Troy-Bilt Mustang 50 Problems: How to Troubleshoot Them?

Troy-Bilt Mustang 50 is a commercial grade zero turn lawn mower fitted with a 24 HP(Horse Power) Briggs & Stratton engine, a heavy-duty reinforced steel frame, 50 inch triple blade side discharge deck, and a high-back seat with dual suspension spring. All of these features transform this mower into a perfect choice for big yards as it trims 2½ acres in an hour.

But this marvelous machine can run into several problems with usage and the passage of time. All of the parts of the mower can be subject to wear and tear and cause malfunctions like the engine not starting, engine overheating, blades failing to engage properly, uneven cutting, fuel leakage, loss of power, transmission system failure, and many more.

But you should not fret over these issues as these common problems can be easily solved by following the proper guidelines and using the correct tools.

Troy-Bilt Mustang 50 Engine Problems

The Briggs & Stratton engine that runs the vehicle forward and rotates the blades for trimming the grass can run into problems like failure to start, running rough, overheating, and so on. The causes behind these problems and their solutions are given below.

Engine Not Starting

Engine can fail to start due to several issues.

• Low or contaminated fuel: Engine may fail to start if the fuel tank is low or filled with contaminated fuel.
  Solution: Drain the fuel tank and fill it with high quality fuel.

• Faulty spark plug: Spark plugs provide the engine with the necessary flicker to start combustion. Engine will not start if the spark plug’s electrodes are corroded, widened too much, have carbon build-up, or not taking power from the battery.
  Solution: Adjust, repair, or replace the spark plug.

• Weak or dead battery: Battery provides the spark plug with the necessary power to start the ignition. Engine will fail to start if the battery is weak or dead.
  Solution: Charge the battery with a charger. Start the vehicle with a jumper cable if you are in a hurry. Change the battery if it is completely dead.

• Clogged fuel line: Clogged fuel line will stop fuel from reaching the engine for combustion.
  Solution: Clean all the debris and carbon build-up from all the fuel lines. Check them with a pressure gauge to see if they have any leaks.

• Choke: Engine will not start if the choke is off.
  Solution: Turn on choke.

• Faulty fuel pump: Fuel pump makes a low humming noise when engine is started and pumps fuel from the tank to the engine. Fuel pump can malfunction if the internal valves are damaged.
  Solution: Repair and replace the fuel pump as needed.

• Faulty safety switches: Safety switches prevent the engine from starting at odd positions like if the rider is not on the seat but when they become faulty they can also cause trouble starting the engine.
  Solution: Check all the safety switches and repair or replace them.

• Faulty wirings: Faulty wirings can also keep the engine from starting.

Solution: Check all the connections with a multimeter. Repair or replace the wirings.

Engine Running Rough

Several factors can cause the engine to run rough. The main causes and solutions are given below.

• Low or contaminated fuel: Insufficient fuel in the tank or the tank being filled with contaminated fuel can cause the engine to run rough.
  Solution: Drain all the fuel from the tank and fill it with clean gasoline.

• Faulty spark plug: Faulty spark plug can also cause the engine to perform unwell.
  Solution: Fix or replace the spark plug.

• Clogged filters: Clogged air filters do not provide clean air to the engine for combustion and can cause performance issues.
  Solution: Clean or replace the air filter as required.

• Low engine oil: Engine oil keeps the parts properly lubricated and decreases jerking motions. Low engine oil can cause the engine to run rough.
  Solution: Fill the tank with high quality engine oil of the recommended viscosity.

Engine Overheating

The most common causes behind engine overheating and their solutions are discussed below:

• Damaged cooling fan: Cooling fans keep the engine from overheating. Engine will overheat if the cooling fans get too dirty or damaged.
  Solution: Clean, fix, or replace the cooling fans.

• Clogged air filter: Clogged air filters will provide the engine with unclean air which will combust poorly and cause overheating issues.
  Solution: Clean, repair, or change the air filter.

• Faulty carburetor: Malfunctioning carburetor provides the engine with an imbalanced mixture of fuel and air for combustion and can cause overheating.
  Solution: Change the carburetor.

Engine Stalling

Engine getting stalled while operating the vehicle is frustrating for the operator and can damage the machine. The common reasons and the solutions are given below:

• Faulty spark plug: Faulty spark plug can stall the engine if the spark plug electrodes are dirty, too widened, have carbon build-up, or get corroded.
  Solution: Fix or replace the spark plug.

