Engine Troubleshooting
Unless you have experience and training in four-cycle engine repair, your dealer can assist if technical problems arise.
Problem |
Probable Cause |
Solution |
---|---|---|
Erratic engine operating RPM during acceleration or load variations |
Drive clutch binding |
Your dealer can perform this service. |
Driven clutch malfunction |
Your dealer can perform this service |
|
Harsh drive clutch engagement |
Drive belt worn or too narrow |
Replace the drive belt. |
Excessive belt/sheave clearance |
Your dealer can perform this service. |
|
Drive belt turns over |
Wrong belt for application |
Replace the drive belt. |
Clutch alignment out of spec |
Your dealer can perform this service. |
|
Engine mount broken or loose |
Inspect and replace. |
|
Machine fails to move |
Clutch jammed |
Check for twisted belt or broken spring. Your dealer can perform this service. |
Track jammed |
|
|
Noise in drive system |
Broken drive clutch components |
Your dealer can perform this service. |
Bearing failure/ jackshaft, or front drive shaft |
Your dealer can perform this service. |
|
Drive belt surface flat spots |
Inspect and replace as needed. |
|
Drive chain loose |
Inspect and adjust (or replace). |
|
Drive chain worn, sprocket teeth broken |
Your dealer can perform this service. |
|
Poor low RPM performance |
Worn drive belt |
Inspect and replace as needed. |
Excessive belt/sheave clearance |
Your dealer can perform this service. |
|
Sticky clutch |
Your dealer can perform this service. |
|
Poor fuel quality |
Use 87-91 octane fuel (or higher). |
|
Engine doesn't turn |
Seized engine |
Your dealer can perform this service. Seizure is a result of poor lubrication, inadequate fuel supply, broken parts or improper cooling. |
Hydrostatic lock |
Water or fuel may have entered the crankcase while the vehicle was standing or being transported. Drain plug is located on the lower crankcase for emergency draining. Remove the spark plugs. Your dealer can perform this service |
|
Engine turns but fails to start |
Faulty ignition |
Install new spark plug(s). If engine still fails to start, check for spark. If there's no spark, Your dealer can perform this service. |
No fuel to engine |
|
|
Poor engine compression |
This indicates a major engine problem that must be repaired before operating. Your dealer can perform this service. |
|
Engine lacks power |
Fouled or defective spark plug(s) |
Replace the plug(s). |
Fuel filter (loss of high RPM power) |
Your dealer can perform this service. |
|
Plugged fuel filter or tank pick-up sock |
Your dealer can perform this service. |
|
Incorrect clutching |
Your dealer can perform this service. |
|
Engine continually backfires |
Faulty plug(s) |
Change plug(s), ensure caps are seated. |
Fuel System |
Dirt or ice may be in the fuel system (deicer should be added to non-ethanol fuel at all times for assurance against fuel line icing). |
|
Incorrect throttle freeplay or faulty switch |
Your dealer can perform this service. |
|
Engine requires more than normal cranking time to start |
Poor fuel |
Replace with fresh winter fuel. |
Not enough fuel getting to engine |
Your dealer can perform this service. |
|
Plugged fuel filter or tank pick-up sock |
Your dealer can perform this service. |
|
Weak Battery |
Your dealer can perform battery service. |
|
Increased exhaust smoke |
Engine Oil Overfull |
Perform oil level verification, see Oil Level Check. Remove excess oil if level is above FULL mark on dipstick. |
Vehicle has recently been tipped over onto its right side |
If this occurs, increased exhaust smoke may exist for short duration. See your dealer if condition persists. |
|
Worn valve seals |
Your dealer can perform this service. |
|
Worn piston rings |
Your dealer can perform this service. |