1/5
th
M
EGA
T
RUCK
Troubleshooting Guide
The engine doesn’t start or is not running well
o Make sure your gas and oil are mixed properly.
Mix Gas and 2-Stroke Oil
• Pump gasoline – 87 octane or higher – ethanol-free gas is highly recommended
• 2-stroke oil. Amsoil Saber (recommended)
• Mixed 25:1 ratio (gas/oil)
o Follow the instructions in this manual for “Running Your Truck”. If your truck still does not
start, try the
following:
• Check to make sure your spark plug is clean and working. Remove the plug from the engine
and
inspect the tip. If it is
clogged, it will need to be cleaned or replaced. After the plug is
removed,
check if the plug is working by:
o Attaching the wire to the top of the plug
o Placing the tip of the plug very close to the metal of the cylinder.
o Pull the pull start a few times. A spark should jump from the plug to the cylinder
o If no
spark or a weak spark is observed, replace the plug
. Ensure the plug is properly gapped
(0.028" or 0.7mm).
E
nsure the ignition coil
and
flywheel are properly gapped
(flywheel gap
should be about the thickness of a
business card)
, then check again.
o If still no spark - you likely have a problem with the ignition coil and will need to replace
it.
• The Remote Kill Switch may not be working properly and will need to be tested.
• Check to make sure your carburetor is properly tuned. You may need to adjust the screw
slightly in
either direction to
find correct tuning for your carb.
• Your engine may be flooded. This can happen if you have pushed the primer bulb many
times, or
pulled the pull start a
lot of times.
o Remove the spark plug and allow all the fuel in the cylinder to evaporate.
• Your compression may be bad. If you have an older engine, the piston rings may need
replacement.
• Check your carb gasket, intake gasket, cylinder gasket, and crankcase gasket. Can you
hear air
whooshing out of the
cylinder gasket or crankcase gasket when you pull the
starter? Is air leaking in
the manifold gasket behind the carb?
o A gasket leak results in a loss of compression and/or improperly mixed fuel and air. An
easy
way to check for intake
leaks is to spray the intake manifold and area surrounding
it with
WD-40. If the idle changes after you spray the WD-40, there is an intake air leak.
o Common areas for leaks are between the manifold and the cylinder, and between the
carb and
the intake manifold.
Inspect the manifold, carb gasket, and intake gasket for
cracks or other
signs of damage, replace if necessary.
• Make sure your gas cap is venting properly. There should be a small hole in the plastic cap
and
bladder. If it becomes
blocked or clogged it can cause issues. Also check to make sure
fuel lines
are connected correctly, the fuel lines aren't
cut, and the fuel filter is attached.
• Make sure there is no debris (grass/dirt/etc.) clogging the pull start, air filter or engine. This
can
result in the engine
running too hot and becoming overheated.
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