MTD 824 - Page 17

TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART FOR ELECTRIC START MODELS
TROUBLE
LOOK FOR
REMEDY
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 plug. To test, remove spark plug. Attach spark plug lead to spark plug. Ground the
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 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 plugged. Remove and clean.
Airfilterdirty
If the air cleaner Is dirty, the engine may not start. Clean or replace as recommended by the
engine manufacturer.
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
Stop engine immediately. Check all pulleys, blade spindles, blade adpaters, keys and bolts for
tightness and damage. Tighten 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
Transmission selection
Blades short or dull
Throttle must be set between 3/4 and full throttle.
Use lower transmission gear. The slower your ground speed, the better the quality of cut.
Sharpen or replace blades (uncut strip problem only).
17