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SECTION 8: OFF-SEASON STORAGE
If the lawn mower is not going to be used for 30 days or
longer, prepare the unit for storage. Follow the steps
below for proper storage of the mower.
• 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 unventilated 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 9: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments above, contact your local authorized service dealer
or call Customer Service at 1(330) 220-4MTD or 1(800)800-7310.
Trouble Possible Cause(s) Corrective Actions
Engine fails to
start
1. Blade control handle disengaged.
2. Spark plug wire disconnected.
3. Dirty aircleaner.
4. Primer button not depressed.
5. Throttle control lever (if so equipped) not in
correct starting position .
6. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
7. Blocked fuel line
8. Faulty spark plug.
9. Engine flooded.
1. Engage blade control handle.
2. Connect wire to spark plug.
3. Refer to the engine manual.
4. Refer to the engine manual.
5. Move throttle lever to FAST or START position.
6. Fill tank with clean fresh gasoline.
7. Clean fuel line.
8. Clean, adjust gap or replace.
9. Refer to the engine manual.
Engine runs
erratic
1. Throttle lever (if so equipped) in START.
2. Spark plug wire loose.
3. Blocked fuel line (if equipped) or stale fuel.
4. Vent in gas cap plugged.
5. Water or dirt in fuel system.
6. Dirty air cleaner.
7. Carburetor out of adjustment.
1. Move throttle lever (if so equipped) to FAST position.
2. Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
3. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Clear vent or threads or replace.
5. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
6. Refer to the engine manual.
7. Refer to the engine manual.
Engine
overheats
1. Engine oil level low.
2. Dirty aircleaner.
3. Air flow restricted.
4. Carburetor not adjusted properly.
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Refer to the engine manual.
3. Stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire. Remove
blower housing and clean.
4. Refer to the engine manual.
Occasional skip
(hesitates) at
high speed
1. Spark plug gap too close.
2. Carburetor idle mixture adjustment
improperly set.
1. Adjust gap to .030".
2. Refer to the engine manual.
Idles poorly 1. Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too wide.
2. Carburetor improperly adjusted.
3. Dirty air cleaner.
1. Reset gap to .030" or replace spark plug.
2. Refer to the engine manual.
3. Refer to the engine manual.
Excessive
vibration
1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
2. Bent cutting blade.
1. Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.
2. See an authorized service dealer.
Mower will not
mulch grass
1. Engine speed too low.
2. Wet grass.
3. Excessively high grass.
1. Set throttle between 3/4 and full throttle.
2. Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until later to cut.
3. Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again at
desired height or make a narrower cutting swath (1/2
width).
Uneven cut 1. Wheels not positioned correctly.
2. Dull blade.
1. Place all four wheels in same height position.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.