Troubleshooting - MTD 500 Series Operator's Manual

SECTION10: TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem Cause Remedy
Engine fails to start 1. Blade control handle disengaged. 1. Engage blade control handle.
2. Spark plug wire disconnected. 2. Connect wire to spark plug.
3. Fueltankemptyorstalefuel. 3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Blocked fuel line. 4. Clean fuel line.
5. Faulty spark plug. 5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
6. Engine flooded 6. Waitatewminutestorestart, butdonot
prime.
Engine runs erratic 1. Spark plug wire loose. 1. Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
2. BlockedtuelUneorstaletuel. 2. Clean fuel line; filltank with clean, fresh
gasoline
3. Vent in gas plugged. 3. Clear vent.
4. Water or dirt in fuel system. 4. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
5. Dirty air cleaner. 5. Clean air cleaner.
6, Carburetor out of adjustment. 6. Adjust carburetor.
Engine overheats 1. Engine oillevel low. 1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Air flow restricted. 2. Remove blower housing and clean.
3. Carburetor not adjusted propedy. 3. Adjust carburetor.
Occasionalskip(hesitates) 1. Sparkpluggaptooclose. 1. Adjust gap to .030".
at high speed
Idles poody 1. Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too 1. Reset gap to .030" or replace spark
wide. plug.
2. Carburetor improperly adjusted. 2. Adjust carburetor.
3. Dirty air cleaner. 3. Clean air cleaner.
Excessive vibration 1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced. 1. Tighten blade and adapter. Balance
blade.
2. Bent cutting blade. 2. Replace blade.
Mower will not mulch grass 1. Wetgrass. 1. Do not mow when grass is wet; wait
until later to cut.
2. Excessively high grass. 2. Mow once at a high cutting height,then
mow again at desired height or make a
narrower cutting path.
3. Dull blade. 3. Sharpen or replace blade.
Uneven cut 1. Wheels not positioned correctly. 1. Place all four wheels in same height
position.
2. Dull I_lade. 2. Sharpen or replace blade.
NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed above, contact your nearest authorized service dealer.
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