Operation Manual

Problem Cause Remedy
Engine fails to start  
2. Spark plug wire disconnected
3. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel
 Choke not activated
5. Faulty spark plug
 Blown fuse
7. Engine flooded
8. Parking brake not engaged
 Deck chute, mulch plug or chute tube not
poperly installed.
 Place blade engage lever in disengaged

2. Connect wire to spark plug.
3. Fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days
old) gas.
 
5. Clean, adjust gap or replace plug.
 Replace fuse(s)
7. Crank engine with throttle in FAST position.
8. Engage parking brake.
 Check the installation of the deck chute,
mulch plug or chute tube.
Engine runs erratic  
2. Spark plug wires loose.
3. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
 Vent in gas cap plugged.
5. Water or dirt in fuel system.
 Dirty air cleaner.
 
position.
2. Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
3. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh
gasoline and replace fuel filter
 Clear vent or replace cap if damaged.
5. Drain fuel tank. Refill with clean, fresh
gasoline.
 Replace air cleaner paper element or clean
foam precleaner.
Engine overheats  Engine oil level low.
2. Air flow restricted.
 Fill crankcase with proper amount and
weight of oil.
2. Clean grass clippings and debris from around

Engine hesitates at high
RPM
 Spark plug gap too close.  Remove spark plug and reset the gap.
Engine Idles rough  Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too wide.
2. Dirty air cleaner.
 Replace spark plug. Set plug gap.
2. Replace air cleaner element and/or clean
pre-cleaner.
Excessive vibration  Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
2. Damaged or bent cutting blade.
 Tighten blade and spindle. Balance blade.
2. Replace blade.
Mower will not mulch grass  Engine speed too low.
2. Wet grass.
3. Excessively high grass.
 Dull blade.
 Place throttle in FAST (rabbit) position.
2. Do not mulch when grass is wet.
3. Mow once at a high cutting height, then
mow again at desired height or make a
narrower cutting swath.
 Sharpen or replace blade.
Uneven cut  Deck not leveled properly.
2. Dull blade.
3. Uneven tire pressure.
 Perform side-to-side deck adjustment.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.
3. Check tire pressure in all four tires.
Troubleshooting
8
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