Stihl RZ 261 Instruction Manual - Page 38

Troubleshooting While normal care and regular maintenance will extend the life of your unit, prolonged or constant use may eventually require that service be performed to allow it to continue to operate properly. This troubleshooting guide lists the most common problems, their causes, and remedies. Refer to MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES for instructions on how to perform most of these minor adjustments and service repairs yourself. If you prefer, all of these procedures can be performed for you by your authorized STIHL servicing dealer. WARNING Remove ignition key prior to performing maintenance on the unit. To avoid serious injury, perform maintenance on the unit or mower deck only when the engine is stopped and the parking brake is engaged. Always remove the ignition key, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and fasten it away from the plug(s) before beginning the maintenance, to prevent accidental starting of the engine. Troubleshooting the Zero-Turn Riding Mower Problem: Engine will not turn over or start. Cause Remedy Parking brake is not engaged. Engage the parking brake. PTO (electric clutch) switch in ON position. Place in OFF position. Ground speed control levers are not Move ground speed levers to the in NEUTRAL LOCK position. NEUTRAL LOCK position. Out of fuel. If engine is hot, allow it to cool, then fill the fuel tank. Engine flooded. Move choke control to the closed position. 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. See engine operator's manual. Problem: Engine starts hard or runs poorly. Cause Remedy Fuel mixture too rich. Clean air filter. Check choke adjustment. See engine operator's manual. Spark plug(s) faulty, fouled, or incorrectly gapped. Clean and gap, or replace. See engine operator's manual. Problem: Engine knocks. Cause Remedy Low oil level. Check and add oil as required. Using wrong grade oil. See engine operator's manual. Problem: Excessive oil consumption. Cause Remedy Engine running too hot. Clean engine fins, blower screen, and air cleaner. See engine operator's manual. Using wrong grade oil. See engine operator's manual. Too much oil in crankcase. Drain excess oil. Problem: Engine exhaust is black. Cause Remedy Dirty air filter. Replace air filter. See engine operator's manual. Engine choke is in closed position. Open choke control. Problem: Engine runs, but rider will not drive or drives and handles poorly. Cause Remedy Transmission release lever(s) in "bypass" position. Move transmission release lever(s) to the "drive" position. Transmission drive belt or pulleys is Clean as required. greasy or oily. Steering lever linkages are loose. Check and tighten any loose connections. Improper tire inflation. See Checking Tire Pressures. Problem: Mower will not raise. Cause Remedy Mower will not raise. See authorized STIHL servicing dealer. Problem: Engine stalls easily with mower engaged. Cause Remedy Engine speed too slow. Set to full throttle. Ground speed is too fast. Decrease ground speed. Cutting height set too low. Cut tall grass at maximum cutting height during first pass. Discharge chute jamming with cut grass. Cut grass with discharge pointing toward previously cut grass. Problem: Excessive mower vibration. Cause Remedy Blade mounting bolts are loose. Tighten to 50-60 ft-lbs (68-81 Nm). Mower blades, spindles, or pulleys Check and replace as necessary. are bent. Mower blades are not balanced. Remove, sharpen, and balance blades. See Servicing the Mower Blades. Belt installed incorrectly. See authorized STIHL servicing dealer. For all other issues, see authorized dealer. Troubleshooting Common Cutting Problems Problem: Streaking Streaking is when thin strips of uncut grass are left behind the mower. Streaking is usually caused by operator error or poor blade maintenance. 38 stihlusa.com