MTD 114-074-000 - Manual (Page 15)

Trouble Shooting Chart
Problem Cause Remedy
1 Engine fails to start A Check fuel tank for gas A Fill tank if empty.
B Spark plug lead wire discon­
nected
B Connect lead wire.
C Throttle control lever not in C Move throttle lever to start
the starting position position.
D Faulty spark plug D Spark should jump gap be­
tween control electrode and
side electrode. If spark does
not jump, replace the spark
plug.
E Carburetor improperly ad- E Remove spark plug, dry the
Justed, engine flooded plug, crank engine with plug
removed, and throttle in off po­
sition. Replace spark plug and
lead wire and resume starting
procedures.
F Old stale gasoline F Drain and refill with fresh
gasoline.
2 Hard starting or A Spark plug wire loose A Connect and tighten spark
loss of power plug wire.
B Carburetor improperly B Adjust carburetor. See separate
adjusted engine manual.
C Dirty air cleaner C Clean air cleaner as described
in separate engine manual.
3 Operation erratic A Dirt in gas tank A Remove the dirt and fill tank
with fresh gas.
B Dirty air cleaner B Clean air cleaner as described
in separate engine manual.
C Water in fuel supply C Drain contaminated fuel and
fill tank with fresh gas.
D Vent in gas cap plugged D Clear vent or replace gas cap.
E Carburetor improperly E Adjust carburetor. See
adjusted separate engine manual.
4 Occasional skip A Carburetor idle speed too A Adjust carburetor. See
(hesitates) at high slow separate engine manual.
speed B Spark plug gap too close B Adjust to .030".
C Carburetor idle mixture ad- C Adjust carburetor. See
justment improperly set separate engine manual.
5 Idles poorly A Spark plug fouled, faulty, or A Reset gap to .030" or replace
gap too wide spark plug.
B Carburetor improperly B Adjust carburetor. See
adjusted separate engine manual.
C Dirty air cleaner C Clean air cleaner as described
in separate engine manual.
6 Engine overheats A Carburetor not adjusted A Adjust carburetor. See
properly separate engine manual.
B Air flow restricted B Remove blower housing and
clean as described in separate
engine manual.
C Engine oil level low C Fill crankcase with the proper
oil.
7 Excessive vibration A Cutting blade loose or
unbalanced
A Tighten blade. Balance blade.
B Bent blade B Replace blade.
Note: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments iisted above contact your iocal authorized service deaier.
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