• Faulty safety switches: Safety switches engaging or disengaging at the wrong time can stall the mower.
  Solution: Check all the safety switches for faults. Repair and replace them as needed.

• Dirty filter: Dirty air filter can also cause engine stalling.
  Solution: Clean or replace the air filter.

• Faulty carburetor: Clogged carburetor can also cause the engine to stall.
  Solution: Clean or replace the carburetor as necessary.

Engine Emitting Excessive Smoke

There are two main issues that cause the engine to emit excessive smoke.

• Faulty carburetor: Carburetor mixes the fuel with the right amount of air and provides it to the engine for combustion. Engine emits excessive smoke if this mixture is too rich in fuel.
  Solution: Clean, fix, or replace the carburetor.

• Contaminated fuel: Contaminated fuel can also cause the engine to exhaust excessive smoke.
  Solution: Drain all the fuel from the tank and fill it with clean and fresh gasoline.

Troy-Bilt Mustang 50 Cutting Deck Problems

The 50 inch wide deck fitted with side discharge mount makes the trimming experience a breeze but the deck can run into various problems such as uneven trims, blades malfunction, and excessive vibration.

Uneven Cutting

Uneven cuts can be a result of various issues.

• Wrong height settings: The most common reason for uneven cuts is the wrong height setting on the deck.
  Solution: Check and adjust the height setting to get the desired trims.

• Dull or bent blades: Dull or damaged blades will not cut grass evenly. Blades get dull, bent, and chipped over time and usage.
  Solution: Sharpen the blades regularly. Always make sure that both sides of the blade are balanced properly. Change the blades if they form deep cracks on them.

• Damaged belt and pulley system: Belt and pulley systems are set underneath the deck and they help to time the blades. This ensures that the blades overlap properly and do not hit each other. Damaged belt and pulley systems will cause the blades to run out of sync and cut grass unevenly.
  Solution: Adjust, tighten, repair, or replace the belts and pulleys in the deck to ensure even cuts all the time.

Blades Not Engaging

Failure to engage the blades may result from the PTO clutch malfunctioning, faulty PTO switch, or wiring issues.

• Faulty PTO clutch: PTO(Power Take-Off) clutch helps the blade to rotate properly and slows it down without causing damage to the blades. Blades will not engage properly if the PTO clutch malfunctions.
  Solution: Repair or replace the PTO clutch.

• Faulty PTO switch: PTO switch takes power from the battery and supplies it to the PTO clutch system. Faulty PTO switches will also stop the blades from engaging properly.

Solution: Fix or replace the PTO switch.

• Wiring issues: The wires connecting the PTO clutch to the PTO switch and the battery can be subject to wear and tear and corrosion over time.
  Solution: Check all the wirings with a multimeter. Repair or replace the wires as necessary.

Excessive Vibration

Excessive vibration of the deck can be a result of loose parts, faulty belt and pulley systems, and bent or unbalanced blades.

• Loose parts: Loose nuts and bolts can cause unwanted jerking motion in the deck.
  Solution: Tighten all the nuts and bolts properly.

• Faulty belt and pulley system: Belt and pulley system helps the mower to time the blades. Excessive vibration can be a result of the belt and pulley system being loose or getting damaged.
  Solution: Tighten all the belts and pulleys of the machine. Repair or replace the parts if they get damaged.

• Blade issue: Excessive vibration can also result from bent or unbalanced blades. Bent or unbalanced blades wobble while they rotate and cause jerking motion in the deck.
  Solution: Straighten and balance both sides of the blade. Sharpen the blades in regular intervals.

Troy-Bilt Mustang 50 Transmission Problems

The hydrostatic transmission system of the mower enables the mower to turn on a whim and makes the overall trimming experience comfortable and smooth. But this quality transmission system can also run into some problems like jammed gear, loss of power, and fluid leakage.

Difficulty in Shifting Gears

Problems while shifting gears stem from mechanical obstructions and lack of lubrication.

• Low transmission fluid: Gears are submerged in oil that helps them to move properly when shifted. Gears will not be shifting smoothly if this oil level is low.
  Solution: Fill the transmission with the correct level of oil.

