Harbor Freight Tools 69738 User Manual - Page 17

Problem, Possible Causes, Probable Solutions

Page 17 highlights

Safety Setup Problem Engine misfires Engine stops suddenly Engine knocks Engine backfires Equipment does not operate with engine running Possible Causes 1. Spark plug cap 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. Low oil shutdown. 2. Fuel tank empty or full of impure or low quality gasoline. 3. Defective fuel tank cap creating vacuum, preventing proper fuel flow. 4. Faulty magneto. 5. Disconnected or improperly connected spark plug cap. 1. Old or low quality gasoline. 2. Engine overloaded. 3. Incorrect spark timing, deposit buildup, worn engine, or other mechanical problems. 1. Impure or low quality gasoline. 2. Engine too cold. 3. Intake valve stuck or overheated engine. 4. Incorrect timing. 1. Engine idling. 2. Broken or loose belt. Probable Solutions 1. Check wire connections. 2. Re-gap or replace spark plug. 3. Replace spark plug cap. 4. Use only fresh 87+ octane unleaded 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. Fill engine oil to proper level. Check engine oil before EVERY use. 2. Fill fuel tank with fresh 87+ octane unleaded gasoline. Do not use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.). 3. Test/replace fuel tank cap. 4. Have qualified technician service magneto. 5. Secure spark plug cap. 1. Fill fuel tank with fresh 87+ octane unleaded gasoline. Do not use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.). 2. Do not exceed equipment's load rating. 3. Have qualified technician diagnose and service engine. 1. Fill fuel tank with fresh 87+ octane unleaded gasoline. Do not use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.). 2. Use cold weather fuel and oil additives to prevent backfiring. 3. Have qualified technician diagnose and service engine. 4. Check engine timing. 1. This is normal operation. Increase engine speed to start operation. 2. Inspect belt and replace if broken or worn. Tension belt properly. Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the equipment or engine. Operation Maintenance Item 69738 For engine technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882. For other technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 17

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Page 17
For engine technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.
For other technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Item 69738
Problem
Possible Causes
Probable Solutions
Engine misfires
1. Spark plug cap 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 wire connections.
2. Re‑gap or replace spark plug.
3. Replace spark plug cap.
4. Use only fresh 87+ octane
unleaded 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.)
Engine stops
suddenly
1. Low oil shutdown.
2. Fuel tank empty or full of impure or low
quality gasoline.
3. Defective fuel tank cap creating
vacuum, preventing proper fuel flow.
4. Faulty magneto.
5. Disconnected or improperly
connected spark plug cap.
1. Fill engine oil to proper level.
Check
engine oil before EVERY use.
2. Fill fuel tank with fresh 87+ octane
unleaded gasoline.
Do not use gasoline with more than
10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.).
3. Test/replace fuel tank cap.
4. Have qualified technician service magneto.
5. Secure spark plug cap.
Engine knocks
1. Old or low quality gasoline.
2. Engine overloaded.
3. Incorrect spark timing, deposit
buildup, worn engine, or other
mechanical problems.
1. Fill fuel tank with fresh 87+ octane
unleaded gasoline.
Do not use gasoline with more than
10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.).
2. Do not exceed equipment’s load rating.
3. Have qualified technician
diagnose and service engine.
Engine backfires
1. Impure or low quality gasoline.
2. Engine too cold.
3. Intake valve stuck or overheated engine.
4. Incorrect timing.
1. Fill fuel tank with fresh 87+ octane
unleaded gasoline.
Do not use gasoline with more than
10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.).
2. Use cold weather fuel and oil
additives to prevent backfiring.
3. Have qualified technician
diagnose and service engine.
4. Check engine timing.
Equipment does
not operate with
engine running
1. Engine idling.
2. Broken or loose belt.
1. This is normal operation.
Increase engine speed to start operation.
2. Inspect belt and replace if broken or worn.
Tension belt properly.
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the equipment or engine.
SAFETY
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
SETUP