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HomeRepair HelpLCT RepairLCT Small engine won't start Repair
LCT Small engine won't start
An LCT small engine that won't start may have a worn or damaged spark plug, the most common place to begin. Inspect the plug for cracks, burned electrodes, or heavy carbon buildup, then test it for a strong spark while the engine is cranking. If the spark plug is good, check the carburetor. Stale or ethanol-blended fuel left in the carburetor, especially on seasonal equipment, can evaporate and leave sticky residue that blocks fuel passages. Clean the carburetor, or rebuild or replace it if cleaning does not restore starting. A defective ignition coil is another likely cause, so test the coil after confirming the plug works. If the engine stopped suddenly, inspect the flywheel key for shearing. When the engine does not turn over correctly, check the recoil starter assembly, starter rope, pulley, and engagement tabs. Finally, test the start switch for continuity if it is difficult to turn or operates intermittently. Whether your small engine won't start, has a small engine no-start condition, or the engine will not start at all, enter your model number to find the exact replacement part for your LCT engine.
01 - LCT 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 - LCT Carburetor
The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the engine for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.
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03 - LCT Ignition Coil
The ignition coil sends voltage to the spark plug while the engine is running. If the ignition coil is defective, the engine may not start. Before replacing the ignition coil, ensure that the spark plug is working properly. If you have confirmed that the spark plug is working properly, test the ignition coil with an ignition coil tester. If the ignition coil is defective, replace it.
Highly Likely
04 - LCT Recoil Starter
The recoil starter assembly engages the crankshaft to turn over the engine. If the recoil starter assembly is defective, the engine won't start. Remove the starter assembly and inspect it to determine if it is working properly. When you pull the starter rope, tabs extending from the pulley and cam should grab the hub on the engine, causing the engine to turn. When you release the rope, the tabs should retract and the rope should rewind back on the pulley. If the recoil starter assembly is not working properly, replace it.
Highly Likely
05 - LCT Flywheel Key
The flywheel key might have sheared in half. The flywheel key is a small metal piece which fits into the crankshaft and engages with the flywheel. If the engine stops suddenly, the flywheel key breaks in half to prevent damage to the engine. To determine if the flywheel key is broken, remove the flywheel from the engine and inspect the flywheel key. If the flywheel key is broken, replace it.
Highly Likely
06 - LCT Start Switch
If the start switch is difficult to turn or works intermittently, replace it. To determine if the start switch is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. The switch should have an open contact in the 'on' position and a closed contact in the 'off' position.
Common
07 - LCT Safety Switch
The safety switch can be tested with a multimeter to determine if it is defective.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my LCT small engine start?
What should I check when my LCT small engine has no spark?
Why does my LCT small engine crank but won't start after sitting?
How do I know if the recoil starter or flywheel key is causing the no-start problem?
How do I find the correct LCT small engine replacement part?