Poulan SM400 Helpful Tip, Fuel System, Engine, Other, Troubleshooting Table, Cause, Remedy

FUEL SYSTEM	ENGINE
Under FUELING ENGINE in the OPERA-	S	Remove spark plug and pour 1 teaspoon of
TION section of this manual, see message la-		40:1, 2-cycle engine oil (air cooled) through
beled IMPORTANT regarding the use of ga-		the spark plug opening. Slowly pull the
sohol in your engine.		starter rope 8 to 10 times to distribute oil.
Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in	S	Replace spark plug with new one of recom-
minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits		mended type and heat range.
during storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel	S	Clean air filter.
tank or fuel storage container. Follow the mix	S	Check entire unit for loose screws, nuts,
instructions found on stabilizer container. Run		and bolts. Replace any damaged, broken,
engine at least 5 minutes after adding stabilizer.		or worn parts.
HELPFUL TIP	S At the beginning of the next season, use
		only fresh fuel having the proper gasoline to
During storage of your gas/		oil ratio.
oil mixture, the oil will sepa-	OTHER
rate from the gas.
	S	Do not store gasoline from one season to
We recommend that you
		another.
shake the gas can weekly
	S	Replace your gasoline can if it starts to rust.
to insure proper blending of
the gas and oil.

TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE

WARNING: Always stop unit and disconnect spark plug before performing any of the recommended remedies below other than remedies that require operation of the unit.

TROUBLE		CAUSE	REMEDY
Engine will not	1.	Engine flooded.	1. See “Starting a Flooded Engine”
start.			in Operation section.
	2.	Fuel tank empty.	2. Fill tank with correct fuel mixture.
	3.	Spark plug not firing.	3. Install new spark plug.
	4.	Fuel not reaching	4. Check for dirty fuel filter; replace.
		carburetor.	Check for kinked or split fuel line;
			repair or replace.
	5.	Compression low.	5. Contact an authorized service dealer.
Engine will not	1.	Fuel not reaching	1. Check for dirty fuel filter; replace.
idle properly.		carburetor.	Check for kinked or split fuel line;
			repair or replace.
	2.	Carburetor requires
			2. Contact an authorized service dealer.
		adjustment.
	3.	Crankshaft seals worn.	3. Contact an authorized service dealer
	4.	Compression low.	4. Contact an authorized service dealer.
Engine will not	1. Air filter dirty.		1. Clean or replace air filter.
accelerate,	2. Fuel not reaching		2. Check for dirty fuel filter; replace.
lacks power, or		carburetor.	Check for kinked or split fuel line;
dies under a			repair or replace.
	3. Spark plug fouled.		3. Clean or replace spark plug
load.
			and re-gap.
	4. Carburetor requires		4. Contact an authorized service dealer.
		adjustment.	5. Contact an authorized service dealer.
	5. Carbon build up.
	6. Compression low.		6. Contact an authorized service dealer.
Engine smokes	1. Choke partially on.		1. Adjust choke.
excessively.	2. Fuel mixture incorrect.		2. Empty fuel tank and refill with
	3. Air filter dirty.		correct fuel mixture.
			3. Clean or replace air filter.
	4. Carburetor requires		4. Contact an authorized service dealer.
		adjustment.
Engine runs hot.	1. Fuel mixture incorrect.		1. See “Fueling Engine” in Operation
			section.
	2. Spark plug incorrect.		2. Replace with correct spark plug.
	3. Carburetor requires		3. Contact an authorized service dealer.
		adjustment.	4. Contact an authorized service dealer.
	4. Carbon build up.

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