179
Troubleshooting
Problem: Spark absent or weak
Condition
Remedy
1.
Ignition coil
defective
2.
Spark plug(s)
defective
3.
CKP sensor
defective
4.
ECM
defective
1. Replace ignition coil
2. Replace plug(s)
3. Replace CKP sensor
4. Replace ECM
Problem: Spark plug fouled with carbon
Condition
Remedy
1.
Gasoline
incorrect
2.
Air cleaner element
dirty
3.
Spark plug(s)
incorrect (too cold)
4.
Valve seals
cracked - missing
5.
Oil rings
worn - broken
1. Change to correct gasoline
2. Clean element
3. Replace plug(s)
4. Replace seals
5. Replace rings
Problem: Spark plug electrodes overheat or burn
Condition
Remedy
1.
Spark plug(s)
incorrect (too hot)
2.
Engine
overheats
3.
Spark plug(s)
loose
1. Replace plug(s)
2. Service cooling system
3. Tighten plug(s)
Problem: Battery does not charge
Condition
Remedy
1.
Lead wires/connections
shorted - loose - open
2.
Stator coils
shorted - grounded - open
3.
Regulator/rectifier
shorted
1. Repair - replace - tighten lead wires
2. Replace stator coils
3. Replace regulator/rectifier
Problem: Battery charges, but charging rate is below the specification
Condition
Remedy
1.
Lead wires
shorted - open - loose (at terminals)
2.
Stator coils
grounded - open
3.
Regulator/rectifier
defective
4.
Electrolyte
low
5.
Cell plates (battery)
defective
1. Repair - tighten lead wires
2. Replace stator coils
3. Replace regulator/rectifier
4. Add distilled water
5. Replace battery
Problem: Magneto overcharges
Condition
Remedy
1.
Internal battery
short circuited
2.
Regulator/rectifier
defective
3.
Regulator/rectifier
poorly grounded
1. Replace battery
2. Replace regulator/rectifier
3. Clean - tighten ground connection
Problem: Charging unstable
Condition
Remedy
1.
Lead wire
intermittently shorting
2.
Magneto
internally shorted
3.
Regulator/rectifier
defective
1. Replace lead wire
2. Replace stator coil
3. Replace regulator/rectifier
Problem: Starter does not engage
Condition
Remedy
1.
Battery charge
low
2.
Switch contacts
defective
3.
Starter motor brushes
not seating
4.
Starter relay
defective
5.
Emergency stop - ignition switch
off
6.
Wiring connections
loose - disconnected
7.
Start-in-gear/neutral relay
defective
1. Recharge - replace battery
2. Replace switch
3. Replace starter
4. Replace relay
5. Turn on switches
6. Connect - tighten - repair connections
7. Replace relay
Problem: Battery “sulfation” (Acidic white powdery substance or spots on surfaces of cell plates)
Condition
Remedy
1.
Charging rate
too low - too high
2.
Battery electrolyte
insufficient
3.
Specific gravity
too low
4.
Battery
discharged
5.
Electrolyte
contaminated
1. Replace battery
2. Keep electrolyte to prescribed level
3. Charge battery - add distilled water
4. Charge battery
5. Replace battery