Troubleshooting and repair, Warning – Earthquake Sound ROTOTILLERS User Manual
Page 16

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ANd PARTS ExPlOSIONS
Front Tine Models
Page 16
800-45-6007
TROUBlEShOOTING ANd REPAIR
TROUBlEShOOTING GUIdE
While normal care and routine maintenance will extend the life of 
your rototiller, prolonged or constant use may eventually require 
that service be performed to allow it to continue operating properly. 
The troubleshooting guide below lists the most common problems, 
causes and remedies.
PRACTICE SAFETY AT All TImES. ENGINE mUST BE 
TURNEd OFF ANd AllOWEd TO COOl, ANd SPARk 
PlUG WIRE mUST BE dISCONNECTEd ANd SECUREd 
BEFORE ATTEmPTING ANY mAINTENANCE OR 
REPAIR.
FAIlURE TO COmPlY WITh ThIS SAFETY REQUIREmENT 
CAN RESUlT IN SERIOUS PERSONAl INjURY TO YOU 
OR BYSTANdERS.
WARNING
!
PROBlEm
REmEdY/ACTION
Engine will not start
• Add gas to gas tank.
• Connect spark plug wire to spark plug
• Throttle must be positioned at choke for a cold start
Engine runs rough, floods during operation
• Clean or replace air cleaner
Engine is hard to start
• Drain old fuel and replace with fresh. Use gas stabilizer 
 at end of season
• Make sure spark plug wire is securely attached to spark 
 plug
• Drive safety control lever must be released to neutral 
 to start the engine
Engine misses or lacks power
• Raise the tines for shallow tilling by raising the depth 
 regulator lever
• Clean or replace air cleaner
• Improper carburetor adjustment, take to authorized 
 engine service center
• Replace spark plug and adjust gap
• Drain and refill gas tank and carburetor
Engine will not stop when throttle control is positioned at stop • See engine manual to check and adjust throttle linkage
Tiller moves forward during starting
• Drive safety control lever must be released to neutral 
 to start the engine
Tiller is difficult to control when tilling
(machine jumps or lurches forward)
• Lower engine speed in hard ground
• Raise the tines for shallower tilling by lowering the 
 depth regulator lever
Belts squeal in neutral
• Adjust forward belt guide:
 - turn engine off and allow muffler to cool
 - disconnect spark plug wire and secure from spark plug
 - pull down on drive safety control lever
 - manually bend forward belt guide so there is 1/16 inch 
 or less clearance between belt guide and belt
 - replace spark plug wire
Belts squeal in forward operation
• Turn engine off and allow muffler to cool
• Disconnect spark plug wire and secure from spark plug
• Release drive safety control lever to neutral
• Adjust engage cable
• Replace spark plug wire
Excessive heat build up in transmission/tine area during till-
ing
• Remove vegetation
• Check transmission fluid and fill if needed
