ENGINE TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM | PROBABLE CAUSE | CORRECTION |
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Poor Compression | Leaking cylinder head gasket | Replace per instructions in manufacturer’s manual |
| Incorrect tappet adjustment | Adjust per instructions in manufacturer’s manual |
| Sticking valves | Repair per instructions in manufacturer’s manual |
| Worn cylinder bores | Repair per instructions in manufacturer’s manual |
| Pitted valves and seats | Repair per instructions in manufacturer’s manual |
| Broken, worn, or sticking piston ring(s) | Repair per instructions in manufacturer’s manual |
| Worn valve stems and guides | Repair per instructions in manufacturer’s manual |
| Broken valve spring | Replace per instructions in manufacturer’s manual |
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Starts and Stops | Restriction in air cleaner | Remove obstruction |
| Fuel tank empty | Fill tank |
| Choked fuel filter | Remove obstruction |
| Bad spark plugs | Replace spark plugs; see manufacturer’s manual |
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| for recommendations |
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Vibration | Poor compression | Repair per instructions in manufacturer’s manual |
| Sticking throttle/restricted movement | Lubricate or replace |
| Leaking cylinder head gasket | Replace per instructions in manufacturer’s manual |
| Overheating | Allow to cool; determine cause |
| Sticking valves | Repair per instructions in manufacturer’s manual |
| Broken, worn, or sticking piston rings | Repair per instructions in manufacturer’s manual |
| Incorrectly aligned flywheel and/or | Adjust per instructions in manufacturer’s manual |
| flywheel housing |
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Will Not Crank | Bad electrical connection | Check connections to electric start (if applicable) |
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Will Not Start | Restriction in air cleaner | Remove obstruction |
| Choked fuel filter | Remove obstruction |
| Bad spark plugs | Replace spark plugs; see manufacturer’s manual |
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| for recommendations |
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