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Page 18 For technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882. Horizontal Engines
Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Causes Probable Solutions
Engine will not start FUEL RELATED:
1. No fuel in tank or fuel valve closed.
2. Choke not in CHOKE 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.
FUEL RELATED:
1. Fill fuel tank and open fuel valve.
2. Move Choke to CHOKE position.
3. Clean out ethanol rich gasoline from fuel
system. Replace components damaged
by ethanol. Use fresh 87+ octane
unleaded gasoline only.
Do not use gasoline with more than
10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.).
4. Use fresh 87+ octane 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 CHOKE position.
9. Replace 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.
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.
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.
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.
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the equipment or engine.
SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP