Yard Machines 086 User Manual

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The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round 
shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy side 
until it balances evenly. It is recommended that the 
blade always be removed from the adapter when 
testing for balance. Before reinstalling the blade and 
the blade adapter to the unit, lubricate the engine 
crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter 
with light oil.
Be sure to install the blade with the end tips facing 
up or side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with 
part number) facing the ground when the mower is 
in the operating position.
Slide the blade adapter onto the engine crankshaft.
Place the blade on the adapter. Be certain the 
blade is aligned and seated on the blade adapter 
flanges.
Place blade bell support on blade. Make sure the 
notches on the blade bell support are aligned with 
small holes in the blade.
Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque: 450 
in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.
NOTE:  To ensure safe operation of your mower, the
blade bolt must be checked periodically for correct
torque.
SECTION 8:  TROUBLESHOOTING
NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed above, contact your nearest authorized service dealer. 
Problem
Cause
Remedy
Engine fails to start
1.
Blade control handle disengaged.
2.
Spark plug wire disconnected.
3.
Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
4.
Blocked fuel line.
5.
Faulty spark plug.
6.
Engine flooded
1.
Engage blade control handle.
2.
Connect wire to spark plug.
3.
Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4.
Clean fuel line.
5.
Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
6.
Wait a few minutes to restart, but do not 
prime.
Engine runs erratic
1.
Spark plug wire loose.
2.
Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
3.
Vent in gas plugged.
4.
Water or dirt in fuel system.
5.
Dirty air cleaner.
6.
Carburetor out of adjustment.
1.
Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
2.
Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh 
gasoline
3.
Clear vent.
4.
Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
5.
Clean air cleaner.
6.
Adjust carburetor.
Engine overheats
1.
Engine oil level low.
2.
Air flow restricted.
3.
Carburetor not adjusted properly.
1.
Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2.
Remove blower housing and clean.
3.
Adjust carburetor.
Occasional skip (hesitates) 
at high speed
1.
Spark plug gap too close.
1.
Adjust gap to .030”.
Idles poorly
1.
Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap too 
wide.
2.
Carburetor improperly adjusted.
3.
Dirty air cleaner.
1.
Reset gap to .030” or replace spark 
plug.
2.
Adjust carburetor.
3.
Clean air cleaner.
Excessive vibration
1.
Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
2.
Bent cutting blade.
1.
Tighten blade and adapter. Balance 
blade.
2.
Replace blade.
Mower will not mulch grass 1.
Wet grass.
2.
Excessively high grass.
3.
Dull blade.
1.
Do not mow when grass is wet; wait 
until later to cut.
2.
Mow once at a high cutting height, then 
mow again at desired height or make a 
narrower cutting path.
3.
Sharpen or replace blade. 
Uneven cut
1.
Wheels not positioned correctly.
2.
Dull blade.
1.
Place all four wheels in same height 
position.
2.
Sharpen or replace blade.