22
Problem
Possible Causes Probable Solutions
THE ENGINE WILL 
NOT START
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 misadjusted or stuck.
COMPRESSION RELATED:
1. Pour a tablespoon of oil into the spark plug 
hole.  Crank the engine a few times and try to 
start again.
2. Tighten spark plug. If that does not work, 
replace the spark plug.  If the problem persists, 
may have a head gasket problem.
3. Have a qualied technician service the cylinder 
head
4. Have a qualied technician adjust/ repair 
valves and tappets.
ENGINE OIL RELATED:
1.Low engine oil.
2. Engine mounted on a slope, triggering low oil 
shutdown.
ENGINE OIL RELATED:
1. Fill engine oil to the proper level. Check engine 
oil before EVERY use.
2. Operate the engine on a level surface. Check 
engine oil level.
SPARK ARRESTOR RELATED:
1. Spark Arrestor clogged with soot.
SPARK ARRESTOR RELATED:
1. Clean and replace Spark Arrestor.
1. The spark plug cap is loose.
2. Incorrect spark plug gap or damaged spark plug.
3. Defective spark plug cap.
4. Old or low-quality gasoline.
5. Incorrect compression.
1. Check cap and wire connections.
2. Re-gap or replace the spark plug.
3. Replace the spark plug cap.
4. Use only fresh 87+octane stabilizer-
treatedunleaded gasoline. Do not use gasoline 
with more than 10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, 
etc.).
5. Diagnose and repair compression.(Use Engine 
will not start: COMPRESSION RELATED section.)
1.Low oil shutdown. 1. Fill engine oil to the proper level. Check engine 
oil before EVERY use.
ENGINE MISFIRES
ENGINE STOPS 
SUDDENLY
Troubleshooting