MTD 450 Series - Manual (Page 14)

14
For repairs beyond
the minor adjustments
listed here, contact
an authorized service
dealer.
6
Trouble
Shooting
Cause Problem Remedy
Engine fails to start 1. Throttle lever not in correct starting
position (if equipped).
2. Spark plug wire disconnected.
3. Choke not in CHOKE position (if
equipped).
4. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
5. Engine not primed (if equipped).
6. Faulty spark plug.
7. Blocked fuel line.
8. Engine flooded.
1. Move throttle lever to FAST or
START position.
2. Connect wire to spark plug.
3. Move choke lever to CHOKE
position.
4. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
5. Prime engine as instructed in
Engine Manual.
6. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
7. Clean fuel line.
8. Wait a few minutes to restart, but
do not prime.
Engine runs erratic 1. Connect and tighten spark
plug wire.
2. Move choke lever to OFF position.
3. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean,
fresh gasoline.
4. Clear vent.
5. Drain fuel tank. Refill with
fresh fuel.
6. Refer to engine manual.
7. See authorized service dealer.
1. Spark plug wire loose.
2. Unit running on CHOKE (if equipped).
3. Blocked fuel line 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.
Engine overheats 1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Refer to engine manual.
3. See authorized service dealer. 1. Engine oil level low.
2. Dirty air cleaner.
3. Carburetor not adjusted properly.
Occasional skips
(hesitates) at
high speed
1. Adjust gap to .030”.
2. See authorized service dealer. 1. Spark plug gap too close.
2. Carburetor idle mixture adjustment
improperly set.
Unit does not
discharge
1. Stop engine immediately and
disconnect spark plug wire. Clean
flail screen and inside of discharge
opening.
2. Stop engine and disconnect spark
plug wire. Remove lodged object.
3. Always run engine at full throttle.
1. Chute deflector clogged.
2. Foreign object lodged in impeller.
3. Low engine RPM.
Rate of discharge
slows considerably
or composition of
discharged material
changes
1. Always run engine at full throttle.
2. Replace chipper blade or see your
authorized service dealer.
1. Low engine RPM.
2. Chipper blade dull.
Excessive
Vibration
1. Loose parts or damaged impeller. 1. See authorized service dealer.