MTD 608 Operator's Manual page 25

SECTION 11: TROUBLESHOOTING
Trouble Possible Cause(s) Corrective Action
Engine fails to start PTO engaged.
Engine runs erratic
Parking brake not engaged.
Spark plug wire(s) disconnected.
Throttle control lever not in correct
starting position.
Choke not activated
Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
Blocked fuel line.
Faulty spark plug.
Engine flooded.
Unit running with CHOKE applied.
Spark plug wire(s) loose.
Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
Vent in gas cap plugged.
Water or dirt in fuel system.
Dirty air cleaner.
Engine oil level low.
Air flow restricted.
Place PTO knob (or lever) in disengaged (OFF)
_osition.
Engage parking brake.
Connect wire(s) to spark plug(s).
Place throttle lever to FAST position.
Engine overheats
Engine hesitates at high RPM Spark plug(s) gap too close.
Idles poorly Spark plug(s) fouled, faulty or gap too
wide.
Dirty air cleaner. Replace air cleaner cartridge/element or clean pre-
cleaner, if so equipped.
Excessive vibration Cutting blade loose or unbalanced. Tighten blade and spindle. Balance blade.
Damaged or bent cutting blade. Replace blade.
Mower will net mulch grass Engine speed too low. Place throttle control in FAST (rabbit) position.
Wet grass. Do net mew when grass is wet; wait until later to cut.
Excessively high grass. Mew once at a high cutting height, then mow again at
desired height or make a narrower cutting swath.
Dull blade. Sharpen or replace blade.
Uneven cut Deck net balanced properly. Perform side-to-side deck adjustment.
Dull blade. Sharpen or replace blade.
Uneven tire pressure. Check tire pressure in all four tires.
Pull out the CHOKE control (if so equipped) or place the
throttle control in CHOKE position.
Fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days old) gas.
Clean fuel line or replace fuel filter, if so equipped.
Clean, adjust gap or replace plug.
Crank engine with throttle in FAST position.
Push CHOKE control (if so equipped) in, or move the
throttle control out of the CHOKE position.
Connect and tighten spark plug wire(s).
Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30
days old) gasoline. Replace fuel filter, if so equipped.
Clear vent or replace cap if damaged.
Drain fuel tank. Refill with clean, fresh (less than 30
days old) gasoline.
Replace air cleaner cartridge/element or clean pre-
cleaner, if so equipped.
Fill crankcase with proper capacity and weight of oil.
Clean grass clippings and debris from around the
engine's cooling fins and blower housing.
Remove spark plug(s) and reset the gap.
Replace spark plug(s). Set plug(s) gap.
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