Problem Cause Remedy
Engine fails to start 1.
Spark plug wire disconnected.2.
Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. 3.
Choke not activated.4.
Faulty spark plug.5.
6.
Engine flooded.7.
8.
Throttle control lever not in correct starting
position.
1.
position.
Connect wire to spark plug. 2.
Fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days 3.
old) gas.
4.
Clean, adjust gap or replace plug. 5.
Clean fuel line and replace fuel filter. 6.
Crank engine with throttle in FAST position.7.
Engage parking brake. 8.
Engine runs erratic 1.
Spark plug wires loose. 2.
3.
Vent in gas cap plugged. 4.
Water or dirt in fuel system. 5.
Dirty air cleaner. 6.
1.
position.
Connect and tighten spark plug wire. 2.
Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh 3.
gasoline and replace fuel filter, is so equipped.
Clear vent or replace cap if damaged. 4.
Drain fuel tank. Refill with clean, fresh 5.
gasoline.
Replace air cleaner paper element or clean 6.
foam precleaner, is so equipped.
Engine overheats Engine oil level low. 1.
Air flow restricted. 2.
Fill crankcase with proper amount and 1.
weight of oil.
Clean grass clippings and debris from around 2.
Engine hesitates at high
Spark plug gap too close. 1. Remove spark plug and reset the gap. 1.
Engine Idles rough Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too wide. 1.
Dirty air cleaner. 2.
Replace spark plug. Set plug gap. 1.
Replace air cleaner element and/or clean 2.
pre-cleaner, if so equipped.
Excessive vibration Cutting blade loose or unbalanced. 1.
Damaged or bent cutting blade. 2.
1.
Replace blade. 2.
Mower will not mulch grass Engine speed too low. 1.
Wet grass. 2.
Excessively high grass. 3.
Dull blade. 4.
1.
Do not mulch when grass is wet. 2.
Mow once at a high cutting height, then 3.
mow again at desired height or make a
narrower cutting swath.
Sharpen or replace blade. 4.
Uneven cut Deck not leveled properly. 1.
Dull blade. 2.
Uneven tire pressure. 3.
1.
Sharpen or replace blade. 2.
Check tire pressure in all four tires. 3.
Troubleshooting
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