Bolens 840 thru 849 - Manual (Page 22)

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE(S) CORRECTIVE ACTION
Engine wiii not
crank
Safety switch button
not depressed There are two switches in the starting circuit of your unit: the clutch pedal switch and the deck lift lever
switch. Make ( ertain the actuator is fully depressing the buttons on each switch.
Battery installed The battery m jst be installed with negative terminal attached to black ground wire. Negative terminal is
incorrectly ide itified at the post by “NEG”, “N” or The positive terminal, identified by “POS”, “P” or
“+”, must be a tached to the big red wire which goes to the solenoid.
Battery is dead or weak Check fluid le vel in battery. If fluid is low, fill between maximum and minimum fill lines with water.
Charge with 6 amp charger until fully charged.
Blown fuse or circuit
breaker Replace fuse with automotive type fuse. Fuses seldom fail without a reason. The problem must
be corrected, iiheck for loose connections in the fuse holder. Replace fuse holder if necessary. A dead
short may be in the cranking or charging circuit where the insulation may have rubbed through and
exposed the 1 are wire. Replace the wire or repair with electrician’s tape if the wire strands have not
been damage J.
Note: Look foi a wire pinched between body panels, burned by the exhaust pipe or muffler or rubbed
against a mov ng part.
Engine cranks
but wiii not start Throttle or choke not in
starting position
Check owner’: i guide for correct position for throttle control and choke for starting.
No spark to spark plug Spark plug le id disconnected. Connect lead. Place spark plug lead away from engine block about
1/8". Crank er gine. There should be a spark. If not, have engine repaired at authorized engine service
dealer.
Faulty spark f lug. To test, remove spark plug. Attach spark plug lead to spark plug. Ground the spark
plug body against the engine block. Crank the engine. The spark plug should fire at the electrode.
Replace if it d les not.
No fuel to the carburetor Gasoline tank empty. Fill.
Fuel line or in line fuel filter plugged. Remove and clean fuel line. Replace filter if necessary.
Air filter dirty If the air deal ler is dirty, the engine may not start. Clean or replace as recommended by the engine
manufacturer.
Engine smokes Engine loses crankcase
vacuum Dipstick not SI lated or broken. Replace defective part.
Engine breath er defective. Replace.
Excessive
vibration
Bent or damaged blade
spindle Stop engine mmediately. Check all pulleys, blade adapters, keys, nuts and bolts for tightness and
damage. Tigh en or replace any damaged parts.
Bent blade Stop engine mmediateiy. Replace damaged blade. Only use original equipment blades.
Mower wiii not
discharge
grass or leaves
uncut strips
Engine speed low
Speed selection
Blades short or dull Throttle must le set at full throttle.
Use lower gro jnd speed. The slower your ground speed, the better the quality of cut.
Sharpen or re ilace blades (uncut strip problem only).
If the above steps fail to correct the problem, take the unit to yo ir iocai authorized service deaier for repair.
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