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M18 & M20
SECTION 4
TROUBLESHOOTING
When troubles occur, be sure to check the simple
1. Hydrostatic transmission is not in neutral/PTO
causes which, at first, may seem too obvious to be
drive is engaged.
considered. For example, a starting problem could be
2. Battery is discharged.
caused by an empty fuel tank.
3. Safety interlock switch is "engaged".
4. Loose or faulty wires or connections.
Some common causes of engine troubles are listed
5. Faulty key switch or ignition switch.
6.
7.
below--use this as a guide to locate causing factors.
. Faulty electric starter/starter solenoid.
Engine Cranks But Witt Not Start
. Seized intemal engine components.
1. Empty fuel tank.
2. Fuel shutoff valve closed.
Engine Runs But Misses
3. Clogged fuel line.
1. Dirt or water in fuel system.
4. Spark plug leads disconnected.
2. Spark plug leads loose.
5. Key switch or kill switch in "off" position.
3. Loose wires or connections which intermittently
6. Faulty spark plugs.
short kill terminal of ignition module to ground.
7. Faulty ignition module.
4. Carburetor improperly adjusted.
8. Dirt or water in the fuel system.
5. Engine overheating.
Engine Starts But Does Not Keep Running
6. Incorrect valve-to-tappet clearance.
1, Restricted fuel tank vent.
7. Faulty ignition module
2. Dirt or water in fuel system.
3. Faulty choke or throttle controts/cables.
Engine Will Not Idle
4, Loose wires or connections which short
1. idle speed adjusting screw improperly set.
kill terminal of ignition module to ground.
2. Dirt or water in fuel system.
5. Carburetor improperly adjusted.
3. Idle fuel adjusting screw improperly set.
6. Faulty cylinder head gaskets.
4. Restricted fuel tank vent.
7. Faulty fuel pump.
5. Faulty spark plugs.
Engine Starts Hard
6. Incorrect valve-to-tappet clearance.
1. Hydrostatic transmission is not in neutral/PTO
7. Low compression.
8. Stale fuel and/or gum in carburetor.
drive is engaged.
2. Loose wires or connections.
3. Dirt or water in fuel system.
Engine Overheats
4. Clogged or restricted fuel lines.
1. Grass screen, cooling fins, or shrouding
5. Faulty choke or throttle controls/cables.
clogged.
7. Carburetor improperly adjusted.
3. Low crankcase oil level.
8. Incorrect valve-to-tappet clearance.
4. High crankcase oil level.
9. Low compression.
5. Carburetor improperly adjusted.
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