MTD 390 Series - Manual (Page 15)

15
6
Trouble
Shooting
Guide
WARNING
Do not move gear
selection handle
with the wheels or
tines engaged. Make
certain the unit is
stopped completely
before changing the
gear selection. A
partial engagement
may be necessary
when engaging tines.
Do not push down
on handles so that
wheels are lifted off
the ground while
using tine drive, or
the tiller could move
backward and cause
personal injury.
Never attempt
to make any
adjustments while
the engine is
running, except
where specified in
operator’s manual.
Trouble Possible Cause(s) Corrective Action
Engine fails to start Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
Throttle control lever not in correct
starting position (if so equipped).
Blocked fuel line.
Dirty air cleaner.
Choke not in ON position.
Spark plug wire disconnected.
Faulty spark plug.
Engine flooded.
Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. Fuel will not last
over thirty days unless a fuel stabilizer is used.
Move throttle lever to start position.
Clean fuel line.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Move switch to ON position.
Connect wire to spark plug.
Clean, adjust gap or replace.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Engine runs erratic Unit running on CHOKE.
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 choke lever to OFF position.
Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. Fuel will
not last over thirty days unless a fuel stabilizer is used.
Clear vent.
Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Engine overheats Engine oil level low.
Dirty air cleaner.
Air flow restricted.
Carburetor not adjusted properly.
Fill crankcase with proper oil.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Adjust carburetor as instructed in separate engine manual.
Tines do not
engage
Foreign object lodged in tines.
Tine clevis pin(s) missing.
Pulley and idler not in correct
adjustment.
Not shifting properly.
Control cable not adjusted properly.
Belt worn and/or stretched.
Dislodge foreign object.
Replace tine clevis pin(s).
Take unit to authorized service dealer.
Refer to Controls section of operator’s manual for
proper shifting procedures.
Adjust control cable (see assembly instructions).
Replace belt.
Tines skip over
ground
Improper rotation. Forward rotation should only be used on soil that has
already been tilled, not on virgin soil.
Wheels do not
engage
Clevis pin missing.
Tiller is not being shifted properly.
Control cable not adjusted properly.
Belt worn and/or stretched.
Replace clevis pin.
Refer to Controls section of operator’s manual for
proper shifting procedures.
Adjust control cable (see assembly instructions).
Replace belt.
Off-Season Storage
If the tiller will not be used for a period longer than 30 days, the
following steps should be taken to prepare the tiller for storage.
1. Clean the exterior of engine and the entire tiller
thoroughly. Lubricate the tiller as described in the
lubrication instructions.
2. We do not recommend the use of pressure washers
to clean your unit. They may cause damage to electric
components, spindles, pulleys, bearings or the engine.
The use of pressure washers will result in shortened
life and reduce serviceability.
3. Refer to the engine manual for correct engine
storage instructions.
4. Wipe tines with oiled rag to prevent rust.
5. Store tiller in a clean, dry 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 rustproof the equipment. Using a light oil or silicone,
coat the equipment and especially any springs, bearings,
and cables.