Harbor Freight Tools 96549 - Manual (Page 9)

Page 9 SKU 96549 for technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
trOubleshOOting
general/basic troubleshooting
symptom probable cause possible remedy
Engine will not start. 1. On/Off Switch in Off position.
2. Gas Valve in closed position.
3. Choke set to open position.
4. Gas Tank empty.
5. Spark plug dirty.
6. Technical problem. 1. Turn to On position.
2. Push to open position.
3. Set to closed position.
4. Fill Gas Tank.
5. Remove spark plug and clean.
6. Service by qualified mechanic.
Engine runs rough,
pinging noises. 1. Gasoline wrong type.
2. Gasoline has water. 1. Replace with 89 octane gas.
2. Empty tank and replace gas.
Engine stops by itself,
but has gas. 1. Low oil level auto shut off.
2. Technical problem. 1. Check oil level; Add if needed.
2. Service by qualified mechanic.
Engine does not reach
full speed. 1. Choke closed.
2. Air filters clogged.
3. Technical problem. 1. Open Choke.
2. Clean air filter elements.
3. Service by qualified mechanic.
engine difficult to start
symptom probable cause possible remedy
Engine difficult to start
–Cylinder compression OK
–Spark OK Fuel supply blocked:
1. Air vent in Gas Cap clogged.
2. Gas Valve plugged up
3. Main jet cloged or misadjusted
4. Needle valve improperly
closed or start hole is clogged
5. Floater in fuel tank is damaged
or sticking 1. Clean Gas Cap air vent
2. Unclog Gas Valve
3. Clean and/or readjust
4. Take apart needle valve and
repair, clean, and blow out
5. Repair floater
Engine difficult to start
–Cylinder compression OK
–Spark OK
–Gas supply OK Fuel system problem:
1. Gas dirty, has water, or is old
2. Engine cylinder flooded
3. Gas wrong type 1. Drain gas and replace
2. Drain extra gas, dry spark plug
electrodes
3. Drain gas and replace
Engine difficult to start
–Cylinder Compression OK
–Gas supply OK
–Ignition coil spark OK 1. Spark plug has carbon buildup
or dirt on and around electrodes
2. Electrodes are burned
3. Improper spark gap 1. Remove spark plug and clean
2. Replace spark plug
3. Adjust spark plug electrodes
Engine difficult to start
–Gas supply OK
–Ignition system OK 1. Piston ring worn
2. Piston ring is sticking
3. Piston ring broken
4. Spark plug loose or without a
gasket
5. Air leakage between cylinder
block and cylinder
6. Air leakage in valve 1. Replace piston rings
2. Clean out carbon fouling
3. Replace piston ring
4. Tighten with a gasket
5. Check cylinder gasket and
bolts
6. Check valve clearance and
thickness, repair if required