TROUBLESHOOTING
problem
possible Causes
probable Solutions
TROUBLESHOOTING
17
Engine will
not start
Engine will not start
FUEL RELATED: 1. No fuel in tank or fuel
valve closed.
2. Choke not in START position, cold
engine.
3. Gasoline with more than 10% ethanol
used. (E15, E20, E85, etc.) 4. Low quality
or deteriorated, old gasoline.
5. Carburetor not primed.
6. Dirty fuel passageways.
7. Carburetor needle stuck. Fuel can be
smelled in the air.
8. Too much fuel in chamber. This can be
caused by the carburetor needle sticking.
9. Clogged Fuel Filter.
IGNITION (SPARK) RELATED:
1. Spark plug cap not connected
securely.
2. Spark plug electrode wet or dirty. 3.
Incorrect spark plug gap.
4. Spark plug cap broken.
5. Circuit breaker tripped (electric start
models only). 6. Incorrect spark timing or
faulty ignition system.
COMPRESSION RELATED:
1. Cylinder not lubricated. Problem after
long storage periods.
2. Loose or broken spark plug. (Hissing
noise will occur when trying to start.)
3. Loose cylinder head or damaged head
gasket. (Hissing noise will occur when
trying to start.)
4. Engine valves or tappets mis-adjusted
or stuck.
OIL RELATED:
1. Low engine oil.
2. Engine mounted on slope, triggering
low oil shutdown.
OIL RELATED:
1. Fill engine oil to proper level. Check engine oil before
EVERY use.
2. Operate engine on level surface. Check engine oil level.
COMPRESSION RELATED:
1. Pour tablespoon of oil into spark plug hole. Crank
engine a few times and try to start again.
2. Tighten spark plug. If that does not work, replace spark
plug. If problem persists, may have head gasket problem,
see #3.
3. Tighten head. If that does not remedy problem, replace
head gasket.
4. Have qualified technician diagnose/ repair ignition
system.
IGNITION (SPARK) RELATED:
1. Connect spark plug cap properly.
2. Clean spark plug.
3. Correct spark plug gap.
4. Replace spark plug cap.
5. Reset circuit breaker. Check wiring and starter
motor if breaker continues to trip.
6. Have qualified technician diagnose/ repair ignition
system.
FUEL RELATED:
1. Fill fuel tank with fresh 87+ octane stabilizer treated
unleaded gasoline and open fuel valve. Do not use
gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.).
2. Move Choke to START position.
3. Clean out ethanol rich gasoline from fuel system.
Replace components damaged by ethanol. Use fresh 87+
octane stabilizer treated unleaded gasoline only. Do not
use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85,
etc.).
4. Use fresh 87+ octane stabilizer treated unleaded
gasoline. Do not use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol
(E15, E20, E85, etc.).
5. Pull on Starter Handle to prime.
6. Clean out passageways using fuel additive. Heavy
deposits may require further cleaning.
7. Gently tap side of carburetor float chamber with
screwdriver handle.
8. Turn Choke to RUN position. Remove spark plug and pull
the start handle several times to air out the chamber.
Reinstall spark plug and set Choke to START position.
9. Replace Fuel Filter
