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Section 5: Maintenance 19
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to
come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove
ignition key on electric start models.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
WARNING
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
Engine does not start. 1. Spark plug wire disconnected. 1. Connect wire.
2. Defective or incorrectly gapped spark plug. 2. Inspect/replace spark plug.
3. Fuel tank empty. 3. Add fuel.
4. Dirty carburetor or fuel line. 4. See engine service dealer.
5. Dirty air cleaner. 5. Clean or replace.
6. Carburetor out of adjustment. 6. See engine service dealer.
7. Engine flooded. 7. Wait several minutes before starting.
8. Engine Throttle Lever in incorrect position. 8. Move Throttle Lever to FAST position.
9. Stale gasoline. 9. Drain old fuel and add fresh fuel.
10. Defective Engine Throttle Lever. 10. See engine service dealer.
11. Dirt or water in fuel tank. 11. See engine service dealer.
Engine runs poorly. 1. Bad spark plug. 1. Inspect/replace spark plug.
2. Dirty air filter. 2. Clean or replace.
3. Carburetor out of adjustment. 3. See engine service dealer.
4. Stale fuel. 4. Drain and replace fuel mixture.
5. Dirt or water in fuel tank. 5. See engine service dealer.
6. Engine cooling system clogged. 6. Clean fins.
Engine overheats. 1. Engine cooling system clogged. 1. Clean air cooling areas and behind debris shield.
2. Carburetor out of adjustment. 2. See engine service dealer.
Engine does not shut off. 1. Throttle control misadjusted. 1. See engine service dealer.
.
Poor mowing performance. 1. Line length is too short or too long. 1. Adjust line length to 18" long. When less
than 1/2 this length, replace the line.
2. Cutting height is too high or low for height 2. Adjust cutting height to approximately 1/3
of grass being cut. of the length of the grass.
3. Engine not set at FAST speed. 3. Move Engine Throttle Lever to FAST (Rabbit).
Trimmer/Mower vibrates. 1. Trimming head mounting nut loose. 1. Tighten nut.
2. Line lengths are substantially different. 2. Adjust lines to approximately equal lengths.
3. Loose nuts or bolts. 3. Check all bolts and nuts, including engine
bolts.
4. Broken spindle head or trimmer head. 4. Replace broken part.
Trimmer head does not 1. Incorrect line installation. 1. See Changing Trimmer Lines in Section 5.
retain line.
Trimmer Head does not 1. Head bolts may be loose. 1. Tighten head bolts to 75 in/lbs.
retain height setting. 2. Head is worn. 2. Replace head assembly.
3. Foam inserts worn. 3. Replace foam inserts
Electric Starter (if equipped) 1. Battery wires disconnected. 1. Reconnect wires.
does not start engine. 2. Battery discharged. 2. Charge battery.
3. Broken wire in keyswitch wiring harness. 3. Replace wiring harness.
4. Defective engine starter motor. 4. See engine service dealer.
Battery (if equipped) does not 1. Defective engine recharging system. 1. See engine service dealer.
recharge during engine 2. Dead battery. 2. Replace battery.
operation.
Battery charger (if equipped) 1. Dead battery. 1. Replace battery.
does not recharge battery. 2. Battery wire(s) broken. 2. Replace wires.
3. Defective battery charger. 3. Replace battery charger.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Before performing any of the corrections in this Troubleshooting Chart, refer to the appropriate information contained in this
Manual or the Engine Owner’s Manual for the correct safety precautions and servicing procedures. Contact your local autho-
rized Engine Service Dealer for engine service. Contact your local authorized dealer for service problems with the machine.