Filter
Top Products
3.1
Section 3
Troubleshooting
3
Section 3
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Guide
When troubles occur, be sure to check the simple
causes which, at first, may seem too obvious to be
considered. For example, a starting problem could be
caused by an empty fuel tank.
Some general common causes of engine troubles are
listed below. Use these to locate the causing factors.
Refer to the specific section(s) within this service
manual for more detailed information.
Engine Cranks But Will Not Start
1. Empty fuel tank.
2. Fuel shut-off valve closed.
3. Poor fuel, dirt or water in the fuel system.
4. Clogged fuel line.
5. Spark plug lead(s) disconnected.
6. Key switch or kill switch in “off” position.
7. Faulty spark plugs.
8. Faulty ignition module(s).
9. SMART-SPARK
™
malfunction (applicable models).
10. Carburetor solenoid malfunction.
11. Diode in wiring harness failed in open circuit mode.
12. Vacuum fuel pump malfunction, or oil in vacuum
hose.
13. Vacuum hose to fuel pump leaking/cracked.
14. Battery connected backwards.
Engine Starts But Does Not Keep Running
1. Restricted fuel tank cap vent.
2. Poor fuel, dirt or water in the fuel system.
3. Faulty or misadjusted choke or throttle controls.
4. Loose wires or connections that short the kill
terminal of ignition module to ground.
5. Faulty cylinder head gasket.
6. Faulty carburetor.
7. Vacuum fuel pump malfunction, or oil in vacuum
hose.
8. Leaking/cracked vacuum hose to fuel pump.
9. Intake system leak.
10. Diode in wiring harness failed in open circuit mode.
Engine Starts Hard
1. PTO drive is engaged.
2. Dirt or water in the fuel system.
3. Clogged fuel line.
4. Loose or faulty wires or connections.
5. Faulty or misadjusted choke or throttle controls.
6. Faulty spark plugs.
7. Low compression.
8. Weak spark.
9. Fuel pump malfunction causing lack of fuel.
10. Engine overheated-cooling/air circulation
restricted.
11. Quality of fuel.
12. Flywheel key sheared.
13. Intake system leak.
Engine Will Not Crank
1. PTO drive is engaged.
2. Battery is discharged.
3. Safety interlock switch is engaged.
4. Loose or faulty wires or connections.
5. Faulty key switch or ignition switch.
6. Faulty electric starter or solenoid.
7. Seized internal engine components.
Engine Runs But Misses
1. Dirt or water in the fuel system.
2. Spark plug lead disconnected.
3. Poor quality of fuel.
4. Faulty spark plug(s).
5. Loose wires or connections that intermittently
ground the ignition kill circuit.
6. Engine overheated.
7. Faulty ignition module or incorrect air gap.
8. Carburetor adjusted incorrectly.
9. SMART-SPARK
™
malfunction (applicable models).
CH18-745