MTD 500 - Page 19

TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART FOR RECOIL START MODELS
CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY REMEDY.
TROUBLE
LOOK FOR
REMEDY
Engine will not
start when re¬
coil handle is
Clutch and blade
not disengaged.
Clutch pedal must be depressed and blade must be shut off.
pulled.
Ignition key not
in the ON position.
Turn on the ignition key.
Throttle not in the
starting position.
Check owner’s guide for correct position for throttle control for starting.
No spark to spark plug.
Spark plug lead disconnected. Connect lead.
Hold spark plug lead away from engine block about 1/8". Crank engine. There should be a
spark. If not, have the engine repaired at authorized engine service dealer.
Faulty spark plug. To test, remove spark plug. Attach spark plug lead to spark plug. Ground
spark plug body against the engine block. Crank the engine. The spark plug should fire at the
electrode. Replace if it does not.
No fuel to the carbure¬
tor.
Gasoline tank empty. Fill.
Fuel valve shut off. Open valve. Valve is located either at the bottom of the fuel tank or on the
carburetor.
Fuel line is plugged. Remove and clean.
Air filter dirty.
IT tne air cleaner is dirty, the engine may not start. Clean or replace as recommended by the en¬
gine manufacturer.
•k.
Mechanical failure
(wires or switch).
The InieriocK system includes two mechanical activated switches whiqh are wired in parallel If
the buttons on both switches are not depressed at least 1/8", the magneto will be grounded
and the engine will not start. While testing the interlock system, you will make the mower
temporarily unsafe by permitting the engine to be started with the blade and clutch engaged
WARNING: While testing, disengage the clutch, shut off the blade control, set the parking
brake and place the gear shift lever in neutral. Disconnect the yellow wire where it attaches to
the primary wire from the breaker assembly on the engine. Try to start the engine. If the engine
does not start, the problem is in the engine (e.g. no fuel or no ignition). If the engine does start
the problem is in the safety system. Check the following: 1. The interlock wire may be ground¬
ed by being pinched or rubbing through the insulation. Tape or replace the wire. 2. The bolt on
the flat spring behind the recoil starter where the yellow wire attaches must be insulated from
the spring. Use a continuity tester. If it is not insulated, remove the bolt and nut, and replace
the two fiber washers and reassemble.
Engine stops
when the mow¬
er blade is en¬
gaged or the
clutch is re¬
leased.
Recoil handle is not
in proper position.
ATter tne engine starts, the recoil starter handle must be pushed into the dashboard and turned
a quarter turn either direction to lock it in place.
Engine
smokes.
Engine loses crankcase
vacuum.
Dipstick not seated or broken. Replace defective part.
Engine breather defective. Replace.
Excessive
vibration
Bent or damaged blade
spindle
Bent blade.
stop engine immediately. Check all pulleys, blade spindles, blade adapters, keys and bolts for
tightness or damage.
Tighten or replace any damaged parts.
Mower will
not discharge
grass or leaves
uncut strips.
Engine speed too low.
Throttle must be set between 3/4 and full throttle.
Transmission selection.
Use lower transmission gear. The slower your ground speed, the better the oualitv of cut
Blades short or dull.
Sharpen or replace blades (uncut strip problem only).
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