Troubleshooting

Problem

 

Possible Causes

 

Probable Solutions

Engine misfires

1. Spark plug wire loose.

1.

Check wire connections.

 

2.

Incorrect spark plug gap or

2.

Re-gap or replace spark plug.

 

 

damaged spark plug.

 

 

 

3.

Defective spark plug wire.

3.

Replace spark plug wire.

 

4.

Old or low quality gasoline.

4.

Use only fresh 89+ octane

 

 

 

 

unleaded gasoline.

 

5.

Incorrect compression.

5.

Diagnose and repair compression.

 

 

 

 

(Use Engine will not start:

 

 

 

 

Compression Related

 

 

 

 

section.)

Engine stops

1.

Low oil shutdown.

1.

Fill engine oil to proper level.

suddenly

 

 

 

Check engine oil before EVERY

 

 

 

 

use.

 

2.

Fuel tank empty or full of impure or

2.

Fill fuel tank with fresh 89+ octane

 

 

low quality gasoline.

 

unleaded gasoline.

 

3.

Defective fuel tank cap creating

3.

Test/replace fuel tank cap.

 

 

vacuum, preventing proper fuel

 

 

 

 

flow.

 

 

 

4.

Faulty magneto.

4.

Have qualified technician service

 

 

 

 

magneto.

Engine knocks

1.

Old or low quality gasoline.

1.

Fill fuel tank with fresh 89+ octane

 

 

 

 

unleaded gasoline.

 

2.

Engine overloaded.

2.

Do not exceed equipment’s load

 

 

 

 

rating.

 

3.

Incorrect spark timing, deposit

3.

Have qualified technician diagnose

 

 

buildup, worn engine, or other

 

and service engine.

 

 

mechanical problems.

 

 

Engine backfires

1.

Impure or low quality gasoline.

1.

Fill fuel tank with fresh 89+ octane

 

 

 

 

unleaded gasoline.

 

2.

Engine too cold.

2.

Use cold weather fuel and oil

 

 

 

 

additives to prevent backfiring.

 

3.

Intake valve stuck or overheated

3.

Have qualified technician diagnose

 

 

engine.

 

and service engine.

Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the equipment or engine.

SKU 97005

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

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Harbor Freight Tools 97005 manual Use Engine will not start