• Debris build-up: Debris build-up around the exterior of the transmission system can also cause it to jam and cause difficulties while shifting gear.
  Solution: Clean all the dirt, dust, junk, grass clippings, soil, and debris build-up around the exterior of the transmission system.

• Air bubble trapped in the oil: Air bubbles can get trapped in the transmission fluid and cause the gears to move in a staggered way since air is less efficient than oil.
  Solution: Purge the hydraulic system and fill it with the correct amount of oil.

Loss of Drive Power

Loss of drive power stems from issues in the control linkage, drive belt, and wrong gear position.

• Control linkage issue: Loss of power may be a result of the control linkage being out of adjustment or getting bent or damaged.
  Solution: Adjust the control linkage. Repair or replace the control linkage if necessary.

• Drive belt issue: Drive belt transfers the transmission’s motion to the axel and the wheels.

Solution: Repair or replace the drive belts and pulleys.

• Wrong gear position: The issue of power loss can stem from the gears being put in the wrong position.
  Solution: Put the gears in the correct position. Follow the instruction manual to learn about proper gear shifting.

Transmission Fluid Leakage

Transmission fluid leakage results from the draining valve malfunctioning or the transmission system getting badly damaged. Replace the draining valve if it gets damaged. Fixing the transmission system is difficult and may require professional service.

Troy-Bilt Mustang 50 Electrical Problems

Various electrical components work together to run the mower smoothly. Fault in any of them may cause issues during operation.

Faulty Ignition System

Faulty wirings, short circuits, corroded connection points can cause the ignition system to fail. Check all the wires and connections with a multimeter to see if they are carrying power properly. Repair or replace them as required.

Dead Battery

Charge the battery if it gets weak. Battery might need replacement if it does not take charge when connected with a charger. Replace the battery with a new one and connect all the points accordingly.

Electrical Connections Issues

There are numerous electrical wires inside the mower that connect the battery, the engine, and all the other components of the mower. Check all the connections and the connecting wires with a multimeter and ensure that they are supplying electricity properly. Repair or replace the wires if they show signs of corrosion or short circuits.

Troy-Bilt Mustang 50 Fuel System Problems

Fuel system is vital to the mower to ensure smooth operation of the engine. They might cause trouble if components of the fuel system malfunction.

Fuel Leaks

Fuel leaks are caused by damaged fuel lines or loose connections. Check all the fuel lines that are connecting the fuel tank to the fuel pump, the fuel pump to the carburetor, and the carburetor to the engine. Drain all the gasoline first in a container and check all the connecting points and the tubes with a pressure gauge for leaks or damages. Repair or replace the tubes and the connections as necessary.

Fuel Filter Clogs

Fuel filter helps to filter out any contaminants that might be present in the fuel tank to make sure that the fuel pump, the carburetor, and the engine stays healthy. This filter is prone to getting clogged and damaged with usage. Clean the fuel filter regularly and replace it entirely with a new one if it gets badly damaged.

Carburetor Issues

Carburetor supplies the engine with the correct mixture of air and fuel for combustion. This integral part of the machine can get clogged or badly damaged with time. Engine overheating, staggering, or releasing excessive smoke are signs of a bad carburetor. Clean the carburetor of carbon build-up or replace it if it gets beyond repair.

How to Diagnose Troy-Bilt Mustang 50 Problems?

Diagnosing Troy-Blit Mustang 50 starts with identifying the problems and the root cause behind those problems in the machine. Isolate the parts that are causing the problems and repair or replace them accordingly. Always start with the most common culprits behind the problems which are faulty wirings, weak or dead battery, clogged filters, clogged lines, and debris build-ups. Move up to check the engine or the belts and pulleys if fixing them does not solve the issues. Contact your dealer or take the mower to a trusted workshop if none of the solutions work.

When to Seek Professional Help for Troy-Bilt Mustang 50 Problems?

Professional help is needed if the parts that are not easily repaired get damaged such as the transmission system, the carburetor and the engine chambers.

Is It Necessary to Use Genuine Troy-Bilt Replacement Parts for Repairs?

Yes, it is necessary to use genuine Troy-Bilt replacement parts for repair if those parts are not interchangeable with other mowers. Other parts like nuts and bolts, screws, belts and pulleys, battery, or the electrical wires are interchangeable and can be bought even if they are not genuine Troy-Bilt parts. Make sure to match all the measurements while swapping with spare parts.