Official Tiller parts

Troubleshooting your tiller when its engine won't start

• Check the spark plug. Pull the spark plug out and check for damage or deposits. Replace the spark plug if it's covered with deposits.
• Replace old gas. If gas has been sitting unused in the tiller's fuel tank for over 6 months, drain the tank and fill with fresh gasoline.
• Clean or replace the carburetor. A dirty carburetor won't supply the engine cylinder with fuel. Rebuild the carburetor using a kit if the carburetor is clogged with deposits. Sometimes it's easier to replace the carburetor instead of cleaning it.

Five common tiller parts that break

1. Drive belt—The main drive belt is attached to the tiller engine shaft with a clutch. The clutch is engaged with the hand switch, and the belt then catches in the pulley groove to drive the tiller tine shaft and axle. This belt can be seen behind the protective plate housing. If it's broken, cracked or torn, then it needs to be replaced.
2. Recoil starter—The recoil starter is the mechanism that you pull to start the engine. The rope or handle at the end of the rope can wear down with extended use. The recoil spring in the starter housing can break.
3. Tines—The tines make contact with the dirt to break up clumps and till the ground. These tines can wear down or get bent if they hit rocks and debris.
4. Shear pins—The shear pins attach the tines to the drive shaft. The shear pins intentionally break to prevent engine damage if tines hit a large rock or other immovable object.
5. Idler pulley—The idler pulley tensions the belt to spin the tines when you engage the drive lever. If the tines don’t spin when engage the drive lever, you may need to replace the idler pulley.