24
Engine Troubleshooting
PROBLEM
SOLUTION
The engine will not start.
• No fuel in tank or fuel valve closed.
• Add fuel and open fuel valve.
• Choke not in start position.
• Place choke in START position and pull recoil starter.
• Low quality or deteriorated, old gasoline.
• Drain fuel. Add fresh 87+ octane unleaded gasoline.
• Dirty fuel passageways blocking fuel flow.
• Clean out fuel passageways using fuel additive.
• Carburetor needle stuck. Smell of fuel in air. • Gently tap side of carburetor with screwdriver handle.
• Too much fuel in chamber.
• Turn choke to RUN position.
• Spark plug wire not connected securely.
• Connect spark plug wire securely to spark plug.
• Spark plug electrode wet or dirty.
• Remove and clean spark plug. Reinstall spark plug and restart.
• Incorrect spark plug gap.
• Reset spark plug gap according to specifications.
• Spark plug wire or spark plug broken.
• Replace spark plug and/or spark plug wire.
• Cylinder not lubricated after long storage.
• Remove spark plug. Pour tablespoon of oil into spark plug hole.
Replace spark plug. Crank engine a few times and try to start.
• Clogged fuel filter.
• Replace fuel filter.
• If the engine still will not start, visit our web site at www.
dirtyhandtools.com or call 1-877-487-8275 for assistance.
Engine misfires, backfires or knocks.
• Spark plug wire loose.
• Tighten spark plug wire.
• Incorrect spark plug gap.
• Reset spark plug gap according to specifications (see page 17).
• Spark plug wire or spark plug broken.
• Replace spark plug and/or spark plug wire.
• Low quality or deteriorated, old gasoline.
• Drain fuel. Add new fresh 87+ octane unleaded gasoline.
• Engine too cold.
• Use cold weather fuel and oil additives.
• Engine knocks.
• Engine overloaded, do not exceed recommended load rating.
Engine stops suddenly.
• Low quality or deteriorated, old gasoline.
• Drain fuel. Add fresh 87+ octane unleaded gasoline.
• Defective fuel cap creates vacuum.
• Test and replace fuel cap.
• Improper idle speed.
• Move choke to RUN position.
• Incorrect timing, deposit buildup, worn
• Requires qualified technician.
engine or other mechanical problem.
BEFORE PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE
PROCEDURE STOP THE ENGINE, WAIT FIVE (5)
MINUTES TO ALLOW ALL PARTS TO COOL.
Disconnect the spark plug wire, keeping it away from the spark plug.
!
WARNING