Troubleshooting

Problem

 

Possible Causes

 

Probable Solutions

Engine will not start

Starting instructions not followed

Refer to starting instructions and

 

completely.

follow them step-by-step.

 

Fuel Related:

Fuel Related:

 

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.

Dirty fuel passageways blocking

4.

Clean out passageways using

 

 

fuel flow.

 

fuel additive. Heavy deposits may

 

 

 

 

require further cleaning.

 

5.

Carburetor needle stuck. Fuel can

5.

Gently tap side of carburetor float

 

 

be smelled in the air.

 

chamber with screwdriver handle.

 

6.

Too much fuel in chamber. This can

6.

Turn choke to run position. Remove

 

 

be caused by the carburetor needle

 

spark plug and pull the start

 

 

sticking.

 

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 broken.

4.

Replace spark plug wire.

 

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

 

 

(Hissing noise will occur when trying

 

not work, replace spark plug. If

 

 

to start.)

 

problem 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 67596

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

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Harbor Freight Tools 67596 manual Troubleshooting, Problem Possible Causes Probable Solutions