ENGINE WILL NOT START OR IS HARD TO START

Run/Off Switch in off position.

Fuel shut-off valve closed (off).

Improper fuel / fuel level.

Stale fuel.

Plugged fuel screen.

Plugged air intake filter.

Spark plug wire is loose or disconnected.

Spark plug not gapped correctly.

Choke adjusted incorrectly - See your John Deere Dealer.

ENGINE WILL NOT SLOW IDLE

Carburetion problems - See your John Deere Dealer.

ENGINE RUNS ROUGH

Fuel shut-off valve partially closed.

Plugged fuel sediment bowl.

Plugged air intake filter.

Fuel cap vent dirty.

Stale or improper fuel / fuel level.

Spark plug not gapped correctly.

Replace spark plug.

Choke adjusted incorrectly - See your John Deere Dealer.

Carburetion problems - See your John Deere Dealer.

ENGINE OVERHEATS

Clean cooling fins.

Low oil level.

Plugged air intake filter.

ENGINE KNOCKS

Reduce load.

Fuel is bad. Fill tank with fresh fuel, correct octane.

Operate engine at FAST idle.

ENGINE LACKS POWER

Reduce load.

Plugged air intake filter.

Plugged fuel sediment bowl.

Drain and fill tank with correct fuel.

Clean cooling fins to help prevent overheating.

Spark plug.

ENGINE USES TOO MUCH OIL

Find and correct oil leaks.

Incorrect engine oil.

Plugged air intake filter.

ENGINE BACKFIRES THROUGH MUFFLER

Carburetion problems - See your John Deere Dealer.

POOR CUTTING

Bed knife to reel out of adjustment.

Reel or bed knife dull.

Grass too tall.

MOWS UNEVENLY

Grass too tall, check grass type and grass grain.

Height of cut not properly set.

Front or drive roller not parallel to bed knife.

MOWER DOES NOT MOVE

Drive belt out of adjustment or broken.

Roller chain broken.

REEL DOES NOT ENGAGE

Roller chain broken.

Adjust cables.

CUT GRASS LEFT ON GREEN

Grass catcher incorrectly installed.

Reel shield clips not secured to bed knife support.

Adjust shield