MTD 504 - Off-Season Storage.22

I
OFF-SEASON STORAGE
If the machine is to be inoperative for a period onger
than 30 days, prepare for storage as follows.
1. Clean the engine and the entire unit thorojghly.
2. Lubricate all lubrication points. Wipe the entire
machine with an oiled rag to protect the surfaces.
3. Refer to the engine manual for correct « ngine
storage instructions. The engine must be com¬
pletely drained of fuel to prevent gum deposit 3 from
forming on essential carburetor parts, fue lines
and fuel tanks.
4. Refer to battery storage instructions on page 20.
5. Store unit in a clean, dry area.
NOTE
When storing any type of power
equipment in an unventilated or
metal storage shed, care should be
taken to rustproof the equipment.
Using a light oil or silicone, coat the
equipment, especially any chains,
springs, bearings and cables.
TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART FOR RECOIL START MODELS
TROUBLE
LOOK FOR
REMEDY
Engine will not
start when re¬
coil handle is
pulled.
Clutch and blade not
disengaged.
Clutch pedal must be depressed and blade must be shut off.
Ignition key not in the
ON position.
Turn on the igiition 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 carburetor.
Gasoline tank 9mpty. Fill.
Fuel line or in- ine fuel filter is plugged. Remove and clean fuel line. Replace filter if necessary.
Air filter dirty.
If the air clean: >r is dirty, the engine may not start. Clean or replace as recommended by the engine
manufacturer.
Mechanical failure
(wires or switch).
The interlock system includes two mechanical activated switches which are wired in parallel. If
the buttons on Doth 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 ti ie engine to be started with the blade and clutch engaged. WARNING: While testing,
disengage the tlutch, shut off the blade control, set the parking brake and place the gear shift lever
in neutral. Disc jnnect 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. Th e interlock wire may be grounded by being pinched or rubbing through the insulation.
Tape or replao j the wire. 2. The bolt on the flat spring behind the recoil starter where the yellow wire
attaches must :e insulated from the spring. Use a continuity tester. If it is not insulated, remove the
bolt and nut, end replace the two fiber washers and reassemble.
Engine stops
while engaging
blade or releas¬
ing clutch.
Recoil handle is not in
proper position.
After the engin 3 starts, the recoil starter handle must be pushed into the dashboard and turned a
quarter turn in either direction to lock it in place.
Engine smokes.
Engine loses crankcase
vacuum.
Dipstick not stated or broken. Replace defective part.
Engine breather defective. Replace.
Excessive
vibration.
Bent or damaged blade
spindle.
Stop engine i nmediately. Check all pulleys, blade spindles, blade adapters, keys and bolts tor
tightness or dt mage.
Tighten or rep ace any damaged parts.
Bent blade.
Stop engine immediately. Replace damaged blade. Only use original equipment blades.
Mower will not
discharge grass
or leaves uncut
Engine speed too low.
Throttle must he set between 3/4 and full throttle.
Transmission selection.
Use lower trarsmission gear. The slower your ground speed, the better the quality of cut.
strips.
Blades short or dull.
Sharpen or re jlace blades (uncut strip problem only).
22