Troubleshooting Chart - Craftsman 536.885600 Operator's Manual

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
PROBLEM: The engine will not start.
1. Follow the steps, "How To Start The Engine" in this book.
2. Electric-Start Models: Clean the battery terminals. Tighten
the cables.
3. Drain the fuel tank. Clean the fuel line. Replace the fuel filter.
4. Remove the spark plug. Move the throttle to the OFF posi-
tion. Try to start the engine several times. Install the spark
plug.
5. Replace the spark plug.
PROBLEM: The engine will not turn over.
1. Follow the steps, "How To Start The Engine" in this book.
2. Electric-Start Models: Check the level of the acid in the bat-
tery. If needed, add water. Charge the battery.
3. Electric-Start Models: Replace the fuse.
4. Electric-Start Models: Check the wiring harness for damage
or a loose connection. Repair the damaged wire.
PROBLEM: The engine is difficult to start.
1. Replace the spark plug.
2. Clean or replace the air filter.
PROBLEM: The engine does not run smooth or has a
loss of power,
1. Check the oil,
2. Clean or replace the air filter.
3. Clean the air screen.
4. Replace the spark plug.
5. Replace the fuel filter.
PROBLEM: The engine does not run smooth at fast
speed,
1. Replace the spark plug.
2. Clean or replace the air filter.
PROBLEM: The engine will not idle,
1. Replace the spark plug.
2. Clean or replace the air filter.
3. Drain the fuel tank. Clean the fuel line.
PROBLEM: A hot engine causes a decrease in power,
1. Clean the air screen.
2. Check the oil.
PROBLEM: Excessive vibration.
1. Remove the blade. Check the blade and balance if neces-
sary. See the blade maintenance instructions.
2. Check for a bent or broken blade. A DAMAGED BLADE IS
DANGEROUS AND MUST BE REPLACED.
3. Check the blade adapter. REPLACE A BROKEN BLADE
ADAPTER.
4. Check for loose engine bolts.
5. Check for a damaged belt or damaged pulley. Replace the
damaged parts.
6. If the vibration continues, take the mower to a Sears Service
Center.
PROBLEM: The grass does not discharge correctly.
1. Stop the engine. Clean the mower housing.
2. Raise the height of cut.
3. Replace or sharpen the blade.
4. Move the shift lever to a slower speed.
5. Move the throttle control to the FAST position.
PROBLEM: The grass is not mulching correctly.
1. Clean the bottom of the mower housing.
2. Check for a badly worn blade. Remove and sharpen the
blade. For safety, replace the blade every two years with a
factory replacement blade.
3. Move the throttle control lever to the FAST position. Check
the speed of the engine according to the "Engine Instruction
Book".
4. The grass must be dry. If the grass is wet, it will be difficult to
cut and cause heavy clumps of grass.
5. The grass must not be too tall. Set the height adjusters so
that only the top third of the grass is cut.
PROBLEM: The grass is not cut even.
1. Check the height adjustment at each wheel. The height ad-
justment must be the same for each wheel.
2. Make sure the blade is sharp.
3. Check for a bent or broken blade. A DAMAGED BLADE IS
DANGEROUS AND MUST BE REPLACED.
4. Check for a broken blade adapter. REPLACE A BROKEN
BLADE ADAPTER.
PROBLEM: The mower blade will not rotate.
1. Check the blade drive belt. Make sure the belt is installed
correctly.
2. Replace the blade drive belt.
PROBLEM: The unit will not move forward when the
drive lever is engaged,
1. Check the motion drive belts. Make sure the belts are in-
stalled correctly.
2. Adjust the drive cable. See "How To Adjust The Drive Cable".
3. Replace the motion drive belts.
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