30
Troubleshooting the Rider
PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY
Engine will
not turnover
or start.
Ground speed levers not set to START/PARK. Set to START/PARK.
Mower blade switch in ON position. Place in OFF position.
Ground speed levers not set to START/PARK. Set to START/PARK
Choke not in CLOSED position. Move choke to CLOSED position.
Ignition switch not turned fully to START position. Turn ignition switch fully to START position.
Out of fuel. Allow engine to cool, then refill the fuel tank.
Engine flooded. Set choke to OPEN position when cranking engine.
Fuel is old or stale, or water in fuel. Drain fuel & replace with fresh fuel. Contact Sears
Parts & Repair.
Battery terminals require cleaning. Clean the battery terminals
Battery discharged or dead. Recharge or replace.
Spark plug(s) faulty, fouled or incorrectly gapped. Clean and gap or replace.
Wiring loose or broken. Visually check wiring & replace broken or frayed
wires. Tighten loose connections.
Solenoid or starter motor faulty. Replace. Contact Sears Parts & Repair.
Safety interlock switch faulty. Replace. Contact Sears Parts & Repair.
Engine starts
hard or runs
poorly.
Air filter plugged Service pre-cleaner and/or replace air filter
element.
Choke not set to CLOSED position when
cranking the engine, OR choke not set to OPEN
after engine starts.
Set choke to CLOSED when cranking. Set choke to
OPEN when engine is running. A warm engine may
not require choking.
Spark plug faulty, fouled, or incorrectly gapped. Clean and gap or replace.
Engine
knocks.
Low oil level. Check/add oil as required.
Using wrong grade oil. See "Change Engine Oil" in the Maintenance
Section.
Excessive oil
consumption.
Engine running too hot. Clean engine cooling fins, blower screen and air
cleaner.
Using wrong weight oil. See "Change Engine Oil" in the Maintenance
Section.
Too much oil in crankcase. Drain excess oil.
Engine
exhaust is
black.
Dirty air filter or pre-cleaner, or both. Service or replace as required. See Maintenance
Section.
Choke set to CLOSED when engine is running. Set choke to OPEN as soon as engine starts.
TROUBLESHOOTING
While normal care and regular maintenance will extend the life
of your equipment, prolonged or constant use may eventually
require that service be performed to allow it to continue
operating properly. The troubleshooting guide below lists the
most common problems, their causes and remedies.
If you prefer, all of these procedures can be performed for you
by a Sears Parts & Repair Center. See the back cover for
important Sears Parts & Repair Center information.
WARNING
To avoid serious injury, perform maintenance on
the rider or mower only when the engine is
stopped and the ground speed levers are set to
PARK.
Always remove the ignition key, disconnect the
spark plug wire and fasten it away from the plug
before beginning the maintenance, to prevent
accidental starting of the engine.
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