How To Troubleshoot A Poulan Pro Lawn Mower

Poulan Pro has been manufacturing yard equipment since 1944. The manufacturer specializes in both two-cycle and four-cycle engines. The four-cycle engine in the Poulan Pro lawn mower offers power and durability. However, there may come a time when something does not work properly and you need to troubleshoot. Some problems have easy solutions you can take care of yourself. Other problems involve more in-depth fixes that might require a professional for repair unless you understand small engines intricately.

Step 1

Check the Poulan Pro lawn mower's fuel level if the mower fails to start. If the lawn mower still does not start after you've ensured it has plenty of fresh fuel, check the spark plug, fuel filter and air filter. Replace these items if they appear damaged or dirty. If these parts appear clean and you suspect a flooded engine, wait several minutes before trying to start the lawn mower again.

Step 2

Listen to how hard the engine works to start. If it seems like the engine has a hard time starting, check the air filter and the spark plug. Replace these parts if they seem damaged or dirty. Replace the lawn mower's battery if it has been used for more than four seasons. If the lawn mower has not run for three to four weeks, drain the old fuel out of the fuel tank and refill it with fresh fuel.

Step 3

Push the brake pedal down as far as it will go and try to start the Poulan Pro lawn mower. If the engine sounds like it wants to start but fails to turn over, check the attachment clutch. Disengage the attachment clutch and try to start the mower again. Check all the wiring leading to the battery and the spark plug. Push the wires tightly onto the terminals and replace any damaged wiring.

Step 4

Replace the battery if the engine makes a clicking noise when you try to start it. Ensure that the wires are attached to the battery terminals. Push them on if they seem loose. If the terminals appear dirty, rub them with a wire brush to clean them.

Step 5

Raise the cutting height and slow down the lawn mower if the mower loses power while you cut tall grass. If this does not help, make sure the throttle is not choked. Remove the mower housing from underneath the Poulan Pro lawn mower and clean off all the dirt and leaves.

Step 6

Remove the mower housing and check the blade if your Poulan Pro riding lawn mower begins to vibrate. If the blade appears damaged, replace it. Sharpen a dull blade with a metal file. Tighten the blade bolt to a torque of 30 to 35 feet per pound with a torque wrench.

Step 7

Level the mower deck if the Poulan Pro cuts grass unevenly. A damaged or dull cutting blade, or low tire pressure, can also be the culprit for an uneven cut. Replace or sharpen the cutting blade at least once per season. Check the tires' PSI with a tire gauge, and fill them if necessary. Look on the tire's rim to find the recommended PSI.

Step 8

Check the mower drive belt for damage and wear if the Poulan Pro does not discharge grass properly. Replace the belt if necessary. If the grass is wet when the grass fails to discharge, wait for the grass to dry, then try to cut it again on a lower speed setting. Clean the lawn mower's underside to remove stuck-on dirt and debris.

Step 9

Move the engine throttle to slow if the engine backfires when you turn it off. Wait for 30 seconds, then try to turn off the engine again.