MTD 586 - TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
Trouble Possible Cause(s) Corrective Action
Engine fails to start
Enginerunserratic
1. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel.
2. Throttle control lever not in
starting position.
3. Not enough fuel to carburetor.
4. Spark plug wire disconnected.
5. Faulty spark plug.
6. Engine flooded.
1. UnitrunningonCHOKE.
2. Sparkplugwireloose.
3. Stale fuel.
4. Ventingas cap plugged.
5. Water ordirtinfuel system.
6. Dirtyaircleaner.
1. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
2. Move throttle lever to FAST position.
3. On Models 586-588 place choke control in
CHOKE position, On 587, depress
primer bulb three (3) times.
4. Connect wire to spark plug.
5. Clean, adjust gap or replace.
6. Remove spark plug, dry the plug,
and crank engine with plug removed
and choke/stop control in stop position.
Replace spark plug, connect wire and
resume starting procedures.
1. Move choke to OFF position.
2. Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
3. Fill tanl( with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Clear vent.
6. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
6. Clean air cleaner as instructed in
separate engine manual.
7. Carburetor out of adjustment. 7. Adjust carburetor as instructed in
separate engine manual.
Engine overheats 1. Engine oil level low. 1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Air flow restricted. 2. Remove blower housing and clean as
instructed in separate engine manual.
3. Carburetor not adjusted 3. Adjust carburetor as instructed in
properly, separate engine manual.
Excessive vibration at 1. Spindle bent. 1. Replace spindle.
blade 2. Ball bearings worn out. 2. Replace ball bearings.
Belt slips t. Belt worn or stretched. 1. Adjust clutch rod or replace belt.
2. Blade clutch/depth control will 2. Readjust spring tension at blade
not remain in depth adjustment clutch/depth control.
bracket.
Blade guard pivots Cam lever and carriage bolt on Readjust guard, tighten cam lever and
forward, throwing dirt guard are loose, carriage bolt.
on operator
NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed above, please contact your local service dealer.
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