MTD 540 Series Lawn Mower User Manual


 
14
Align the blade bell support over the blade with the
tabs in the holes of the blade and insert the hex
bolt. Tighten the hex bolt to the torque listed in the
Blade Mounting Torque section below.
Blade Mounting Torque
Center Bolt: 450 in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.
IMPORTANT:
To ensure safe operation, all nuts and
bolts must be checked periodically for correct tightness.
SECTION 8: OFF-SEASON STORAGE
The following steps should be taken to prepare lawn
mower for storage.
Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described
in the lubrication instructions.
Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage
instructions.
Coat mowers cutting blade with chassis grease to
prevent rusting.
Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next
to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
NOTE: When storing any type of power equipment in
an unventilated or metal storage shed, care should be
taken to rust-proof the equipment. Using a light oil or
silicone, coat the equipment, especially cables and all
moving parts.
SECTION 9: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments above, contact your local authorized service dealer.
Trouble Possible Cause(s) Corrective Actions
Engine fails to
start
1. Blade control handle disengaged.
2. Spark plug wire disconnected.
3. Dirty air cleaner.
4. Primer button not depressed.
5. Throttle control lever not in correct starting
position (if so equipped).
6. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
7. Blocked fuel line .
8. Faulty spark plug.
9. Engine flooded.
1. Engage blade control handle.
2. Connect wire to spark plug.
3. Refer to the engine manual.
4. Refer to the engine manual.
5. Move throttle lever to FAST or START position.
6. Clean fuel line.
7. Clean, adjust gap or replace.
8. Refer to the engine manual.
9. Wait for a while and crank the engine.
Engine runs
erratic
1. Unit running in START position.
2. Spark plug wire loose.
3. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
4. Carburetor out of adjustment.
1. Move throttle lever to FAST position.
2. Connect and tighten spark plug wire. Check spark plug
for fouling.
3. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Refer to the engine manual.
Engine
overheats
1. Engine oil level low.
2. Dirty aircleaner.
3. Air flow restricted.
4. Carburetor not adjusted properly.
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
3. Stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire. Remove
blower housing and clean.
4. Refer to the engine manual..
Occasional skip
(hesitates) at
high speed
1. Spark plug gap too close.
2. Carburetor idle mixture adjustment
improperly set.
1. Adjust gap to .030".
2. Refer to the engine manual.
Idles poorly 1. Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too wide.
2. Carburetor not adjusted.
1. Reset gap to .030" or replace spark plug.
2. Refer to the engine manual.
Excessive
vibration
1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
2. Bent cutting blade.
1. Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.
2. See an authorized service dealer.
Mower will not
mulch grass
1. Engine speed too low (not applicable in
mowers with fixed throttle)
2. Wet grass.
3. Excessively high grass.
1. Set throttle between 3/4 and full throttle.
2. Wait until later to cut.
3. Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again at
desired height.
Uneven cut 1. Wheels positioned incorrectly.
2. Dull blade.
1. Place all four wheels in same height position.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.