Bolens LT-185 - Manual (Page 21)

SECTION 14: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
Trouble
Possible
Cause(s)
Corrective Action
Engine will Satety switch There are two switches in the starting circuit of your unit: the clutch pedal switch and~
not crank button not the PTO switch. Make certain the actuator is fully depressing the button on the clutch
depressed. pedal and the PTO switch is in the OFF position.
Battery installed The battery must be installed with negative terminal attached to black ground wire.
incorrectly.
Negative terminal is identified at the post by “NEG”, “N" o r T h e positive terminal,
identified by “POS”, “P” or must be attached to the big red wire which goes to the
solenoid. All batteries are to be fully charged before installing. Refer to “Quick Start”
battery guide that came with the operator’s manual.
Battery is dead Check fluid level in battery. If fluid is low, fill to just below split rings with water. Charge
or weak. with 6 AMP charger until fully charged.
Blown fuse or Refer to operator’s manual for fuse box location. Replace fuse with automotive type
circuit breaker. fuse. Fuses seldom fail without a reason. The problem must be corrected. Check 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 bare wire. Replace the wire or repair with electrician's tape if
the wire strands have not been damaged.
Note: Look for a wire pinched between body panels, burned by the exhaust pipe or
muffler or rubbed against a moving part.
Engine ground Engine should have a black ground wire running from engine to frame or mounting
wire loose. bolt.
Engine Throttle or choke Check operator's manual for correct position for throttle control and choke for starting.
cranks but not in starting
will not start position.
No fuel to the Gasoline tank empty. Fill.
carburetor. Fuel line or in-line fuel filter plugged. Remove and clean fuel line. Replace filter if
necessary.
No spark to Spark plug lead disconnected. Connect lead. Hold spark plug lead away from engine
spark plug. block about 1/8". Crank engine. There should be a spark. If not, have engine repaired
at authorized engine service dealer.
Faulty spark plug. 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 does not.
Dirty air cleaner. If the air cleaner is dirty, the engine may not start. Refer to the engine manual packed
with your unit.
Engine Engine oil has Check oil level.
smokes been overfilled.
Engine loses Dipstick not seated dr broken. Replace defective part.
crankcase
vacuum. Engine breather defective. Replace.
Excessive Bent or Stop engine immediately. Check all pulleys, blade adapters, keys and bolts for
vibration damaged blade. tightness and spindle damage. Tighten or replace any damaged parts.
Bent blade.
Stop engine immediately. Replace damaged blade. Only use original equipment
blades.
Mower will Engine speed Throttle must be set at full throttle.
not low.
discharge Speed selection. Use lower ground speed. The slower your ground speed, the better the quality of cut.
grass or Cutting height Raise deck.
leaves set too low.
uncut strips Blades short or Sharpen or replace blades (uncut strip problem only).
dull.
_ Note: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments above, contact your local authorized service dealer
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