Troy-Bilt TB 2142 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
Problem Cause Remedy
Engine fails to start  
2. Parking brake not engaged.
3. Spark plug wire disconnected.
 Throttle/Choke control lever not in correct
starting position.
5. Choke not activated
 Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
7. Blocked fuel line.
8. Faulty spark plug.
 Engine flooded.
 
2. Engage parking brake.
3. Connect wire to spark plug.
 Place Throttle/Choke control lever to FAST
position.
5. Push the Throttle/Choke control lever into
the Choke position.
 Fill tank with clean, fresh (less than 30 days
old) gas.
7. Clean fuel line and replace fuel filter.
8. Clean, adjust gap or replace plug.
 Crank engine with Throttle/Choke control
lever in FAST position.
Engine runs erratic  Tractor running with Choke activated.
2. Spark plug wires loose.
3. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
 Vent in gas cap plugged.
5. Water or dirt in fuel system.
 Dirty air cleaner.
 Move the Throttle/Choke control lever out of
the choke position.
2. Connect and tighten spark plug wires.
3. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh
gasoline and replace fuel filter.
 Clear vent or replace cap if damaged.
5. Drain fuel tank. Refill with clean, fresh
gasoline.
 Replace air cleaner paper element or clean
foam precleaner.
Engine overheats  Engine oil level low.
2. Air flow restricted.
 Fill crankcase with proper amount and
weight of oil.
2. Clean grass clippings and debris from around

Engine hesitates at high
RPM
 Spark plug gap too close.  Remove spark plug and reset the gap.
Engine Idles rough  Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too wide.
2. Dirty air cleaner.
 Replace spark plug. Set plug gap.
2. Replace air cleaner element and/or clean
pre-cleaner.
Excessive vibration  Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
2. Damaged or bent cutting blade.
 Tighten blade and spindle.
2. Replace blade.
Mower will not mulch grass  Engine speed too low.
2. Wet grass.
3. Excessively high grass.
 Dull blade.
 Place Throttle/Choke Control in FAST (rabbit)
position.
2. Do not mulch when grass is wet.
3. Mow once at a high cutting height, then
mow again at desired height or make a
narrower cutting swath.
 Sharpen or replace blade.
Uneven cut  Deck not leveled properly.
2. Dull blade.
3. Uneven tire pressure.
 Perform side-to-side deck adjustment.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.
3. Check tire pressure in all four tires.
Troub leshooting
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