HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT ENGINES (GUIDE)

For an engine to operate efficiently and effectively, the condition of the engine must be in good working order. Therefore, assessing the condition of the engine is a critical step in troubleshooting procedure.

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Troubleshooting is a method of solving problem, often applied to failed products repair or processes on a machine, system or process. Its a logical and systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again in a good working condition.

Listed below are variety of common problems of a small engine, they are NEARLY all possible causes and solutions. Though they are not exhaustive by any means. Diagnostic procedures will be needed to determine which possible solution actually applies to the issue. The possible causes are listed in approximate order of likelihood. it is does not cover everything that can go wrong in the engine. However, it can be a starting point for guiding into the proper direction.

IF ENGINE FAILS TO START OR IS HARD TO START

• No fuel in the tank

POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Fill the tank with recommended fuel

• Fuel shutoff valve closed

POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Open shutoff valve

• Fuel line plugged or kinked

POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Replace or clean fuel line

• Fuel tank suction tube screen plugged

POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Clean screen; clean or replace tube, if ball is stuck.

• Water in the fuel tank

POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Drain and clean fuel tank; refill with recommended fuel

• Weak or no voltage at spark plug

POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Check breaker points, coil, condenser, and lead; adjust or replace as necessary

• Spark will not jump gap

POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Check spark plug condition and gap; clean or replace plug; check ignition coil and replace as necessary

• Engine flooded with fuel

POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Open choke and close fuel tank valve; then crank engine until excess fuel is forced from exhaust

• Choke partly open

POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Close choke completely; if necessary, adjust choke cable

• Carburetor needs adjustment

POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Adjust needle valve and idle mixture to recommended settings

• Throttle closed

POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Open throttle to FAST or RUN position; check for binding throttle linkage or disconnected governor linkage

• Plugged exhaust ports

POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Remove muffler and clean exhaust ports

• Bend or broken Reed valve

POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Replace reed valve or reed valve assembly

• Leaking oil seal or gaskets

POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Install new oil seal or gasket set

• Low or no compression

POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Check head gasket; if blown, replace gasket. Check piston rings; if worn or broken, replace piston rings. Check the valve; if burned or wraped, sticking, recondition or replace valves.

• Caburator or fuel tank vent blocked with dirt

POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Clean out vent holes

• Faulty magneto

POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Check timing and point gap and, if necessary, repair or replace magneto.

I believe with this few possible issues with engines and possible solutions you won't be cheated by your mechanical engineer anymore.

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