How to Troubleshoot a Great Dane Mower Engine

When a Great Dane lawn mower engine stops working properly, you can either take it to a professional or try to figure out the problem at home. Troubleshooting a problem involves locating the engine system that is failing. With only three major engine systems, the Great Dane engine can be troubleshot with a few simple tools. This process will also clue you in on other potential problems that may occur soon.

Socket wrench
Spark plug socket
Ignition tester
Compression gauge
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Shut off the Great Dane's engine and wait for any moving parts to stop before troubleshooting. Pull off the rubber boot on the tip of the spark plug. Unscrew the spark plug using the socket wrench and spark plug socket.
- 2
  Connect the lead of the ignition tester to the spark plug boot. Connect the opposite end of the tester to the tip of the spark plug. Pull firmly on the engine's starter. Check the tester's window for a blue spark. Service the ignition system if no blue spark appears.
- 3
  Unhook the tester from the boot and the plug. Unscrew the spark plug from the cylinder again. Insert the compression gauge into the cylinder and tighten it finger-tight.
- 4
  Pull again on the starter rope until the compression needle stops increasing. Check the reading on the gauge -- it should be above at least 80 psi and holding steady. Service the compression and air systems if the reading is below this or drops off rapidly.
- 5
  Unscrew the air filter container from the side of the Great Dane's engine. Pull off the rubber hose from the tip of the carburetor. Lean the engine slowly on its side and check for a small amount of gas to come out. Service the fuel system if no gas appears.

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