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HomeRepair HelpSubaru RepairSubaru Small engine hard to start Repair
Subaru Small engine hard to start
If your Subaru small engine that is hard to start may have a worn or damaged spark plug, the most likely cause. Inspect the spark plug for cracked porcelain, burned electrodes, heavy carbon buildup, or no spark while cranking. If the plug fails a spark test, replace it. Carburetor problems are another common source of engine starting problems. 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 causes of hard starting on seasonal equipment, so clean the carburetor and use fresh fuel when needed. A clogged fuel cap vent can also prevent the tank from taking in air, creating pressure that makes the engine hard to start. As a quick test, slightly loosen the fuel cap and try starting the engine. If it starts more easily, replace the fuel cap. Whether your Subaru engine takes multiple pulls to start or has cold start problems, enter your model number to find the exact replacement spark plug, carburetor, or fuel cap for your specific engine.
01 - Subaru 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 - Subaru 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 - Subaru 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 Subaru small engine hard to start?
Can stale fuel cause a Subaru small engine to be hard to start?
How do I know if the carburetor or choke is causing starting problems?
Could a clogged fuel cap vent make my Subaru engine hard to start?
How do I find the correct replacement part for my Subaru small engine?