|
Troubleshooting Guide |
|
Engine turns over but
does not start |
| Have you checked the fuel
levels? |
Add fuel as needed |
| Is the kill switch on? |
Most units will have a red
kill switch on the handle bars. On and off are typically marked
with a C (to start engine) and a C with an
X (to stop engine) through it. Make sure the switch is turned to C. |
| Are you in neutral? |
Some units will require the
unit to be in neutral. Also many units have a safety switch and
require the brake handle to be pulled before they will start. |
| Is the fuel switch or
petcock on? |
Turn the petcock to allow
fuel to flow to the carb. |
| Do you have a fuel filter? |
Check the filter to make
sure that it is not clogged. |
| Do you have Spark? |
Remove the spark plug from
the engine, reconnect to top of the spark plug to the rubber coil wire.
Then place the bottom of the spark plug against the metal frame to
ground it.
Push the start button, if you see a spark then you have spark. |
| There is no spark |
Check the fuse, the CDI and
the ignition coil. |
| There is spark, but it still
won't start. |
Does the spark plug smell
like gas? If the plug is wet with gas and smells of gas then you
have flooded the unit. You will need to allow the gas to
dissipate, so let the unit sit. |
| The Spark plug is dry and
does not smell like gas. |
The unit is not getting
fuel. Locate the carburetor, at the bottom of the carburetor is a
rubber tube. That outlet is so that you can drain the carburetor.
Next locate the flat screw located near that rubber hose. That is
the fuel drain screw. Place something under that rubber hose to
catch the fuel that you are going to drain. Use a clear container
so that you can see the color of the fuel. Turn the fuel drain
screw counter-clockwise until fuel begins to leak out of the drain hose.
Sometimes on a new unit, air will prevent the fuel from moving.
Once the gas flows freely, tighten the fuel screw completely so that
fuel no longer leaks out of the hose. Try starting the unit again |
| Gas does not run out of the
rubber drain hose. |
Make sure that you have
plenty of fuel in the gas tank, most units are gravity feed and low fuel
will cause that problem. |
| The gas tank is nearly full
and I still do not have gas leaking out. |
Remove the air filter from
the back of the carburetor and spray starting fluid or carburetor
cleaner into the back of the carburetor. If it starts you made to
repeat that step a couple of times to clear out whatever may be blocking
the jets. |
| I still cannot get gas to
run out? |
The carburetor is clogged
and needs to be cleaned. Click here for those instructions, do this at
your own risk, if you are not mechanically inclined, do not attempt
this. If the unit has been sitting without use for some time, gas will
gel and gum up the carburetor if it sits for a period of time. |
| What should I do to prevent
carburetor problems? |
Always turn your fuel switch
off and run the unit until it stalls out. You can also turn the
fuel switch off and then drain out the carb as explained above.
|
|
The engine does not
turn over |
| Does the unit have a keyed ignition? |
Make sure the key is turned to on! |
| Check the Battery |
Has the battery been charged recently? Charge the
battery with a 12 Volt trickle charger.
Check the fuse to the battery and check the lead connections, make sure
they are rust free and making solid contact. |
| The Battery is charged |
Make sure the on/off switch is on ON, also as a safety
precaution many units require the product to be in neutral and that the
brake is held. |
| Still no luck? |
Check the connections, from the push start button, make
sure that the connections are tight. Check all wires for
connection and make sure that a bare wire in not touching the frame. |
| The Starter motor doesn't turn |
Replace the starter |
