TROUBLESHOOTING

If the answeris yes:

If the engine won’t start

(Fuel line) Fill fuel tank; if engineis still hot, wait until itcools before filling tank.

Open fuel shut-off valve.

Empty tank, replace fueland check for leaks infuel tank cap.

Disconnect inlet screenfrom engine and cleanusing compressed air.Do not use compressedair near engine.*

Make sure cap is ventedand air holes are notclogged.*

Remove spark plug leadand spark plug; pourteaspoon of fuel directlyinto cylinder; reinsertspark plug and lead;start engine; if it runsshortly before quitting,overhaul carburetor.*

Adjust float in fuel bowl,if adjustable; make surechoke isn’t set too high.*

Remove spark plug;clean contacts orreplace plug.

Remove spark plug;reset gap.

Test lead with sparktester, then test engine.

Repair or replace killswitch.*

Replace flywheel key,then try to start engine;if it still won’t start,check ignition arma-ture, wire connectionsor points.*

Perform compressiontest. If test indicatespoor compression,inspect valves, pistonand cylinder for damageand repair as needed.*

(Engine smokes)

(Engine overheats)

(Engine knocks)

(Spark plug missesunder load)

(Carburetor)

(Ignition)

(Compression)

Is the fuel tankempty?

Is the shut-offvalve closed?

Is the fuel dilutedwith water?

Is the fuel lineor inlet screenblocked?

Is the fuel tankcap clogged orunvented?

Is the engineflooded?

Is the spark plugfouled?

Is the spark pluggap set incorrectly?

Is the spark pluglead faulty?

Is the kill switchshorted?

Is the flywheelkey damaged?

Are the valves,piston, cylinderor connectingrod damaged?

Is the carburetorblocked?

Adjust the carburetor.*

Replace the air cleaner.

Clean the engine.*

Add oil to the engine.NOTE: Never add oil tothe gasoline for a four-stroke engine.*

Install new parts asneeded.*

Adjust the carburetor.*

Replace the gasket.*

Clean the fuel tank ventand fuel tank screen.*

Clean carbon from thepiston and head.*

Inspect the flywheel andkey; replace as needed.*

Clean the spark plug.

Replace the spark plugor adjust the spark plug gap.

Install a solid-stateignition.*

Adjust the carburetor.

Replace the valve spring.

Adjust the valveclearance torecommended settings.

Is the fuel mixturetoo rich?

Is the air filterplugged?

Is the engine dirty?

Is the oil level low?

Are any shrouds orcooling finsmissing or broken?

Is there a leakygasket?

Is the fuel tankvent or fuel tankscreen plugged?

Does the combust-ion chamber containexcess carbon?

Is the flywheelloose?

Is the spark plugfouled?

Is the spark plugfaulty or gapincorrect?

Are the breakerpoints faulty?

Is the carburetorset incorrectly?

Is the valvespring weak?

Is the valveclearance setincorrectly?

Is the fuel mixturetoo lean?

Ask thisquestion:

If the engine runs poorlyAsk thisquestion:

If the answeris yes:

*Refer to Briggs & Stratton Small EngineCare & Repair for complete procedures.

Printed in U.S.A. © 2001 Briggs & Stratton Corporation Form MS-6605-2/01