MTD 820 Series - Troubleshooting Guide

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE(S)
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Engine will not
crank
Battery installed incor¬
rectly
The battery mi ist be installed with negative terminal attached to black ground wire. Negative terminal is
identified at th 3 post by “NEG”, “N” or The positive terminal, identified by “POS”, “P” or “+”, must be
attached to th< big red wire which goes to the solenoid.
Battery is dead or weak Check fluid lei/el in battery. If fluid is low, fill to UPPER LEVEL line with water. Charge with taper
charger until ft lly charged.
Blown fuse or circuit
breaker
Replace fuse vith 7-1/2 amp. automotive type fuse. Fuses seldom fail without a reason. The problem
must be correi ted. Check for loose connections in the fuse holder. Replace fuse holder if necessary. A
dead short mt y be in the cranking or charging circuit where the insulation may have rubbed through
and exposed 1 he bare wire. Replace the wire or repair with electrician’s tape if the wire strands have
not been dam; ged.
Note: Look for a wire pinched between body panels, burned by the exhaust pipe or muffler or rubbed
against a movi hg part.
Engine ground wire loose
Engine should have a black ground wire running from engine to frame or mounting bolt.
Safety switch button
not depressed
There are two switches in the starting circuit of your unit: the clutch pedal switch and the deck lift lever
switch. Make c ertain the actuator is fully depressing the buttons on each switch.
Engine cranks
but will not start
Throttle or choke not in
starting position
Check owner’s guide for correct position for throttle control and choke 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 engine repaired at authorized engine service
dealer.
Faulty spark p ug. To test, remove spark plug. Attach spark plug lead to spark plug. Ground the spark
plug body ags inst the engine block. Crank the engine. The spark plug should fire at the electrode.
Replace if it dc es not.
No fuel to the carburetor
Gasoline tank jmpty. Fill.
Fuel line or in- ine fuel filter plugged. Remove and clean fuel line. Replace filter if necessary.
Air filter dirty
If the air clear er is dirty, the engine may not start. Clean or replace as recommended by the engine
manufacturer.
Engine smokes
Engine loses crankcase
vacuum
Dipstick not se ated or broken. Replace defective part.
Engine breathi ir defective. Replace.
Excessive
vibration
Bent or damaged blade
spindle
Stop engine immediately. Check all pulleys, blade adapters, keys and bolts for tightness and
damage. Tight 3n or replace any damaged parts.
Bent blade
Stop engine immediately. Replace damaged blade. Only use original equipment blades.
Mower will not
discharge
grass or leaves
uncut strips
Engine speed low
Speed selection
Blades short or dull
Throttle must 1 e set at full throttle.
Use lower groi md speed. The slower your ground speed, the better the quality of cut.
Sharpen or rej lace blades (uncut strip problem only).
If the above steps fail to correct the problem, take the unit to yo ir local authorized service dealer for repair.