MTD 400 Series Lawn Mower User Manual


 
12
For repairs beyond
the minor adjust-
ments listed here,
contact an authorized
service dealer.
6
Trouble
Shooting
CauseProblem
Remedy
Engine fails to start
1. Blade control handle disengaged.
2. Spark plug wire disconnected.
3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
4. Engine not primed.
5. Faulty spark plug.
6. Blocked fuel line.
7. Engine flooding.
1. Engage blade control handle.
2. Connect wire to spark plug.
3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Refer to engine manual.
5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
6. Clean fuel line.
7. Wait a few minutes to restart, but do not
prime.
Engine runs erratic 1. Connect and tighten spark
plug wire.
2. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh
gasoline.
3. Clear vent.
4. Drain fuel tank and carburetor. Refill with
fresh fuel.
5. Refer to engine manual.
6. Refer to engine manual.
1. Spark plug wire loose.
2. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
3. Gas cap vent plugged.
4. Water or dirt in fuel system.
5. Dirty air cleaner.
6. Carburetor out of adjustment.
Engine overheats
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Refer to the engine manual packed with
your unit.
3. Remove blower housing and clean.
4. Refer to engine manual.
1. Engine oil level low.
2. Dirty air filter.
3. Air flow restricted.
4. Carburetor not adjusted properly.
Occasional skip
(hesitates) at high speed
1. Adjust gap to .030”. Refer to engine
manual.
2. Refer to engine manual.
1. Spark plug gap too close.
2. Carburetor idle mixture adjustment
improperly set.
Idles poorly
1. Reset gap to .030” or replace spark plug.
Refer to engine manual.
2. Refer to engine manual.
3. Refer to engine manual.
1. Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too
wide.
2. Carburetor improperly adjusted.
3. Dirty air cleaner.
1. Cutting Blade loose or unbalanced.
2. Bent cutting blade.
1. Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade
2. Replace blade.
Excessive vibration
1. Wheels not positioned correctly.
2. Dull blade.
Uneven cut
1. Place all four wheels in same height
position.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.
1. Wet grass.
2. Excessive high grass.
3. Dull blade.
1. Do not mow when grass is wet;
wait until later to cut.
2. Mow once at a high cutting height, then
mow again at desired height or make a
narrower cutting path.
3. Sharpen or replace blade.
Mower will not mulch
grass