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troubleshooting
Problem Possible causes Probable solutions
Engine will not start starting instructions not followed
completely.
refer to starting instructions and
follow them step-by-step.
FUEL RELATED:
No fuel in tank or fuel valve closed.1.
Choke not in start position, 2.
especially with cold engine.
Low quality or deteriorated, old 3.
gasoline.
Dirty fuel passageways blocking 4.
fuel ow.
Carburetor needle stuck. Fuel can 5.
be smelled in the air.
Too much fuel in chamber. This can 6.
be caused by the carburetor needle
sticking.
FUEL RELATED:
Fill fuel tank and open fuel valve.1.
Move choke to start position if 2.
engine is cold.
Use only fresh 89+ octane unleaded 3.
gasoline.
Clean out passageways using 4.
fuel additive. Heavy deposits may
require further cleaning.
gently5. tap side of carburetor oat
chamber with screwdriver handle.
Turn choke to run position. Remove 6.
spark plug and pull the start
handle several times to air out the
chamber. Reinstall spark plug and
set choke to start position.
IGNITION (SPARK) RELATED:
Spark plug wire not connected 1.
securely.
Spark plug electrode wet or dirty.2.
Incorrect spark plug gap.3.
Spark plug wire broken.4.
Incorrect spark timing or faulty 5.
ignition system.
IGNITION (SPARK) RELATED:
Connect spark plug wire properly. 1.
Clean spark plug.2.
Correct spark plug gap.3.
Replace spark plug wire.4.
Have qualied technician diagnose/5.
repair ignition system.
COMPRESSION RELATED:
Cylinder not lubricated. Problem 1.
after long storage periods.
Loose or broken spark plug. 2.
(Hissing noise will occur when trying
to start.)
Loose cylinder head or damaged 3.
head gasket. (Hissing noise will
occur when trying to start.)
Engine valves or tappets 4.
misadjusted or stuck.
COMPRESSION RELATED:
Pour tablespoon of oil into spark 1.
plug hole. Crank engine a few
times and try to start again.
Tighten spark plug. If that does 2.
not work, replace spark plug. If
problem persists, may have head
gasket problem, see #3.
Tighten head. If that does not 3.
remedy problem, replace head
gasket.
Adjust valve clearance. If that does 4.
not work, clean or replace valves/
tappets.
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the
equipment or engine.