MTD 12A-559K401 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
17
SECTION 11: TROUBLE-SHOOTING GUIDE
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION
Engine fails to start 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. 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.
Engine runs erratic 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. 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.
Engine overheats 1. Engine oil level low
2. Air flow restricted
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Clean lawn mower engine.
Occasional skip
(hesitates) at high
speed
1. Spark plug gap too close 1. Adjust gap to.030 inches.
Idles poorly 1. Spark plug fouled, faulty, or gap too wide
2. Dirty air cleaner
1. Reset gap to.030 inches or replace
spark plug.
2. Clean air cleaner.
Excessive vibration 1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced
2. Bent cutting blade
3. Bent engine crankshaft
1. Tighten blade and adapter, balance
blade.
2. Replace blade.
3. Contact your nearest service center
Mower will not
mulch grass
1. Engine speed too low
2. Wet grass
3. Excessively high grass
4. Dull blade
1. Wait until grass is dry to cut.
2. Mow once at a high cutting height,
then mow again at desired height.
3. Sharpen or replace blade.
Uneven cut 1. Wheels not in same height position
2. Dull blade
1. Reposition all wheels at same height.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.