Troubleshooting - Craftsman M115 Instruction Manual

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
Engine fails to start
Engine runs erratic
Engine overheats
Occasional skips (hesitates)
Idles poorly
Excessive vibration
Mower will not mulch grass
Uneven cut

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. Blade control disengaged.
2. Spark plug boot disconnected.
3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
4. Engine not primed (If equipped with primer).
5. Faulty spark plug.
6. Engine flooded.
7. 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 cutting blade.
1. Wet grass.
2. Excessively high grass.
3. Dull blade.
1. Wheels not positioned correctly.
2. Dull blade.
WARNING
1. Engage blade control.
2. Connect wire to spark boot.
3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Prime engine as instructed in the Operation section.
5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
6. Wait a few minutes to restart.
7. 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 the 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 the Engine Manual.
1. Tighten blade and adapter. 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. Adjust cutting height lever on right front and right rear wheel to
same position.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.
16
Remedy