Gravely 260Z Problems & Solutions: An In-Detail Guide!

A well-manicured lawn means a stunning exterior and more refreshing spaces. And the lawn mower, the Gravely 260Z, is substantially capable of doing so. But, like every living and non-living object on this planet, this machine also has some issues.

So, what are the Gravely 260Z problems? The must-mention problems are issues with the engine, excessive smoke release, and malfunctioning transmission. Additionally, shaking, fuel leakage, and clogged air & fuel filter is also quite common.

We see that there are nearly zero Gravely owners who have never faced any of these problems. In this article, we detail the problems of the Gravely 260Z along with solutions.

Table: Gravely 260Z Problems and Solutions

The table below provides an overview of common problems associated with the Gravely Model 260Z and its solutions.

In-Depth Discussion: Problems and Solutions For Gravely 260Z

Let’s check the problems and solutions in detail.

Problem 1: Engine Issues

Here, we cover all the problems associated with Gravely’s engine. Let’s check them one by one.

Reasons for The Problem

• Poor quality fuel: Fuel containing dirt, water, etc., can block the inlets and outlets, causing orienting start issues or sudden stops. 
• Faulty spark plug: It makes the engine hard to start, and also, misfiring of the engine is seen.
• Clogged air or fuel filter: It forces the engine to work harder, resulting in low performance later on. 
• The carburetor is clogged: A clogged carburetor means inappropriate air-fuel mix and not enough fuel burning, both lower the engine’s performance.
• Damaged starter switch: It abstracts the passing of starting signal to the engine motor resulting in the start-fail of the engine.
• Bad battery: A bad battery does not allow the engine to get enough power to perform at its best.

Solution

Except for battery and spark plug issues, all other tasks are very simple. And that’s why we just describe the battery and spark plug issues in detail while describing the rest of the issues in brief.

How to Solve Simple Issues

Please follow the instructions below.

• If the fuel quality is not good, just change the fuel
• Clean the air and fuel filters if they are clogged
• If the carburetor is filled with dirt, clean the respective parts
• Replace the starter switch if it is damaged

How to Replace the Damaged Spark Plug

Below are the stepwise guidelines.

• Step 1: Arrange the required items like a new spark plug, a spark plug socket, a gap gauge, and a socket wrench
• Step 2: Locate the spark plug. There are two spark plugs positioned on two sides of the engine block. Remove the cap(s)
• Step 3: Remove the existing spark plugs by using the right socket wrench
• Step 4: Check the plugs’ condition
• Step 5: Measure the gap between electrodes and adjust it (if necessary)
• Step 6: Place the new spark plug and screw it in by hand
• Step 7: Now use the wrench to do proper tightening
• Step 8: Please note that before deciding on a replacement, check whether the spark plug is really damaged or not. Or, which one is damaged? You will be able to see some burn marks if it is damaged
• Step 9: Place the cap(s)

Please check out this video for a deeper understanding;

How to Change the Battery

Please follow the below-listed steps.

• Step 1: Release the lock of the seating arrangement
• Step 2: Tilt the seat
• Step 3: Now, you can see the battery
• Step 4: Please use a multimeter to check the charging condition of the battery. If it is below the standard level, charge it up and check the performance.
• Step 5: If the performance is still degraded, replace the battery
• Step 6: Loosen the positive and negative connections’ bolts by using a wrench, but be careful
• Step 7: Remove the washer
• Step 8: Use your hand to take out those nuts (leave them attached to the cable ends)
• Step 9: Make sure those cable ends do not contact the battery’s body
• Step 10: Now, check under the machine, just below the battery, you will see a 7/16-inch bolt; remove it. 
• Step 11: Now, remove the frame (brace) of the battery 
• Step 12: Use a dry cloth or vacuum cleaner to clean the battery compartment
• Step 13: Place the new battery
• Step 14: Reconnect every nut and bolt (the previously detached ones)

You have successfully replaced the battery

Problem 2: Excessively Smoking

Sometimes, you see that the machine is releasing dark and thick smoke continuously. It is a sign of a major problem in the mechanism.

Reasons for The Problem

• Small carbon particles or dirt clog the air filter: It results in incomplete combustion due to less air in the fuel-air mixture generating more smoke. 
• Excessive oil in the crankcase: The crankshaft is designated to transfer power from the piston to the engine’s drivetrain. If there is too much oil, the excessive oil enters the combustion chamber at the time of intake stroke. 
• Low fuel level: The low fuel level means less fuel presence in the fuel-air mix, which burns very slowly. The result is simple; incomplete combustion and excessive smoke generation.

Solution

Below are the solutions.

• Clean the air filter
• Let the excess oil drain out from the crankcase
• Fill the fuel tank if the level is lower than standard

Problem 3: Transmission Issues

If you see the machine is not responding in the case of gear change, front, and back-ward movement, etc., the reason is transmission fault. Here, we detail this issue.

Reasons for The Problem

• Damaged drive belt: A drive belt is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the transmission. When it is damaged or slipped and delayed function is the result causing rough or delayed shiftings. 
• Damaged tension pulley: A damaged tensioner pulley restricts the drive belt from working efficiently, causing rough or delayed shifting while sometimes causing jerky shiftings. 

Solution

We detail the solutions here.

How to Replace Drive Belt

Follow the below points.

• Step 1: Remove the drive belt cover (left side)
• Step 2: Remove one side of the giant spring (the outer joint)
• Step 3: Now, remove the belt from the left side
• Step 4: Remove the belt from the PTO (at the bottom part of the machine)
• Step 5: Release the machine’s deck transport lock
• Step 6: Take the deck at the lowest cutting height
• Step 7: Remove the spring’s respective anchor bolt (at the bottom)
• Step 8: Loosen the bracket (holding the belt)
• Step 9: There is a wire harness connecting the bracket port; disconnect it
• Step 10: Take out the belt from the engine sheave and transaxle

How to Replace Tensioner Pulley

Below is the process.

• Step 1: Remove the drive belt by following the above process
• Step 2: Use a wrench to loosen the bolts holding the tensioner pulley
• Step 3: Take out the pulley
• Step 4: Install the new one
• Step 5: Install the drive belt
• Step 6: Examine the performance.

Bottom Line

We hope that now you know all the possible Gravely 260Z problems and their solutions. The included problems are engine issues, transmission issues, excessive smoke release, etc. To fix those, the described step-by-step guidelines will be substantially helpful for you. 

However, we suggest you apply the solutions within a safe environment; for you and others. Especially do not allow any kid while the fixation is ongoing. Finally, please keep the user manual safe. It will be substantially beneficial for in-house troubleshooting.