Troubleshooting Guide
ENGINE DOES NOT START
What To Check
Does the engine crank?
YES
Good compression?
YES
NO
NO
Possible Cause
Faulty recoil starter.
Fluid in the crankcase.
Internal damage.
Loose spark plug.
Excess wear on cylinder, piston, rings.
Remedy
Consult with an authorized servicing dealer.
Tighten and
Consult with an authorized servicing dealer.
Does the tank contain fresh fuel of the proper grade?
YES
Is fuel visible and moving in the return line when priming?
YES
Is there spark at the spark plug wire terminal?
YES
Check the spark plug.
NO
NO
NO
Fuel incorrect, stale, or contaminated; mixture incorrect.
Check for clogged fuel filter and/or vent.
The ignition switch is in “O” (OFF) position. Shorted ignition ground.
Faulty ignition unit.
If the plug is wet, excess fuel may be in the cylinder.
The plug is fouled or improperly gapped.
The plug is damaged internally or of the wrong size.
Refill with fresh, clean unleaded gasoline with a pump octane of 87 or higher mixed with a
Clean as required; restart.
Move switch to “I” (ON) position and
Consult with an authorized servicing dealer.
Crank the engine with the plug removed, reinstall the plug, and restart.
Clean and regap the plug to 0.024” (0.6 mm). Restart.
Replace the plug with a Champion CJ8 or equivalent type spark plug of the correct heat range. Restart.
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| LOW POWER OUTPUT |
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What To Check |
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| Possible Cause |
| Remedy |
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| Operator is overworking the unit. |
| Cut at a slower rate. |
Is the engine overheating? |
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| Carburetor mixture is too lean. |
| Consult with an authorized servicing dealer. | |
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| Improper fuel ratio. |
| Refill with fresh, clean unleaded gasoline with a pump |
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| octane of 87 or higher mixed with a |
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| mixing oil that meets or exceeds |
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| Fan, fan cover, cylinder fins dirty or damaged. |
| JASO FC classified oils at 50:1 gasoline/oil ratio. |
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| Consult with an authorized servicing dealer. | |
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| Carbon deposits on the piston or in the muffler. |
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| Clogged air cleaner element. |
| Service the air cleaner. |
Engine is rough at all speeds. |
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May also have black smoke and/ |
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| Loose or damaged spark plug. |
| Tighten or replace. |
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or unburned fuel at the exhaust. |
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| Air leakage or clogged fuel line. |
| Repair or replace fuel filter and/or fuel line. |
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| Water in the fuel. |
| Refill with fresh fuel/oil mixture. See page 8. |
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| Piston seizure. |
| Consult with an authorized servicing dealer. |
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| Faulty carburetor and/or diaphragm. |
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| Overheating condition. |
| See above. |
Engine is knocking. |
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| Improper fuel. |
| Check fuel octane rating; check for presence of | |
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| alcohol in the fuel (page 8). Refuel as necessary. |
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| Carbon deposits in the combustion chamber. |
| Consult with an authorized servicing dealer. |
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