Troubleshooting - Predator Engines 212 Owner's Manual

Troubleshooting

Problem
Engine will not start FUEL RELATED:
1. No fuel in tank or fuel valve closed.
2. Choke not in CHOKE position, cold engine.
3. Gasoline with more than 10% ethanol
4. Low quality or deteriorated, old gasoline.
5. Carburetor not primed.
6. Dirty fuel passageways.
7. Carburetor needle stuck. Fuel
8. Too much fuel in chamber. This can be
9. Clogged Fuel Filter.
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. Circuit breaker tripped (electric
6. Incorrect spark timing or
COMPRESSION RELATED:
1. Cylinder not lubricated. Problem after long
2. Loose or broken spark plug. (Hissing
3. Loose cylinder head or damaged
4. Engine valves or tappets
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the equipment or engine.
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Possible Causes
used. (E15, E20, E85, etc.)
can be smelled in the air.
caused by the carburetor needle sticking.
start models only).
faulty ignition system.
storage periods.
noise will occur when trying to start.)
head gasket. (Hissing noise will
occur when trying to start.)
mis-adjusted or stuck.
For Engine technical questions, please call 1-800-520-0882.
Probable Solutions
FUEL RELATED:
1. Fill fuel tank and open fuel valve.
2. Move Choke to CHOKE position.
3. Clean out ethanol rich gasoline from fuel
system. Replace components damaged
by ethanol. Use fresh 87+ octane
unleaded gasoline only.
Do not use gasoline with more than
10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.).
4. Use fresh 87+ octane unleaded gasoline.
Do not use gasoline with more than
10% ethanol (E15, E20, E85, etc.).
5. Pull on Starter Handle to prime.
6. Clean out passageways using fuel additive.
Heavy deposits may require further cleaning.
7. Gently tap side of carburetor float
chamber with screwdriver handle.
8. Turn Choke to RUN position. Remove spark
plug and pull the start handle several times
to air out the chamber. Reinstall spark
plug and set Choke to CHOKE position.
9. Replace Fuel Filter.
IGNITION (SPARK) RELATED:
1. Connect spark plug cap properly.
2. Clean spark plug.
3. Correct spark plug gap.
4. Replace spark plug cap.
5. Reset circuit breaker. Check wiring and
starter motor if breaker continues to trip.
6. 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.
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