Filter
Top Products
TROUBLESHOOTING
If the answer
is yes:
If the engine won’t start
(Fuel line)
Fill fuel tank; if engine
is still hot, wait until it
cools before filling tank.
Open fuel shut-off valve.
Empty tank, replace fuel
and check for leaks in
fuel tank cap.
Disconnect inlet screen
from engine and clean
using compressed air.
Do not use compressed
air near engine.*
Make sure cap is vented
and air holes are not
clogged.*
Remove spark plug lead
and spark plug; pour
teaspoon of fuel directly
into cylinder; reinsert
spark plug and lead;
start engine; if it runs
shortly before quitting,
overhaul carburetor.*
Adjust float in fuel bowl,
if adjustable; make sure
choke isn’t set too high.*
Remove spark plug;
clean contacts or
replace plug.
Remove spark plug;
reset gap.
Test lead with spark
tester, then test engine.
Repair or replace kill
switch.*
Replace flywheel key,
then try to start engine;
if it still won’t start,
check ignition arma-
ture, wire connections
or points.*
Perform compression
test. If test indicates
poor compression,
inspect valves, piston
and cylinder for damage
and repair as needed.*
(Engine smokes)
(Engine overheats)
(Engine knocks)
(Spark plug misses
under load)
(Carburetor)
(Ignition)
(Compression)
Is the fuel tank
empty?
Is the shut-off
valve closed?
Is the fuel diluted
with water?
Is the fuel line
or inlet screen
blocked?
Is the fuel tank
cap clogged or
unvented?
Is the engine
flooded?
Is the spark plug
fouled?
Is the spark plug
gap set incorrectly?
Is the spark plug
lead faulty?
Is the kill switch
shorted?
Is the flywheel
key damaged?
Are the valves,
piston, cylinder
or connecting
rod damaged?
Is the carburetor
blocked?
Adjust the carburetor.*
Replace the air cleaner.
Clean the engine.*
Add oil to the engine.
NOTE: Never add oil to
the gasoline for a four-
stroke engine.*
Install new parts as
needed.*
Adjust the carburetor.*
Replace the gasket.*
Clean the fuel tank vent
and fuel tank screen.*
Clean carbon from the
piston and head.*
Inspect the flywheel and
key; replace as needed.*
Clean the spark plug.
Replace the spark plug
or adjust the spark
plug gap.
Install a solid-state
ignition.*
Adjust the carburetor.
Replace the valve spring.
Adjust the valve
clearance to
recommended settings.
Is the fuel mixture
too rich?
Is the air filter
plugged?
Is the engine dirty?
Is the oil level low?
Are any shrouds or
cooling fins
missing or broken?
Is there a leaky
gasket?
Is the fuel tank
vent or fuel tank
screen plugged?
Does the combust-
ion chamber contain
excess carbon?
Is the flywheel
loose?
Is the spark plug
fouled?
Is the spark plug
faulty or gap
incorrect?
Are the breaker
points faulty?
Is the carburetor
set incorrectly?
Is the valve
spring weak?
Is the valve
clearance set
incorrectly?
Is the fuel mixture
too lean?
Ask this
question:
If the engine runs poorly
Ask this
question:
If the answer
is yes:
*Refer to Briggs & Stratton Small Engine
Care & Repair for complete procedures.
Printed in U.S.A. © 2001 Briggs & Stratton Corporation Form MS-6605-2/01