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SECTION 10: 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 mower’s 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 poorly ventilated 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 11: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
Refer to separate engine manual packed with your mower for more engine related information.
NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed above, contact your nearest authorized service dealer or
call 1-800-800-7310 for the Customer Support Center.
Trouble Possible Cause(s) Corrective Action
Engine fails to start Blade control handle disengaged.
Spark plug wire disconnected.
Throttle control lever not in correct
starting position.
Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
Blocked fuel line.
Faulty spark plug.
Engine flooded.
Engage blade control handle.
Connect wire to spark plug.
Move throttle lever to FAST or START posi-
tion.
Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
Clean fuel line.
Clean, adjust gap or replace.
Crank engine with throttle in FAST position.
Engine runs erratic Unit running in START position.
Spark plug wire loose.
Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
Vent in gas cap plugged.
Water or dirt in fuel system.
Dirty air cleaner.
Carburetor out of adjustment.
Move throttle lever to FAST position.
Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh
gasoline.
Clear vent.
Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
Clean air cleaner.
Adjust carburetor.
Engine overheats Engine oil level low.
Air flow restricted.
Carburetor not adjusted properly.
Fill crankcase with proper oil.
Remove blower housing and clean.
Adjust carburetor.
Occasional skip (hesitates) at
high speed
Spark plug gap too close. Adjust gap to .030”.
Idles poorly Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too
wide.
Carburetor improperly adjusted.
Dirty air cleaner.
Reset gap to .030” or replace spark plug.
Adjust carburetor.
Clean air cleaner.
Excessive vibration Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
Bent cutting blade.
Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.
Replace blade.
Mower will not mulch grass Engine speed too low.
Wet grass.
Excessively high grass.
Dull blade.
Set throttle between 3/4 and full throttle.
Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until
later to cut.
Mow once at a high cutting height, then
mow again at desired height or make a nar-
rower cutting swath (1/2 width).
Sharpen or replace blade.
Uneven cut Wheels not positioned correctly.
Dull blade.
Place all four wheels in same height posi-
tion.
Sharpen or replace blade.