Safety Information
Before Troubleshooting:
- Disconnect spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting
- Allow engine to cool completely before working
- Work on level ground with parking brake engaged
- Wear safety glasses and gloves
- Keep bystanders away from work area
Safety Precautions
- Fuel Safety: Always handle gasoline in well-ventilated areas away from sparks or flames. Never smoke near fuel.
- Blade Safety: Never attempt to inspect or remove blades without proper tools and safety precautions.
- Battery Safety: Disconnect negative battery cable first when working on electrical system.
- Hot Components: Avoid contact with muffler, engine, and other hot components during and after operation.
- Stability: Never operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees. Be cautious when turning on inclines.
- Maintenance Safety: Always use proper tools and follow torque specifications for all fasteners.
- Storage Safety: Store mower in a dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources.
Common Issues
| Most Common Problem | Engine Won't Start |
| Second Most Common | Poor Cutting Performance |
| Electrical Issues | Battery, Starter, Wiring |
| Drive Problems | Transmission, Belts, Pulleys |
| Fuel System | Carburetor, Fuel Pump, Lines |
| Seasonal Issues | Storage Preparation, Spring Startup |
Quick Diagnostic Flowchart
- Engine won't crank: Check battery, safety switches, starter solenoid
- Engine cranks but won't start: Check fuel, spark, compression
- Engine starts but dies: Check fuel delivery, carburetor, air filter
- Poor cutting quality: Check blades, deck level, belt tension
- Loss of power: Check air filter, fuel filter, spark plug
- Vibration issues: Check blades, spindle bearings, deck mounts
For specific model troubleshooting, contact Craftsman Customer Service at 1-888-331-4569 or visit Craftsman.com
Engine Problems
Engine Won't Start
Check battery charge, fuel level, spark plug condition, and safety interlock switches. Ensure parking brake is engaged and blades are disengaged.
Engine Starts Then Dies
Often caused by clogged fuel filter, dirty carburetor, or faulty choke. Check fuel lines for restrictions and carburetor for varnish buildup.
Engine Runs Rough
Check spark plug gap, air filter condition, and fuel quality. Old gasoline can cause rough running. Drain and replace with fresh fuel.
Engine Overheating
Clean cooling fins, check oil level, and ensure proper engine ventilation. Overheating can be caused by clogged air passages or low oil.
Loss of Power
Check air filter, fuel filter, and spark plug. Also inspect governor linkage and ensure proper throttle operation.
Excessive Smoke
Blue smoke indicates oil burning (check oil level). White smoke may indicate coolant in combustion chamber. Black smoke indicates rich fuel mixture.
Fuel System Troubleshooting
Fuel Not Reaching Engine
Check fuel shutoff valve, fuel filter, fuel pump, and carburetor float bowl
Carburetor Issues
Clean jets and passages, check float level, inspect needle and seat
Fuel Pump Problems
Test pump output, check vacuum lines, inspect diaphragm
Fuel Line Restrictions
Check for kinks, cracks, or blockages in fuel lines
Fuel Tank Vent
Ensure tank vent is clear to prevent vapor lock
Ethanol Problems
Use fuel stabilizer with ethanol-blended gasoline to prevent phase separation
Cutting Problems
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven cutting pattern | Deck not level, worn blades, incorrect tire pressure | Level mower deck, sharpen or replace blades, check tire pressure |
| Grass not discharging properly | Clogged deck, wet grass, engine speed too low | Clean deck underside, mow when grass is dry, operate at full throttle |
| Scalping (cutting too low) | Deck too low, uneven terrain, worn rollers | Adjust cutting height, avoid uneven areas, replace worn parts |
| Vibration during operation | Unbalanced blades, damaged spindles, loose components | Balance or replace blades, inspect spindles, tighten all fasteners |
| Belt slipping or breaking | Worn belt, misaligned pulleys, improper tension | Replace belt, align pulleys, adjust tension to specification |
| Deck won't engage | Faulty PTO switch, broken belt, damaged clutch | Test PTO switch, inspect belt and clutch, check wiring |
Blade Maintenance
- Sharpening: Sharpen blades every 25 hours of operation for clean cuts
- Balancing: Always balance blades after sharpening to prevent vibration
- Replacement: Replace blades when cutting edge is worn beyond 1/4 inch
- Inspection: Check for cracks, bends, or damage before each use
- Installation: Ensure blades are installed with cutting edge toward ground
- Torque: Tighten blade bolts to manufacturer's specification (usually 45-55 ft-lbs)
Electrical System
Tools Needed for Electrical Diagnostics:
- Multimeter (digital preferred)
- Test light
- Battery load tester
- Wire terminal crimper
- Electrical contact cleaner
- Dielectric grease
Electrical Troubleshooting Guide
- Battery Testing: Check voltage (should be 12.6V+ fully charged). Load test to determine capacity.
- Charging System: Test alternator/generator output (should be 13.5-14.5V with engine running).
- Starting Circuit: Check battery cables, starter solenoid, and starter motor. Voltage drop test cables.
- Safety Switches: Test seat switch, brake switch, PTO switch, and neutral safety switch for continuity.
- Wiring Inspection: Check for damaged insulation, corroded connectors, and loose terminals.
- Fuse Panel: Locate and test all fuses. Replace with correct amperage rating only.
- Ground Connections: Clean and tighten all ground connections to frame and engine.
Common Electrical Problems
Dead Battery
Check charging system, parasitic draw, and battery age. Batteries typically last 3-5 years.
Intermittent Operation
Often caused by loose connections, corroded terminals, or failing switches.
No Power to Accessories
Check fuse panel, ignition switch, and wiring harness connections.
Starter Issues
Test starter solenoid, check battery cables for voltage drop, inspect starter motor.
Manual Downloads
Craftsman T-Series Manuals
T110
42" Deck, 19HP
T210
42" Deck, 19HP
T225
46" Deck, 22HP
T240
46" Deck, 24HP
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