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Focus on the main causes of engine problems:
1. Follow this "How to Start the Engine" procedure:
a) Check the engine oil with the unit level. Add oil if needed. A synthetic 5W30 oil will give you the greatest operating temperature range.
b) Check the fuel level. Top off the fuel if necessary
c) Push the brake pedal all the way forward.
d) Disengage the mower blades.
e) Move the throttle control to the Choke or Fast position.
f) Turn the key to the Start position. Release when the engine starts.
g) Slowly move the throttle to the slow position to allow a cold engine to warm up before using. If the engine is already warm, put the throttle somewhere between Slow and Fast.
2. For electric-start machines: Clean the battery terminals and/or tighten the cable connections.
3. The fuel in the tank may be stale. Drain the fuel tank completely. Clean the fuel line or replace the line if any foreign matter is in it. Replace the fuel filter. A minimum of 87 octane fuel is recommended. Fuel that is up to 10 percent ethanol or 15 percent MTBE is also acceptable.
4. Remove the spark plug(s). Check the condition of the spark plugs (if there are any black carbon deposits, or if it has been more than two seasons since the spark plugs were replaced, install new 491055 spark plugs). Move the throttle to the Slow position. Turn the ignition key to the On position. Attempt to start the engine several times without the spark plugs. Install the old spark plug(s) if they are still in usable condition, or install new spark plugs.
5. Replace the spark plug(s) with 491055 spark plugs and attempt to start the engine. -
The engine may start after making a few simple changes:
1. Replace the spark plugs with fresh plugs (491055).
2. Replace the fuel filter (691035).
3. Replace the fuel line if there is foreign matter in it. -
1. Chunks of dried organic matter may be present in the blade housing. Stop the engine. Clean the blade housing with a garden hose and scrape any tough material with a small putty knife.
2. You may be trying to cut too much grass at a time, overwhelming the chute and bagging system. Raise the height of cut and finish cutting the grass. Then go over the grass again at the desired cut height.
3. You may be traveling too fast for the chute and bagging system to keep up. Move the shift lever to a slower speed.
4. There may not be enough power behind the blade momentum to carry the grass to the bags. Move the throttle control to the Fast position to put more power behind the blades.
5. Replace the spring for the blade idler. Springs slacken over time and the spring may be worn out.
6. Replace or sharpen the mower blade(s).
