Problem |
| Possible Causes |
| Probable Solutions |
Engine misfires | 1. Spark plug wire loose. | 1. | Check wire connections. | |
| 2. | Incorrect spark plug gap or | 2. | |
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| damaged spark plug. |
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| 3. | Defective spark plug wire. | 3. | Replace spark plug wire. |
| 4. | Old or low quality gasoline. | 4. | Use only fresh 89+ octane unleaded |
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| gasoline. |
| 5. | Incorrect compression. | 5. | Diagnose and repair compression. (Use |
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| Engine will not start: Compression |
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|
| Related section.) |
Engine stops | 1. | Low oil shutdown. | 1. | Fill engine oil to proper level. Check engine |
suddenly |
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| oil before EVERY use. |
| 2. | Fuel tank empty or full of impure or | 2. | Fill fuel tank with fresh 89+ octane unleaded |
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| low quality gasoline. |
| gasoline. |
| 3. | Defective fuel tank cap creating | 3. | Test/replace fuel tank cap. |
|
| vacuum, preventing proper fuel flow. |
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| 4. | Improper idle speed. | 4. | Properly adjust idle speed. |
| 5. | Brake cable broken. | 5. | Repair brake cable as needed. |
| 6. | Faulty magneto, incorrect timing, or | 6. | Have qualified technician diagnose and |
|
| clogged carburetor. |
| service engine. |
Engine knocks | 1. | Old or low quality gasoline. | 1. | Fill fuel tank with fresh 89+ octane unleaded |
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| gasoline. |
| 2. | Engine overloaded. | 2. | Do not exceed engine’s load rating. |
| 3. | Incorrect spark timing, deposit | 3. | Have qualified technician diagnose and |
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| buildup, worn engine, or other |
| service engine. |
|
| mechanical problems. |
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Engine backfires | 1. | Impure or low quality gasoline. | 1. | Fill fuel tank with fresh 89+ octane unleaded |
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| gasoline. |
| 2. | Engine too cold. | 2. | Use cold weather fuel and oil additives to |
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| prevent backfiring. |
| 3. | Choke not open after engine warm. | 3. | Move choke to run position after engine |
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| warms up. |
| 4. | Engine not properly adjusted for | 4. | Qualified technician must adjust engine at |
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| high altitude operation. |
| altitudes greater than 5,000 feet above sea |
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| level. |
| 5. | Intake valve stuck, choke stuck, | 5. | Have qualified technician diagnose and |
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| incorrect timing, clogged carburetor, |
| service engine. |
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| or overheated engine. |
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Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the engine.
SKU 96156 | For technical questions, please call | Page 15 |
