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TROUBLESHOOTING FLOW CHARTS

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 Bowl Style Carburetor Troubleshooting

Hunts and Surges

Will Run only on Prime
Will run only if the choke is used

Determine that the governor

system is functioning properly
using the proper isolation techniques

Troubleshoot
Does the engine still hunt and surge? No
governor system

Yes Done!

Partially engage choke

or gently touch primer bulb No

Inspect, clean or replace

Does the engine improve? Yes Does the engine still hunt and surge?
mainjet and retest

No

Remove and clean

Yes
carburetor, retest engine

Replace
Does the engine still hunt and surge? Yes
Carburetor

No

Flow Chart Key

Done!

Problem Question Answer Action Result

 Compression Diagnostics
Troubleshooting Flow Chart

Check for proper top

Low Power no load speed by Is the top no load speed OK? Yes Is there a parasitic load? No
model and type number

Yes Dont Know

Check bowden wire/throttle
Low or High
control for full range travel

No Is it correct? Yes Disengage load by

removing belts, etc.

No Still low power?

Repair as
needed

Repair load issues

as needed

Partially engage choke

Check for intake tract leaks,

gasket leaks, loose/leaking Does speed increase or
Yes Is leakage detected? Yes
carburetor space blocks, engine run more smoothly?
loose/leaking crossover tubes

No No
Repair as
needed

Perform leakdown test

Overhaul carburetor looking

closely for obstructed jets

Reading
Is leakage detected?
acceptable

Adjust
valve lash

Leakage
unacceptable

Flow Chart Key

Problem Question Answer Action Result

Repair as
needed
 Compression Troubleshooting Flow Chart

Check/repair
Engine Smokes What color is the smoke? Black/Gray Excessive Oil Consumption
fuel system

Does oil level drop more

White/Blue Yes Is Engine Smoking? Yes
than one ounce per hour?

Yes Was engine tipped? No No No

Oil use
Check for oil Check for overfilled oil level acceptable
fouled filter element Check for fuel contaminated oil
Check for proper viscosity

Is the filter fouled? No

Leakage Rapair/replace
unacceptable faulty components

Yes

Reading Perform Crankcase

Is leakage detected?
acceptable Vacuum Test
Replace and run
Engine for ten minutes

Perform Leakdown Test Yes Is Vacuum Test OK?

Is it still smoking?

Low
No Yes External oil leaks present? No

Re-check all work

Check breather system

Yes Check crankcase seals
Done! Check block for porosity

No Is vacuum now ok?

Repair as
needed

Done! Yes

Flow Chart Key

Problem Question Answer Action Result

 Fuel System
Troubleshooting Flow Chart

Check for: Clean, fresh fuel supply,

Engine Wont Start/Run shutoff valve open, carb adjustments All ok? No Correct and recheck
properly made, controls functioning

Yes

Check carburetor
mounting gasket
Check spark plug

Check for: Clogged air cleaner,

stale fuel, oil/water in fuel,
No Is the spark plug wet? Yes
misadjusted controls, choke plate
closed, damaged needle valve

Yes Does the engine start/run? No Yes Does the engine start/run?

Check carburetor
Check fuel supply/passages Put fuel in spark plug hole
Put fuel in carburetor Done! No

Yes Does the engine start/run?

No Does it have a Flo-jet Carburetor?

No
Diaphragm Yes
What kind of carburetor?
Carburetor
Recheck other work

Check
Compression Check for: Inlet valve
Flo-jet stuck open, improper
Check for: Gummy/dirty float level, dirt in the
Carburetor inlet screen, valve stuck, carburetor, loose nozzle(s)
bad diaphragm, restricted
passages in tank/carburetor

Check for: Clogged fuel line/filter,

fuel inlet valve closed, improper Done!
float level, carburetor fuel passages
Done!
plugged/restricted, faulty fuel pump

Done! Flow Chart Key

Problem Question Answer Action Result

 Systematic Troubleshooting
Electrical System Flow Chart

Engine Wont Start Check for spark to ground. OK Check spark plug/replace
if necessary. Try to start engine.

None Will engine start? Yes Done!

Check armature air gap. Incorrect No

OK Adjust armature air gap Check/replace flywheel key

Yes Will engine start? Will engine start? Yes Done!

