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HomeRepair HelpTecumseh RepairTecumseh Small engine hard to start Repair
Tecumseh Small engine hard to start
If your Tecumseh small engine that is hard to start may have a worn or damaged spark plug, a clogged carburetor, or a fuel cap with a blocked vent. Start by inspecting the spark plug for a cracked porcelain insulator, burned electrode, or heavy carbon buildup, then use a spark plug tester to check for a strong spark while the engine cranks. If the spark plug is not producing spark, replace it. Next, check the carburetor for restricted fuel passages or a choke that is not closing properly. Stale or ethanol-blended fuel left in the carburetor is one of the most common causes of small engine starting problems, especially on seasonal equipment, and may require carburetor cleaning or replacement. A clogged carburetor can limit fuel flow, while a closed choke can flood the engine. Finally, try starting the engine with the fuel cap slightly loose. If it starts or runs better, the fuel cap vent is blocked and the cap should be replaced. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement spark plug, carburetor, fuel cap, or other Tecumseh small engine part for your specific engine.
01 - Tecumseh 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 - Tecumseh 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 - Tecumseh 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 Tecumseh engine hard to start?
How do I test the spark plug when my Tecumseh engine takes multiple pulls to start?
Can a clogged fuel cap make a Tecumseh engine hard to start?
How do I find the correct Tecumseh part for my hard-starting engine?
What should I check before calling a technician for a Tecumseh engine starting problem?