Troubleshooting

Problem

 

Possible Causes

 

Probable Solutions

Engine will not

Fuel Related:

Fuel Related:

start

1.

No fuel in tank or fuel valve closed.

1.

Fill fuel tank and open fuel valve.

 

2.

Choke not in start position,

2.

Move choke to start position if

 

 

especially with cold engine.

 

engine is cold.

 

3.

Low quality or deteriorated, old

3.

Use only fresh 89+ octane unleaded

 

 

gasoline.

 

gasoline.

 

4.

Carburetor not primed.

4.

Prime carburetor by pressing

 

 

 

 

priming bulb specified number of

 

 

 

 

times (if equipped).

 

5.

Dirty fuel passageways blocking fuel

5.

Clean out passageways using

 

 

flow.

 

fuel additive. Heavy deposits may

 

 

 

 

require further cleaning.

 

6.

Carburetor needle stuck. Fuel can

6.

Gently tap side of carburetor float

 

 

be smelled in the air.

 

chamber with screwdriver handle.

 

7.

Too much fuel in chamber. This can

7.

Turn choke to run position and close

 

 

be caused by the carburetor needle

 

fuel valve. Remove spark plug and

 

 

sticking.

 

pull the start handle several times to

 

 

 

 

air out the chamber. Reinstall spark

 

 

 

 

plug and set choke to start position.

 

Ignition (spark) Related:

Ignition (spark) Related:

 

1.

Spark plug wire not connected

1.

Connect spark plug wire properly.

 

 

securely.

 

 

 

2.

Spark plug electrode wet or dirty.

2.

Clean spark plug.

 

3.

Incorrect spark plug gap.

3.

Correct spark plug gap.

 

4.

Spark plug wire or spark plug

4.

Replace spark plug wire and/or

 

 

broken.

 

spark plug.

 

5.

Incorrect spark timing or faulty

5.

Have qualified technician diagnose/

 

 

ignition system.

 

repair ignition system.

 

Compression Related:

Compression Related:

 

1.

Cylinder not lubricated. Problem

1.

Pour tablespoon of oil into spark

 

 

after long storage periods.

 

plug hole. Crank engine a few times

 

 

 

 

and try to start again.

 

2.

Loose or broken spark plug.

2.

Tighten spark plug. If that does not

 

 

(Hissing noise will occur when trying

 

work, replace spark plug. If problem

 

 

to start.)

 

persists, may have head gasket

 

 

 

 

problem, see #3.

 

3.

Loose cylinder head or damaged

3.

Tighten head. If that does not

 

 

head gasket. (Hissing noise will

 

remedy problem, replace head

 

 

occur when trying to start.)

 

gasket.

 

4.

Engine valves or tappets

4.

Adjust valve clearance. If that does

 

 

misadjusted or stuck.

 

not work, clean or replace valves/

 

 

 

 

tappets.

Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the equipment or engine.

SKU 65761

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

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Harbor Freight Tools 65761 manual Troubleshooting, Problem Possible Causes Probable Solutions Engine will not, Start