Troubleshooting - MTD Yard-Man 12A-559K401 Operator's Manual

SECTION 11: TROUBLE-SH00TING G UIDE
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION
Engine fails to start
Engine runs erratic
1. Blade control handle disengaged
2. Spark plug wire disconnected
3. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel
4. Blocked fuel line
5. Faulty spark plug
6. Engine flooded
1. Spark plug wire loose
2. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel
3. Vent in gas cap plugged
4. Water or dirt in fuel system
5. Dirty air cleaner
1. Engage blade control handle
2. Connect wire to spark plug
3. Fill up tank with fresh gasoline
4. Clean fuel line
5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace
6. Wait a few minutes to restart, Do not
prime.
1. Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
2. Clean fuel line, fill tank with clean,
fresh gasoline.
3. Clear vent.
4. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
5. Clean air cleaner. Refer to engine
manual.
Fill crankcase with proper oil.
Clean lawn mower engine.
Adjust gap to.030 inches.
Engine overheats 1. Engine oil level low 1.
2. Air flow restricted 2.
Occasional skip 1. Spark plug gap too close 1.
(hesitates) at high
speed
Idles poorly 1. Spark plug fouled, faulty, or gap too wide 1. Reset gap to.030 inches or replace
2. Dirty air cleaner spark plug.
2. Clean aircleaner.
Excessive vibration 1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced 1. Tighten blade and adapter, balance
2. Bent cutting blade blade.
3. Bent engine crankshaft 2. Replace blade.
3. Contact your nearest service center
Mower will not 1. Engine speed too low 1. Wait until grass is dry to cut.
mulch grass 2. Wet grass 2. Mow once at a high cutting height,
3. Excessively high grass then mow again at desired height.
4. Dull blade 3. Sharpen or replace blade.
Uneven cut 1. Wheels not in same height position 1. Reposition all wheels at same height.
2. Dull blade 2. Sharpen or replace blade.
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