17
Troubleshooting
If engine troubles are experienced that appear to be 
fuel system related, check the following areas before 
adjusting the carburetor.
• Make sure the fuel tank is filled with clean, fresh 
gasoline.
• Make sure the fuel tank cap vent is not blocked and 
that it is operating properly.
• If the fuel tank is equipped with a shut-off valve, 
make sure it is open.
• Make sure that the in-line fuel filter is clean and 
unobstructed. Replace the filter if necessary.
• Make sure fuel is reaching the carburetor. Check 
the fuel lines and fuel pump for restrictions or faulty 
components, replace as necessary.
• Make sure the air cleaner element is clean and all 
air cleaner element components are secure.
If, after checking the items listed above, the engine is 
hard to start, runs roughly, or stalls at low idle speed, it 
may be necessary to adjust or service the carburetor.
Adjustment
NOTE: Engines may have a fixed idle or limiter cap on
the  idle  fuel  adjusting  needle.  Step  2  can  only  be
performed within the limits allowed by the cap.
1. Start the engine and run at half throttle for five to 10 
minutes to warm up. The engine must be warm 
before performing steps 2 and 3.
2. Low Idle Fuel Needle Setting: Place the throttle 
into the “idle” or “slow” position. Turn the low idle 
fuel adjusting needle out (counterclockwise) from 
the preliminary setting until engine speed 
decreases (rich). Note the position of the needle. 
Now turn the adjusting needle in (clockwise). The 
engine speed may increase, then it will decrease as 
the needle is turned in (lean). Note the position of 
the needle. Set the adjusting needle midway 
between the rich and lean settings. See Figure 13.
Figure 13
3. Low Idle Speed Setting: Place the throttle control 
into the “idle” or “slow” position. Set the low idle 
speed to 1200 RPM* (± 75 RPM) by turning the low idle 
speed adjusting screw in or out. Check the speed 
using a tachometer. 
NOTE: To  ensure best  results  when  setting  the low
idle  fuel  needle,  the  low  idle  speed  must  not  exceed
1200 RPM (± 75 RPM).
Leveling the Deck
NOTE:  Check  the  tractor’s  tire  pressure  before
performing  any  deck  leveling  adjustments.  Refer  to
Tires on page 24 for information regarding tire pressure.
Front To Rear
The front of the cutting deck is supported by a stabilizer 
bar that can adjusted to level the deck from front to rear. 
The front of the deck should be between 1/4-inch and 
3/8-inch lower than the rear of the deck. Adjust if 
necessary as follows:
• With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, 
place the deck lift lever in the top notch (highest 
position) and rotate the blade nearest the discharge 
chute so that it is parallel with the tractor.
• Measure the distance from the front of the blade tip 
to the ground and the rear of the blade tip to the 
ground. 
• The first measurement taken should be between 
1/4" and 3/8" less than the second measurement. 
• Determine the approximate distance necessary for 
proper adjustment and proceed, if necessary, to the 
next step. 
• Loosen the two jam nuts on the rear side of the 
deck stabilizer bracket. See Figure 14.
Figure 14
Lean
Rich
Adjust to Midpoint
Jam 
Deck
Stabilizer
Bracket
Nuts
Lock 
Nuts
Deck