Done! No No

Isolate engine
from equipment

Check fuel system Check compression system

Check for spark to ground. None Check coil to block ground. None

OK OK
Fix

Replace
Coil
Check for Check interlock switching Check grounding wire
misadjusted controls diode (if equipped)

Flow Chart Key

Problem Question Answer Action Result

 Governor Troubleshooting Flow Chart
Air Vane Governor Overspeeding

Done!

Air Vane Governor Overspeeding

No
Check the cooling system

Remove dirt and debris

Is the cooling system ok? No from outside and inside of Still overspeeding?
blower housing, test engine

Yes Done!
Yes

Check flywheel fins No

Replace flywheel if fins are

Are the flywheel fins ok? No Still overspeeding?
missing or broken, test engine

Yes
Yes Done!

Check for uneven or

binding resistance in air vane
No
travel from stop to stop

Indentify resistance
Resistance problem? Yes Still overspeeding?
and repair, test engine

No

Yes

Inspect governor spring and controls

for damage or improper installation

Replace governor spring or

Done!
controls, test engine

Flow Chart Key

Problem Question Answer Action Result

 Governor Troubleshooting Flow Chart
Air Vane Governor Engine Runs Too Slow

Air Vane Governor Engine Runs Too Slow Done!

Move trottle control to idle, check

for binding or uneven resistance in No
air vane travel from stop to stop

Indentify resistance and

Resistance problem? Yes Engine still runs too slow?
repair, re-test engine

No

Yes

Inspect governor spring and controls

for damage or improper installation

Replace governor spring or

Done!
controls, re-test engine

Flow Chart Key

Problem Question Answer Action Result

 Governor Troubleshooting Flow Chart
Hunting and Surging

Adjust carburetor idle speed, idle fuel,

Hunting and Surging Still hunting and surging? No Done!
and top no load fuel, test engine

Yes

Perform static governor adjustment

procedure, test engine

Still hunting and surging? No Done!

Yes Done!

Inspect governor link spring for No

damage or improper installation

Link spring need Repair or replace link spring

Yes Still hunting and surging?
repair or replacement? as needed, test engine

No
Yes Done!

Disconnect governor spring, check

for binding or uneven resistance in
No
governor arm travel from stop to stop

Indentify resistance
Resistance problem? Yes Still hunting and surging?
and repair, test engine

No

Yes

Inspect governor spring and controls

for damage or improper installation

Flow Chart Key

Replace governor spring
Done!
or controls, test engine

Problem Question Answer Action Result

 Governor Troubleshooting Flow Chart
Mechanical Governor Engine Runs Too Slow

Mechanical Governor Engine Runs Too Slow

Perform the static governor

adjustment procedure, test engine

Engine still runs too slow? No Done!

Yes

Adjust governor spring

tension, test engine

Engine still runs too slow? No Done!

Yes

Done!

Disconnect governor spring, check for

binding or uneven resistance in
governor arm travel from stop to stop No

Indentify resistance and

Resistance problem? Yes Engine still runs too slow?
repair, test engine

No

Yes

Inspect governor spring and controls

for damage or improper installation

Replace governor spring

Done!
or controls, test engine
Flow Chart Key

Problem Question Answer Action Result

 Governor Troubleshooting Flow Chart
Mechanical Governor Engine Overspeeds

Perform the static governor

Mechanical Governor Engine Overspeeds Still overspeeding? No
adjustment procedure, test engine

Adjust governor spring

Yes Done!
tension, test engine

Still overspeeding? No Done!

Yes

Done!

Disconnect governor spring, check

for binding or uneven resistance in
governor arm travel from stop to stop No

Indentify resistance
Resistance problem? Yes Still overspeeding?
and repair, test engine

No
Done!
Yes

Move throttle plate to the wide

open position and start engine No

Remove crankcase cover or sump

Does engine return to idle? No and inspect or replace internal Still overspeeding?
governor mechanism, test engine

Yes

Yes

Inspect governor spring and controls

for damage or improper installation

Flow Chart Key

Replace governor spring
Done!
or controls, test engine

Problem Question Answer Action Result

 Compression System
Troubleshooting Flow Chart
Leakdown Test

Reading
Perform Leakdown Test Is leakdown test ok? Recheck other work
acceptable

Leakage
unacceptable

Where is the air primarily leaking from?

