How to Troubleshoot an MTD Garden Tiller

MTD manufactures garden tillers used to turn and work soil. Rotating tines or blades dig into the soil to break it up and prepare it for gardening. These tillers are self-propelled and have small engines.



You can troubleshoot and repair many common issues that arise with small engines. If minor adjustments do not fix the problem, contact a service dealer for repairs.

Things You'll Need

• Gasoline, if needed
• Dry cloth
• Replacement spark plug, if needed
• Canned air
• Oil, if needed
• Replacement belt, if needed

Instructions

Engine Does Not Start

1. Check the fuel tank. Fill the tank with gasoline, if needed.

2. Move the throttle lever to the "Start" position.

3. Disconnect the spark plug wire. Use a spark plug removal tool and take out the spark plug. Remove residue on the spark plug with a dry cloth. If the spark plug is damaged or worn, replace it. Reinstall the plug and reconnect the spark plug wire.

4. If the engine is flooded, remove the spark plug and dry it with a dry cloth. Place the throttle in the "Off" position and crank the engine. Replace the spark plug and reconnect the spark plug wire.

Engine Runs Erratically

1. Move the choke lever to the "Off" position.

2. Reconnect and tighten the spark plug wire, if needed.

3. Empty the fuel tank and fill with fresh gasoline.

4. Remove the air filter cover and remove the air cleaner. Rinse the cover with warm water. Clean the air cleaner with canned air. Allow it to dry thoroughly before replacing.

Overheating

1. Remove the dipstick in the crankcase and check the oil level. Refill, if needed.

2. Clean the blower housing, if needed. Restricted air flow can cause the engine to overheat.

3. Adjust the carburetor as instructed in the engine manual. If you do not have experience adjusting a carburetor, take the tiller to a small-engine repair shop.

Tines or Wheels Do Not Engage

1. Remove foreign objects lodged between tines. Replace the tine clevis pin.

2. Replace worn or stretched belts.

3. Loosen the nut and lock washer on the end of the control cable to make adjustments. Pull the cable through the slot and hook it over the hole in the tine clutch lever. Place the clutch lever in the "Up" position. Adjust the bottom nut so there is only a small amount of slack in the cable. Tighten the upper nut.

References

• Manage My Life: Yard Machines by MTD Rear Tine Tillers Operator's Manual
• Manage My Life: Maintaining and Troubleshooting a Rear-Tine garden Tiller

Resources

• MTD Products: Official Website