
Troubleshooting
Problem | 
  | Possible Causes | 
  | Probable Solutions | 
Engine will not start  | 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  | 
  | 
  | gasoline.  | 
  | unleaded gasoline.  | 
  | 4.  | Carburetor not primed.  | 4.  | Prime carburetor by pressing  | 
  | 
  | 
  | 
  | priming bulb approximately three  | 
  | 
  | 
  | 
  | times.  | 
  | 5.  | Dirty fuel passageways blocking  | 5.  | Clean out passageways using  | 
  | 
  | fuel 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.  | 
  | 
  | be caused by the carburetor needle  | 
  | Remove spark plug and pull the  | 
  | 
  | sticking.  | 
  | 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 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  | 
  | not work, replace spark plug. If  | 
  | 
  | trying 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 97005  | For technical questions, please call  | Page 18  |