Troubleshooting
Problem
The engine does not start.
The engine starts hard or loses power.
The engine runs rough.
The machine or engine vibrates
excessively.
Possible Cause
1. The fuel tank is empty or the fuel
system contains stale fuel.
2. The fuel-shutoff valve is closed.
3. The throttle lever is not in the correct
position.
4. There is dirt, water, or stale fuel in the
fuel system.
5. The wire is not connected to the spark
plug.
6. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the
gap is incorrect.
7. There is dirt in the fuel filter.
1. The air-filter element is dirty and is
restricting the air flow.
2. The engine-oil level is low or the oil is
dirty.
3. The fuel-tank vent hose is plugged.
4. There is dirt in the fuel filter.
5. There is dirt, water, or stale fuel in the
fuel system.
6. The underside of the machine contains
clippings and debris.
7. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the
gap is incorrect.
1. The wire is not securely connected to
the spark plug.
2. The spark plug is pitted, fouled, or the
gap is incorrect.
3. The throttle lever is not in the F
position.
4. The air-filter element is dirty and is
restricting the air flow.
5. There is dirt in the fuel filter.
1. A blade is bent or is out of balance.
2. A blade-mounting bolt is loose.
3. The underside of the machine housing
contains clippings and debris.
4. The engine mounting bolts are loose.
5. The engine pulley, idler pulley, or blade
pulley are loose.
6. The engine pulley is damaged.
7. The blade spindle is bent.
8. The belt is damaged.
35
Corrective Action
1. Drain and/or fill the fuel tank with fresh
fuel. If the problem persists, contact an
Authorized Service Dealer.
2. Open the fuel-shutoff valve.
3. Move the throttle lever to the C
position.
4. Contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
5. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
6. Check the spark plug and adjust the
gap if necessary. Replace the spark
plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
7. Replace the fuel filter and clean the
in-tank filter screen.
1. Clean the air-filter pre-cleaner and/or
replace the paper filter.
2. Check the engine oil. Change the oil if
it is dirty or add oil if it is low.
3. Clean or replace the fuel-tank-vent
hose.
4. Replace the fuel filter and clean the
in-tank filter screen.
5. Contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
6. Clean under the machine.
7. Check the spark plug and adjust the
gap if necessary. Replace the spark
plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
1. Connect the wire securely to the spark
plug.
2. Check the spark plug and adjust the
gap if necessary. Replace the spark
plug if it is pitted, fouled, or cracked.
3. Move the throttle lever to the F
AST
position.
4. Clean the air-filter pre-filter and/or
replace the paper filter.
5. Replace the fuel filter and clean the
in-tank filter screen.
1. Balance the blade(s). If a blade is
bent, replace it.
2. Tighten the blade-mounting bolts.
3. Clean under the machine.
4. Tighten the engine mounting bolts.
5. Tighten the loose pulley.
6. Contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
7. Contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
8. Replace the belt.
HOKE
AST