24 Deluxe 2-Cycle & 4-Cycle Tiller Operator’s Manual
Problem Cause Remedy
1. Tines don’t turn when throttle
is depressed.
• Engine is not seated properly on the gear housing.
• Re-install engine following the instructions on
page 18 (How to reseat the fl ange).
2. Engine fails to start.
• O/I switch is in “O” position.
• No fuel in tank.
• Fuel strainer clogged.
• Fuel line clogged.
• Spark plug shorted or fouled.
• Spark plug is broken (cracked porcelain or
electrodes broken).
• Ignition lead wire shorted, broken or
disconnected from spark plug.
• Ignition inoperative.
• Move switch to “I.”
• Fill Tank.
• Replace Strainer.
• Clean fuel line.
• Install new spark plug.
• Replace spark plug.
• Replace lead wire or attach to spark plug.
• Contact your local authorized dealer.
3. Engine hard to start.
• Water in gasoline or stale fuel mixture.
• Too Much oil in fuel mixture. (2-Cycle only)
• Engine under or over choked.
• Carburetor out of adjustment. (2-Cycle only)
• Gasket leaks (carburetor or cylinder base gasket).
• Weak spark at spark plug.
• Drain entire system and refi ll with fresh fuel.
• Drain and refi ll with correct mixture.
• If fl ooded by over choking, proceed according to
instructions in operation section. If under choked,
move choke lever to closed position and crank two
or three times.
• Replace gaskets.
• Contact your local authorized dealer.
4. Engine continuously fl oods.
• Fuel tank vent line is not in an upright position.
(2-Cycle only)
• Return the fuel tank vent line to the upright
position and place it under the cylinder cover in
the small “pocket” in the cylinder cover.
5. There is black smoke coming
from exhaust.
• The muffl er screen may be clogged.
• The exhaust port may be restricted.
• Clean carbon from muffl er screen.
• Clean exhaust port.
6. Engine misses.
• Dirt in fuel line or carburetor.
• Carburetor improperly adjusted.
• Spark plug fouled, broken or incorrect gap setting.
• Weak or intermittent spark at spark plug.
• Remove and clean.
• Clean or replace spark plug - set gap to .024-.028
in. (0.6-0.7 mm).
• Contact your local authorized dealer.
7. Engine lacks power.
•Air fi lter clogged.
•Carburetor out of adjustment.
•Muffl er clogged.
•Clogged exhaust ports.
•Spark Arrestor Clogged.
•Poor compression.
• Clean or replace air fi lter.
• Clean carbon from muffl er.
• Clean Spark Arrestor.
• Contact your local authorized dealer.
8. Engine overheats.
• Insuffi cient oil in fuel mixture. (2-Cycle only)
• Air fl ow obstructed.
• Mix fuel as described in starting instructions.
(2-Cycle only)
• Clean fl ywheel cylinder fi ns and screen.
9. Engine noisy or knocking.
•Spark plug in incorrect heat range.
•Bearings, piston ring or cylinder walls are worn.
• Replace with plugs specifi ed for engine.
• Contact your local authorized dealer.
10. Engine stalls under load.
• Engine overheats.
• Carburetor adjustment too “lean.”
• Remove dust and dirt from between fi ns.
• Contact your local authorized dealer.
Troubleshooting