87
Troubleshooting
Problem: Spark absent or weak
Condition
Remedy
1.
Ignition coil
defective
2.
Spark plug
defective
3.
Alternator
defective
4.
ECU
defective
5.
Pick-up coil
defective
1. Replace ignition coil
2. Replace plug
3. Replace stator coil
4. Replace ECU
5. Replace stator coil
Problem: Spark plug fouled with carbon
Condition
Remedy
1.
Gasoline
incorrect
2.
Air cleaner element
dirty
3.
Spark plug
incorrect (too cold)
4.
Valve seals
cracked - missing
5.
Oil rings
worn - broken
1. Change to correct gasoline
2. Clean element
3. Replace plug
4. Replace seals
5. Replace rings
Problem: Spark plug electrodes overheat or burn
Condition
Remedy
1.
Spark plug
incorrect (too hot)
2.
Engine
overheats
3.
Spark plug
loose
1. Replace plug
2. Service cooling system
3. Tighten plug
Problem: Alternator does not charge
Condition
Remedy
1.
Stator wires/connections
shorted - loose - open
2.
Stator coils
shorted - grounded - open
3.
Regulator/rectifier
defective
1. Repair - replace - tighten stator wires
2. Replace stator coils
3. Replace regulator/rectifier
Problem: Alternator charges, but charging rate is below the specification
Condition
Remedy
1.
Stator wires
shorted - open - loose (at terminals)
2.
Stator coils
grounded - open
3.
Regulator/rectifier
defective
4.
Battery
defective
1. Repair - tighten Stator wires
2. Replace stator coils
3. Replace regulator/rectifier
4. Replace battery
Problem: Alternator overcharges
Condition
Remedy
1.
Battery
shorted
2.
Regulator/rectifier
damaged - defective
3.
Regulator/rectifier
poorly grounded
1. Replace battery
2. Replace regulator/rectifier
3. Clean - tighten ground connection
Problem: Charging unstable
Condition
Remedy
1.
Stator wire
intermittently shorting
2.
Alternator
internally shorted
3.
Regulator/rectifier
defective
1. Replace stator wire
2. Replace stator coil
3. Replace regulator/rectifier
Problem: Starter button inoperative
Condition
Remedy
1.
Battery charge
low
2.
Switch contacts
defective
3.
Starter motor
defective
4.
Starter relay
defective
5.
Emergency stop - ignition switch
off
6.
Wiring connections
loose - disconnected
1. Charge - replace battery
2. Replace switch
3. Replace starter motor
4. Replace relay
5. Turn on switches
6. Connect - tighten - repair connections
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
run-down - damaged
3.
Electrolyte
contaminated
1. Repair charging system
2. Replace battery
3. Replace battery
Problem: Battery discharges too rapidly
Condition
Remedy
1.
Electrolyte
contaminated
2.
Charging system
not charging
3.
Battery
overcharged - damaged
4.
Battery
short-circuited
1. Replace battery
2. Check alternator - regulator/rectifier - circuit connections
3. Replace battery - correct charging system
4. Replace battery
Problem: Battery polarity reversed
Condition
Remedy
1.
Battery
incorrectly connected
1. Reverse connections - replace battery - repair damage
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