14
NO
Troubleshooting Guide
Does the engine crank?
Good compression?
Does the tank contain fresh fuel
of the proper grade?
Is fuel visible and moving in the
return line when priming?
Is there spark at the spark plug
wire terminal?
Check the spark plug.
Faulty recoil starter.
Fluid in the crankcase.
Internal damage.
Loose spark plug.
Excess wear on cylinder, piston, rings.
Fuel incorrect, stale, or contaminated;
mixture incorrect.
Check for clogged fuel filter and/or vent.
The ignition switch is in “O” (OFF) position.
Shorted ignition ground.
Faulty ignition unit.
If the plug is wet, excess fuel may
be in the cylinder.
The plug is fouled or improperly gapped.
The plug is damaged internally or
of the wrong size.
Consult with an authorized servicing dealer.
Tighten and re-test.
Consult with an authorized servicing dealer.
Refill with fresh, clean unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane of 87 or higher mixed with a 2-cycle air cooled
mixing oil that meets or exceeds ISO-L-EGD and/or
JASO FC classified oils at 50:1 gasoline/oil ratio.
Clean as required; restart.
Move switch to “I” (ON) position and restart.
Consult with an authorized servicing dealer.
Crank the engine with the plug removed, reinstall the
plug, and restart.
Clean and regap the plug to 0.024 inch (0.6 mm).
Restart.
Replace the spark plug with a Champion CJ8 or
equivalent spark plug of the correct heat range.
Adjust the spark plug to 0.024-inch (0.6 mm).
NO
YES
What To Check
Possible Cause
Remedy
ENGINE DOES NOT START
NO
YES
NO
YES
YES
NO
YES
Is the engine overheating?
Engine is rough at all speeds.
May also have black smoke and/
or unburned fuel at the exhaust.
Operator is overworking the unit.
Carburetor mixture is too lean.
Improper fuel ratio.
Fan, fan cover, cylinder fins dirty or damaged.
Carbon deposits on the piston or in the muffler.
Clogged air cleaner element.
Loose or damaged spark plug.
Air leakage or clogged fuel line.
Water in the fuel.
Piston seizure.
Faulty carburetor and/or diaphragm.
Overheating condition.
Improper fuel.
Carbon deposits in the combustion chamber.
Cut at a slower rate.
Consult with an authorized servicing dealer.
Refill with fresh, clean unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane of 87 or higher mixed with a 2-cycle air cooled
mixing oil that meets or exceeds ISO-L-EGD and/or
JASO FC classified oils at 50:1 gasoline/oil ratio.
Clean, repair or replace as necessary.
Consult with an authorized servicing dealer.
Clean or replace the air cleaner.
Tighten or replace the spark plug with a Champion
CJ8 or equivalent spark plug of the correct heat
range. Adjust the spark plug to 0.024-inch (0.6 mm).
Repair or replace fuel filter and/or fuel line.
Refill with fresh, clean unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane of 87 or higher mixed with a 2-cycle air cooled
mixing oil that meets or exceeds ISO-L-EGD and/or
JASO FC classified oils at 50:1 gasoline/oil ratio.
Consult with an authorized servicing dealer.
See above.
Check fuel octane rating; check for presence of
alcohol in the fuel (page 8). Refuel as necessary.
Consult with an authorized servicing dealer.
What To Check
Possible Cause
Remedy
LOW POWER OUTPUT
Engine is knocking.