Dipstick Cylinder
Muffler Air Cleaner
Tube Head

Reset exhaust valve Check rings Reset intake valve Check head gasket

Flow Chart Key

Problem Question Answer Action Result

 Gaseous Fueled Engine Troubleshooting
Engine does not accelerate
from low speed to high speed
or run smoothly when loaded.
Plugged vent ports on the regulator.
Less than 11 inches of water
pressure at the inlet of the
secondary regulator.
More than 14 inches of water
pressure at the inlet of the
secondary regulator at full load.
Plugged fuel filter.
Kinked or obstructed fuel hose.
No or low fuel in tank.
Propane tank is too small.
Fuel transfer solenoid in
the wrong position.
Carburetor not adjusted
properly (natural gas only).
Air leak in the fuel line from
secondary to carburetor.
Holes, tears or damaged diaphragm
in secondary regulator.
Debris on inlet needle
of regulator.
Engine will not start.
Out of fuel.
Fuel supply shut off.
Filter or vacuum lock off
is not opening.
Vacuum leak in the vacuum
lock off device.
Filter is plugged.
Remove plastic shipping plugs.
Adjust the output of the primary
regulator to 11 inches of water pressure.
If natural gas supply is lower than 11 inches
of water, a different secondary regulator
may be required consult factory.
Adjust the primary regulator to achieve 11
inches of water pressure while under load.
Note: if pressure at inlet of secondary regulator
increases upon starting the engine, check
primary regulator for holes or tears in the
diaphragm or dirt on the inlet seat.
Replace fuel filter.
Remove the kink and/or
replace the hose.
Refuel the tank.
Appropriately size the fuel tank
for the engine horsepower and
lowest ambient temperature.
When the fuel solenoid is energized or if the
main mixture adjustment screw is completely
seated, the engine is configured for propane gas
(too lean of a mixture for natural gas). If the fuel
solenoid is not energized, the engine is configured
for natural gas (too rich mixture with propane).
Readjust the mixture needles
on the carburetor.
Tighten the clamps or
replace the hose.
Replace damaged part.
Gas leak from fuel line.
Clean system of debris and add
a fuel filter. Use liquid pipe
sealant do not use Teflon tape.
Refuel the tank.
Gas leak from regulator.
Open fuel tank.
Check for proper operation of all fuel lock
off (safety) devices. If electrically actuated,
check for dead battery or blown fuse. Replace
lock off device if it is not functioning properly
Replace vacuum line or tighten
clamps. Replace vacuum
lock off if damaged.
Replace filter.
Frost forming on the regulator
or on the fuel line liquid
(not vapor) entering the system.
Wrong type of propane tank
set up for liquid withdrawal.
Tank is positioned wrong
(typically tanks that lay on their side).
Fuel tank is overfilled.
Fuel tank is too small,
especially if the ambient is low.
Restriction within the fuel line.
Gas will not stop flowing
after engine is stopped.
Regulator is not adjusted properly.
Atmospheric side of the secondary
regulator is pressurized.
Debris on inlet needle of
secondary regulator.
Regulator not positioned vertically.
Loose fitting.
Damaged, cracked or worn hose.
Damaged diaphragm in regulator.
Flow Chart Key
Symptom Potential Cause
Replace the fuel tank or change
to the vapor withdrawal port.
Fuel tanks have a receptacle for a
locator pin that orients the tank for a
specific withdrawal. Pin may be in the wrong
location or missing. Reposition tank.
Fill to labeled tank capacity only.
Increase the size of the fuel tank to
increase the vaporization rate of
the fuel. Consult with local gas supplier.
Remove restriction or replace
damaged part.
Adjust the regulator so that when the
outlet tube is placed in water, a gas
bubble just begins to form. Back off
on the adjustment so that the bubble
is maintained but does not grow.
Remove plastic shipping plugs or
revise the regulator venting.
Clean the system of debris and install
a fuel filter. Use liquid pipe
sealant do not use Teflon tape.
Regulator may only be positioned
with the outlet pointing straight up.
A directional arrow is also shown
on the smooth side of the regulator.
Tighten fitting replace if damaged.
Replace hose.
Replace damaged part.
Action
 Briggs&Stratton Customer Education
corporation PO BOX 702
Milwaukee, WI 53201 USA
414 259 5333
CE8117-09/08