.
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.
Remedy
1. Engage blade control.
2. Connect wire to spark boot.
3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Turn on fuel shut-off valve.
5. Prime engine as instructed in the Operation
section.
6. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
7. Replace fuel filter as instructed in the
Maintenance section.
8. Wait a few minutes to restart, but do not
prime.
9. Choke engine. See engine manual.
1. Connect and tighten spark plug boot.
2. Replace fuel filter as instructed in the
Maintenance section.
3. Clear vent.
4. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
5. Refer to Maintenance section.
6. Push CHOKE knob in.
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Clean area around and on top of engine.
1. Adjust gap to .030".
1. Reset gap to .030" or replace spark plug.
2. Refer to Maintenance section.
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