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HomeRepair HelpCraftsman RepairCraftsman Small engine hard to start Repair
Craftsman Small engine hard to start
When your Craftsman small engine is hard to start, begin with the spark plug, the most likely cause of these engine starting problems. Inspect it for a cracked insulator, burned electrode, or heavy carbon buildup, then use a spark plug tester while the engine is cranking. A weak or missing spark usually means the spark plug needs replacement. Next, check the carburetor. A clogged carburetor can restrict fuel, while a choke that does not close properly can flood the engine. Stale or ethanol-blended fuel left in the carburetor is one of the most common root causes on seasonal equipment, so clean the carburetor and use fresh fuel when needed. If the engine remains hard to start, test the fuel cap by loosening it slightly before starting. A clogged fuel cap vent can prevent air from entering the tank and restrict fuel flow. These checks apply to cold start problems and engines that take multiple pulls to start. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement spark plug, carburetor, fuel cap, or other Craftsman small engine part for your specific equipment.
01 - Craftsman Spark Plug
Inspect the spark plug for signs of wear or damage. If the porcelain insulator is cracked, an electrode is burned away or damaged, or there is heavy carbon buildup at the electrode, replace the spark plug. To determine if the spark plug is defective, use a spark plug tester. You should see a strong spark between the tester’s terminals when the engine is cranking. If there is no spark, this indicates that the spark plug is defective and should be replaced.
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02 - Craftsman Carburetor
The engine may be getting too much fuel or not enough fuel. This is usually due to the carburetor not working properly. If the carburetor is clogged, the engine won't get enough fuel. If the carburetor choke isn't closing properly, the engine may get too much fuel.
Highly Likely
03 - Craftsman Fuel Cap
As fuel is consumed, the pressure in the gas tank rises. To relieve this pressure, the gas cap uses a small vent to allow air to enter the gas tank. If the gas cap vent is clogged, air won’t be able to enter the gas tank, and the pressure in the tank will begin to rise. When the pressure in the gas tank exceeds the pressure in the engine, the engine may be hard to start. To determine if the gas cap vent is clogged, try slightly loosening the gas cap and then starting the engine. If the loosening the gas cap allows the engine to stay running, this indicates that the gas cap vent is clogged. If the gas cap vent is clogged, r...
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Craftsman small engine hard to start?
How do I test the spark plug when my Craftsman engine takes multiple pulls to start?
Can a clogged fuel cap make a Craftsman small engine hard to start?
Should I replace the carburetor if my Craftsman small engine is hard to start?
How do I find the correct replacement part for my Craftsman small engine?
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