Troubleshooting
Problem | 
  | Possible Causes  | 
  | Probable Solutions  | 
Engine misfires  | 1. Spark plug wire loose.  | 1.  | Check wire connections.  | |
  | 2.  | Incorrect spark plug gap or  | 2.  | |
  | 
  | 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  | Page 19  |