MTD Series 430 Thru 439 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
15
SECTION 9: OFF-SEASON STORAGE
Prepare your lawn mower for storage at the end of the
season or if the unit will not be used for 30 days or
more. Store the mower in a clean, dry area.
Gasoline
Do not store gasoline from one season to another.
Gasoline, stored more than one month, may affect
engine performance.
Replace your gasoline can if it starts to rust. Rust
and/or dirt in the gasoline will cause problems.
Engine
Follow recommendations in the accompanying
engine manual for off-season storage of the
engine.
Mower
NOTE: If storing the mower in an unventilated or metal
storage shed, make sure to rustproof the equipment
with a light oil or silicone.
Store unit in a clean, dry area. Do not store next to
corrosive materials, such as fertilizer or rocksalt.
Clean underside of the mower according to
instructions on page 12.
NOTE: We do not recommend the use of pressure
washers or garden hose to clean your unit. They may
cause damage to electric components, spindles,
pulleys, bearings or the engine. The use of water will
result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.
Lubricate the mower as instructed on page 12.
You can fold your mower’s handle for convenience
of storage.
Inspect and replace/sharpen blade, if required.
Refer to page 13.
SECTION 10: TROUBLE-SHOOTING GUIDE
NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed above, contact your nearest authorized service dealer.
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 and start again.
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 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 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
Fails to mulch grass 1. Wet grass
2. Excessively high grass
3. 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.