MTD 11-096R000 - Manual (Page 11)

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
Trouble Possible Cause(s) Corrective Action
Engine fails to start 1. Blade control handle disengaged.
2. Spark plug wire disconnected.
3. Throttle control lever not in CHOKE
or START position.
4. Fuel shut-off valve closed (if so equipped).
5. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
6. Blocked fuel line.
7. Faulty spark plug.
8. Engine flooded.
1. Engage blade control handle.
2. Connect wire to spark plug.
3. Move throttle lever to CHOKE or
START position.
4. Open fuel shut-off valve.
5. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
6. Clean fuel line.
7. Clean, adjust gap or replace.
8. Remove spark plug, dry the plug, and
crank engine with plug removed and
throttle in off position. Replace spark
plug, connect wire and resume starting
procedures.
Engine runs erratic 1. Unit running in CHOKE or START position.
2. Spark plug wire loose.
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.
1. Move throttle lever to FAST position.
2. Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
3. Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean,
fresh gasoline.
4. Clear vent.
5. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
6. Clean air cleaner.t
7. Adjust carburetor.f
Engine overheats 1. Engine oil level low.
2. Air flow restricted.
3. Carburetor not adjusted properly.
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Remove blower housing and clean.!
3. Adjust carburetor.!
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. Adjust carburetor.!
Idies 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. Adjust carburetor.!
3. Clean air cleaner.!
Excessive vibration 1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
2. Bent cutting blade.
1. Tighten blade and adapter.
Balance blade.
2. Replace blade.
Mower will not
mulch grass 1. Engine speed too low.
2. Wet grass.
3. Excessively high grass.
4. Dull blade.
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).
4. Sharpen or replace blade.
Uneven cut 1. Wheels not positioned correctly.
2. Dull blade.
1. Place all four wheels in same
height position.
2. Sharpen or replace blade.
tRefer to separate engine manual packed with your unit.
Note: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed above, contact your locai authorized service dealer.
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