Troubleshooting

Engine will not start

Mower ENGINE Specific:

Mower ENGINE Specific:

1.

Brake Handle not held or brake

1.

Make sure brake handle is held down and

 

cable not connected properly.

 

brake cable is properly adjusted.

2.

Mower on top of grass.

2.

Start mower atop clear area free of loose

 

 

 

objects and grass.

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 engine is

 

especially with cold engine.

 

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 fuel additive.

 

flow.

 

Heavy deposits may require further

 

 

 

cleaning.

6.

Carburetor needle stuck. Fuel can

6.

Gently tap side of carburetor float chamber

 

be smelled in the air.

 

with screwdriver handle.

7.

Too much fuel in chamber. This can

7.

Turn choke to run position. Remove spark

 

be caused by the carburetor needle

 

plug and pull the start handle several times

 

sticking.

 

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 spark plug.

 

broken.

 

 

5.

Incorrect spark timing or faulty

5.

Have qualified technician diagnose/repair

 

ignition system.

 

ignition system.

Compression Related:

Compression Related:

1.

Cylinder not lubricated. Problem

1.

Pour tablespoon of oil into spark plug hole.

 

after long storage periods.

 

Crank engine a few times and try to start

 

 

 

again.

2.

Loose or broken spark plug.

2.

Tighten spark plug. If that does not work,

 

(Hissing noise will occur when trying

 

replace spark plug. If problem persists, may

 

to start.)

 

have head gasket problem, see #3.

3.

Loose cylinder head or damaged

3.

Tighten head. If that does not remedy

 

head gasket. (Hissing noise will

 

problem, replace head gasket.

 

occur when trying to start.)

 

 

4.

Engine valves or tappets

4.

Adjust valve clearance. If that does not

 

misadjusted or stuck.

 

work, clean or replace valves/tappets.

Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the engine.

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

SKU 96156

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Harbor Freight Tools 96156 manual Troubleshooting, Engine will not start