Troubleshooting Guide
What To Check
Does the engine crank?
YES
Good compression?
YES
Does the tank contain
fresh fuel of the proper
grade?
YES
Is fuel visible and
moving in the return
line when priming?
YES
Is there spark at the spark
plug wire terminal?
YES
Check the spark plug.
18
ENGINE DOES NOT START
Possible Cause
Faulty recoil starter.
NO
Fluid in the crankcase.
Internal damage.
Loose spark plug.
NO
Excess wear on cylinder, piston,
rings.
Fuel incorrect, stale, or contaminated;
NO
mixture incorrect.
Check for clogged fuel filter
NO
and/or vent.
Primer pump functioning
incorrectly.
The ignition switch is in "O" (OFF)
position.
NO
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.
Remedy
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 mixing oil that meets or
exceeds ISO-L-EGD and/or JASO FD
classified oils at 50:1 gasoline/oil ratio.
Replace fuel filter or vent as required.
Restart.
Consult with an authorized
servicing dealer.
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. Check the
"Specifications" section for the correct plug
electrode gap. Restart.
Replace the spark plug. Check the
"Specifications" section for the correct
plug for your unit. Restart.