Troubleshooting - Predator Engines 173cc Owner's Manual & Safety Instructions

Troubleshooting

Problem
Engine will not start MOWER ENGINE SPECIFIC:
1. Brake Handle not held or brake
2. Mower on top of grass.
FUEL RELATED:
1. No fuel in tank.
2. Low quality or deteriorated, old gasoline.
3. Carburetor not primed.
4. Dirty fuel passageways.
5. Carburetor needle stuck.
6. Too much fuel in chamber.
IGNITION (SPARK) RELATED:
1. Spark plug cap not connected securely.
2. Spark plug electrode wet or dirty.
3. Incorrect spark plug gap.
4. Spark plug cap broken.
5. Incorrect spark timing or
COMPRESSION RELATED:
1. Cylinder not lubricated. Problem after long
2. Loose or broken spark plug. (Hissing noise
3. Loose cylinder head or damaged
4. Engine valves or tappets
Engine misfires 1. Spark plug cap loose.
2. Incorrect spark plug gap or
3. Defective spark plug cap.
4. Old or low quality gasoline.
5. Incorrect compression.
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the equipment or engine.
Vertical Engine
Possible Causes
cable not connected properly.
Fuel can be smelled in the air.
This can be caused by
the carburetor needle sticking.
faulty ignition system.
storage periods.
will occur when trying to start.)
head gasket. (Hissing noise will
occur when trying to start.)
mis-adjusted or stuck.
damaged spark plug.
For technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.
Probable Solutions
MOWER ENGINE SPECIFIC:
1. Make sure brake handle is held down
and brake cable is properly adjusted.
2. Start mower atop clear area free
of loose objects and grass.
FUEL RELATED:
1. Fill fuel tank.
2. Use fresh 87+ octane unleaded gasoline.
3. Press priming bulb before
starting cold engine.
4. Clean out passageways using
fuel additive. Heavy deposits
may require further cleaning.
5. Gently tap side of carburetor float
chamber with screwdriver handle.
6. Turn Throttle to full position.
Remove spark plug and pull the
start handle several times to air
out the chamber. Reinstall spark
plug and attempt to restart.
IGNITION (SPARK) RELATED:
1. Connect spark plug cap properly.
2. Clean spark plug.
3. Correct spark plug gap.
4. Replace spark plug cap.
5. Have qualified technician diagnose/
repair ignition system.
COMPRESSION RELATED:
1. Pour tablespoon of oil into spark
plug hole. Crank engine a few
times and try to start again.
2. Tighten spark plug. If that does not work,
replace spark plug. If problem persists,
may have head gasket problem, see #3.
3. Tighten head. If that does not remedy
problem, replace head gasket.
4. Have qualified technician diagnose/
repair ignition system.
1. Check wire connections.
2. Re-gap or replace spark plug.
3. Replace spark plug cap.
4. Use only fresh 87+ octane
unleaded gasoline.
5. Diagnose and repair compression.
(Use Engine will not start:
COMPRESSION RELATED section.)
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