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HomeRepair HelpMTD Small Engine RepairMTD Small engine hard to start Repair
MTD Small engine hard to start
An MTD small engine that is hard to start usually has an ignition or fuel-delivery problem. Start with the spark plug, the most likely cause. Check for a cracked porcelain insulator, burned electrode, heavy carbon buildup, or no strong spark with a spark plug tester while the engine is cranking. If the spark plug is sound, inspect the carburetor. A clogged carburetor can restrict fuel, while a choke that does not close properly can allow too much fuel and cause engine starting problems. Stale or ethanol-blended fuel left in the carburetor is one of the most common root causes on seasonal equipment and can clog internal passages. Next, check the fuel cap. A clogged vent can prevent air from entering the fuel tank, making the engine hard to start or causing it to start briefly and stop. Loosening the cap slightly during a starting test can help identify a blocked vent. If your MTD small engine won't start when cold or takes multiple pulls to start, inspect these parts in order. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement spark plug, carburetor, or fuel cap for your specific engine.
01 - MTD Small Engine 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 - MTD Small Engine 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 - MTD Small Engine 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 MTD small engine hard to start?
Can stale fuel cause my MTD engine to start hard?
How do I know whether the spark plug is causing my MTD engine starting problems?
Can a clogged fuel cap make my MTD small engine hard to start?
How do I find the correct replacement part for my MTD small engine?
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