FAQ - Technical Questions

Preliminary checks

• On/off switch : Make sure it is in the "On" position.
• Fuel level : Check that the tank contains enough fresh fuel (preferably SP95 or SP98). A low level in the tank is often insufficient.
• Fuel tap : If there is one (usually under the tank), it must be open.
• Oil level : Check that it is correct. Many engines have a safety feature that prevents starting if the oil level is too low.
  
  

1. The engine is seized

• Possible cause 1 – Blockage by oil
  If the engine has been tilted backwards (air filter side) or if the oil level is too high, oil can pass over the pistons and lock the engine on compression.
  
  Solution :
  
  -Remove the candle.
  -Pull on the starter: the oil will come out through the spark plug hole.
  -Repeat until all the oil has come out.
  
• Possible cause 2 – Jammed starter or steering wheel
  The starter or flywheel may be mechanically blocked (for example, a bolt that has come loose and stuck to the flywheel magnet).
  
  -Check that the starter does not prevent the flywheel from rotating and that no object obstructs the mechanism.
  
• If none of these solutions unlocks the engine
  It's likely the engine is seized (piston stuck), requiring disassembly. In this case, contact a mechanic or authorized repair shop, especially if the engine is still under warranty.
  

2. The engine is not seized. Step-by-step diagnosis.

• oil level safety
  If equipped, it is imperative to check the oil level before handling.
  
  You can test this by disconnecting the wire between the oil safety switch and the on/off switch (small silver box, approx. 2x2 cm). This disables the safety feature: then try starting the engine.
  
• Fuel delivery
  -Check that fuel is reaching the carburetor:
  
  Remove the tank bolt to control the flow.
  
  If the carburetor is not filling, the fuel filter or tank may be clogged, or the fuel tap may still be closed.
  -Common problem after storage:
  
  Fuel stored in the carburetor evaporates and leaves residues that can clog the system.
  
  In this case, clean the carburetor ultrasonically, or replace it if necessary.
• Ignition

Check for the presence of a spark:

Remove the spark plug, reinsert it into the spark plug cap, place the side electrode against the cylinder head and operate the starter.

No spark: check the condition of the spark plug, ignition cable or coil.

• Air intake
  
  Check the condition of the air filter:
  
  A dirty or greasy filter can prevent proper airflow.
  
  Clean the filter carefully (improper cleaning can clog it).
  
  If it is soaked in oil (excessive level or engine lying down), dry it or replace it.
• Insufficient compression
  
  If the engine "spins freely" without resistance, the problem may be due to a lack of compression (worn valves or piston rings).
• Problems during electric start

If the problem only occurs with electric starting, check the condition of the battery, cables, starter, and electrical contacts.

o A very common problem, especially at the beginning of spring, is that if the engine has been stored with gasoline in the carburetor, even for just a few weeks, it evaporates and leaves a residue that blocks the carburetor. If this blockage is partial, the engine will start but will stop after a few seconds/minutes. The carburetor can sometimes be cleaned ultrasonically, but often it needs to be replaced.
The engine stalls during use and only restarts once it has cooled down; this is most likely an ignition coil problem.
The engine cuts out when you use it on a slope or tilt the engine; this is due to the oil level safety feature. Check the oil level and if the problem persists, you can disable it.

o Fuel supply problem
o Adjustment of the regulator/throttle
o Valve clearance
o Worn valve
o Worn cylinder, piston or piston rings
o Condition of the candle

o Malfunctioning regulator
Is the carburetor clogged?

o Wear and tear
o Loose fixing screws

Blue smoke: Oil combustion
• Too much oil
• The engine was tilted, oil in the air filter
o Black smoke: Incomplete fuel combustion
• Blocked breather
• Old/worn engine