3.2
Section 3
Troubleshooting
Engine Knocks
1. Excessive engine load.
2. Low crankcase oil level.
3. Old or improper fuel.
4. Internal wear or damage.
5. Hydraulic lifter malfunction.
6. Quality of fuel.
7. Incorrect grade of oil.
Engine Loses Power
1. Low crankcase oil level.
2. High crankcase oil level.
3. Dirty air cleaner element.
4. Dirt or water in the fuel system.
5. Excessive engine load.
6. Engine overheated.
7. Faulty spark plugs.
8. Low compression.
9. Exhaust restriction.
10. Low battery.
11. Incorrect governor setting.
Engine Uses Excessive Amount of Oil
1. Incorrect oil viscosity/type.
2. Clogged, broken, or inoperative crankcase
breather.
3. Worn or broken piston rings.
4. Worn cylinder bore.
5. Worn valve stems/valve guides.
6. Crankcase overfilled.
7. Blown head gasket/overheated.
Oil Leaks from Oil Seals, Gaskets
1. Clogged, broken or inoperative crankcase
breather.
2. Loose or improperly torqued fasteners.
3. Piston blowby, or leaky valves.
4. Restricted exhaust.
External Engine Inspection
Before cleaning or disassembling the engine, make a
thorough inspection of its external appearance and
condition. This inspection can give clues to what
might be found inside the engine (and the cause)
when it is disassembled.
• Check for buildup of dirt and debris on the
crankcase, cooling fins, grass screen, and other
external surfaces. Dirt or debris on these areas
are causes of higher operating temperatures and
overheating.
• Check for obvious fuel and oil leaks, and
damaged components. Excessive oil leakage can
indicate a clogged or improperly-assembled
breather, worn/damaged seals and gaskets, or
loose or improperly-torqued fasteners.
• Check the air cleaner cover and base for damage
or indications of improper fit and seal.
• Check the air cleaner element. Look for holes,
tears, cracked or damaged sealing surfaces, or
other damage that could allow unfiltered air into
the engine. Also note if the element is dirty or
clogged. These could indicate that the engine has
been under serviced.
• Check the carburetor throat for dirt. Dirt in the
throat is further indication that the air cleaner is
not functioning properly.
• Check the oil level. Note if the oil level is within
the operating range on the dipstick, or if it is low
or overfilled.
• Check the condition of the oil. Drain the oil into a
container - the oil should flow freely. Check for
metal chips and other foreign particles.
Sludge is a natural by-product of combustion; a
small accumulation is normal. Excessive sludge
formation could indicate overrich carburetion,
weak ignition, overextended oil change intervals
or wrong weight or type of oil was used, to name
a few.
NOTE: It is good practice to drain oil at a
location away from the workbench. Be
sure to allow ample time for complete
drainage.
Cleaning the Engine
After inspecting the external condition of the engine,
clean the engine thoroughly before disassembling it.
Also clean individual components as the engine is
disassembled. Only clean parts can be accurately
inspected and gauged for wear or damage. There are
many commercially available cleaners that will
quickly remove grease, oil, and grime from engine
parts. When such a cleaner is used,
follow the
manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions carefully
.
Make sure all traces of the cleaner are removed before
the engine is reassembled and placed into operation.
Even small amounts of these cleaners can quickly
break down the lubricating properties of engine oil.
