MTD 14BI845H129 Operator's Manual page 54

SECTION 11: TROUBLE SHOOTING
Corrective Action Trouble
Engine will not 1.
crank
2.
3.
4.
5.
Engine cranks 1.
but will not start
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Engine smokes 1.
2.
3.
Excessive 1.
vibration
2.
Mower will not 1.
discharge grass 2.
or leaves uncut 3.
strips 4.
Possible Cause(s)
Safety switch button not
depressed.
Battery installed incorrectly.
Battery is dead or weak.
Blown fuse or circuit breaker.
1. There are two switches in the starting circuit of your unit: the clutch
pedal switch and the deck lift lever switch. Make certain the actuator
is fully depressing the buttons on each switch.
2. The battery must be installed with negative terminal attached to black
ground wire. Negative terminal is identified at the post by "NEG", "N"
or "-".The positive terminal, identified by "POS", "P" or "+", must be
attached to the big red wire which goes to the solenoid. All batteries
are to be fully charged before installing. Refer to "Quick Start" battery
guide that came with the operator's manual.
3. Check fluid level in battery. If fluid is low, fill to just below split rings
with water. Charge with 6 AMP charger until the battery is fully
charged.
4. Refer to the illustrated parts list for fuse box location. Replace fuse
with automotive type fuse. Fuses seldom fail without a reason. The
problem must be corrected. Check for loose connections in the fuse
holder. Replace fuse holder if necessary. A dead short may be in the
cranking or charging circuit where the insulation may have rubbed
through and exposed the bare wire. Replace the wire or repair with
electrician's tape if the wire strands have not been damaged.
Note: Look for a wire pinched between body panels, burned by the
exhaust pipe or muffler or rubbed against a moving part.
5. Engine should have a black ground wire running from engine to frame
or mounting bolt.
1. Check operator's manual for correct position for throttle control and
choke for starting.
2. Gasoline tank empty. Fill tank.
3. Remove and clean fuel line. Replace filter if necessary.
Engine ground wire loose.
Throttle or choke not in
starting position
No fuel to the carburetor
Fuel line or in-line fuel filter
plugged
Spark plug lead
disconnected
Faulty spark plug
Dirty air cleaner
Engine oil has been
overfilled.
Dipstick not seated and/or
broken.
Engine loses crankcase
vacuum.
Loose bolt or part.
Bent or damaged blade.
Engine speed low.
Speed selection.
Cutting height set too low.
Blades short or dull.
4. Connect lead. Hold spark plug lead away from engine block about 1/
8". Crank engine. There should be a spark. If not, have engine
repaired at authorized engine service dealer.
5. To test, remove spark plug. Attach spark plug lead to spark plug.
Ground the spark plug body against the engine block. Crank the
engine. The spark plug should fire at the electrode. Replace if it does
not.
6. Refer to the engine manual.
1. Check oil level.
2. Re-insert dipstick properly. Replace defective part if needed.
3. Engine breather defective. Replace following engine manual.
1. Stop engine immediately. Check all pulleys, blade adapters, keys and
bolts for tightness and spindle damage. Tighten or replace any
damaged parts.
2. Replace blade following instruction in this manual.
1. Throttle must be set at full throttle.
2. Use lower ground speed.
3. Raise deck.
4. Sharpen or replace blades (uncut strip problem only).
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