MTD WHITE GT-185 - Trouble Shooting Guide; Engine Starting Issues; Engine Performance Issues; Mowing and Discharge Problems

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
POSSIBLE CAUSE(S) CORRECTIVE ACTION
Engine will not
crank
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 certain the actuator is fully depressing the buttons on each switch.
Battery installed
The battery must be installed with negative terminal attached to black ground wire. Negative terminal is
incorrectly identified at the post by “NEG", “N" or The positive terminal, identified by “POS", “P” or
must be attached to the big red wire which goes to the solenoid.
Battery is dead or weak
Check fluid level in battery. If fluid is low, fill to just below split rings with water. Charge with 6 amp
charger until fully charged.
Blown fuse or circuit
breaker
Replace fuse with automotive type fuse. Fuses seldom fail without a reason. The problem must
be corrected. Check for loose connections in the fuse holder. Replace fuse holder if necessary. A dead
short may be in the cranking or charging circuit where the insulation may have rubbed through and
exposed the bare wire. Replace the wire or repair with electrician’s tape if the wire strands have not
been damaged.
Note: Look for a wire pinched between body panels, burned by the exhaust pipe or muffler or rubbed
against a moving part.
Engine ground wire loose Engine should have a black ground wire running from engine to frame or mounting bolt.
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. Place 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 line or in-line fuel filter plugged. Remove and clean fuel line. Replace filter if necessary.
Air filter dirty
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 adapters, keys, nuts 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
Speed selection
Blades short or dull
Throttle must be set at full throttle.
Use lower ground speed. The slower your ground speed, the better the quality of cut.
Sharpen or replace blades (uncut strip problem only).
If the above steps fail to correct the problem, take the unit to your local authorized service dealer for repair.
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