Craftsman 917.286140 Operator's Manual page 32

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART:
See appropriate section in manual unless directed to Sears service center
PROBLEM
Excessive vibration
Engine continues to
run when operator
leaves seat with
attachment clutch
engaged
Poor cut = uneven
cutting
Mower blades will
not rotate
Poor grass
discharge
10
11
12
13
14
CAUSE
Spark plug wire loose.
Dirty engine air screen/fins.
Dirty/clogged muffler.
Loose or damaged wiring.
Carburetor out of adjustment.
15 Engine valves out of adjustment.
1 Worn, bent or loose blade.
2 Bent blade mandrel.
3 Loose/damaged part(s).
Faulty operator-safety presence
control system.
1 Worn, bent or loose blade.
2 Mower deck not level.
3 Buildup of grass, leaves, and
trash under mower.
4 Bent blade mandrel.
5 Clogged mower deck vent from
build-up of grass, leaves, and
trash around mandrels.
1 Obstruction in clutch mechanism. 1
2 Worn/damaged mower drive belt 2
3 Frozen idler pulley. 3
4 Frozen blade mandrel. 4
Engine speed too slow.
Travel speed too fast.
Wet grass.
Mower deck not level.
Low/uneven tire air pressure.
Worn, bent or loose blade.
CORRECTION
lO Connect and tighten spark plug
wire.
11 Clean engine air screen/fins.
12 Clean/replace muffler.
13 Check all wiring.
14 See "To Adjust Carburetor" in
Service and Adjustments section.
15 Contact a Sears or other qualified
service center.
1 Replace blade. Tighten blade bolt.
2 Contact a Sears or other
qualified service center.
3 Tighten loose part(s).
Replace damaged parts.
1 Check wiring, switches and
connections. If not corrected,
contact a Sears or other
1 Replace blade. Tighten blade bolt.
2 Level mower deck.
3 Clean underside of mower
housing.
4 Contact a Sears or other
qualified service center.
5 Clean around mandrels to
open vent holes.
Remove obstruction.
Replace mower drive belt.
Replace idler pulley.
Contact a Sears or other
qualified service center.
Place throttle control in "FAST"
position.
Shift to slower speed.
Allow grass to dry before mowing.
Level mower deck.
Check tires for proper PSI.
Replace/sharpen blade. Tighten
blade bolt.
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