Troubleshooting - MTD 12AV566M055 Operator's Manual

Troubleshooting
Problem
Engine Fails to start
Engine runs erratic
1.
2.
3.
4.
Cause
Blade control disengaged. 1.
Spark plug boot disconnected. 2.
Fuel tank empty or stale fuel. 3.
Engine not primed (if equipped with primer). 4.
Remedy
Engage blade control.
Connect wire to spark boot.
Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
Prime engine as instructed in the Operation
section.
5. Faulty spark plug.
6. Blocked fuel line.
7. Engine flooded.
8. Fuel valve (if equipped) closed.
5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
6. Clean fuel line.
7. Walta few minutes to restart, but do not
prime.
8. Open fuel valve. See engine manual.
9. Engine not choked (if equipped with choke).
1&Burnt fuse. (Electric Start only)
1. Spark plug boot loose.
2. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Vent in gas cap plugged.
Water or dirt in fuel system.
Dirty air cleaner.
Unit running with CHOKE (if equipped)
applied.
Engine oil level low.
Air flow restricted.
Spark plug gap too close.
9. Choke engine. See engine manual.
10.Replace fuse (see Service Section).
1. Connectand tighten spark plug boot.
2. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh
gasoline.
3. Clear vent.
4. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
5. Referto engine manual.
6. Push CHOKE knob in.
Engine overheats 1. 1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. 2. Clean area around and on top of engine.
Occasional skips 1. 1. Adjust gap to .030".
(hesitates) at
high speed
Idles poorly 1. Spark plug fouled, faulty, or gap too wide. 1.
2. D_rty air cleaner. 2.
Excesstve Vibration 1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced. 1.
2. Bent cutting blade. 2.
Mower will not 1. Wet grass. 1.
mulch grass
2.
3.
2. Excessively high grass.
3. Dull blade.
Reset gap to .030" or replace spark plug.
Refer to engine manual.
Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.
See an authorized service dealer.
Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until
later to cut.
Mow once at a high cutting height, then
mow again at desired height or make a
narrower cutting path.
Sharpen or replace blade.
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