Unlock the Right Part
for Your Repair
Find the exact part you need
Enter your model number to see parts that fit your machine.
Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions
HomeRepair HelpLCT Small Engine RepairLCT Small engine hard to start Repair
LCT Small engine hard to start
An LCT small engine that is hard to start may have a worn or damaged spark plug, a clogged carburetor, or a restricted fuel cap vent. Start with the spark plug, the most likely cause of engine starting problems. Check for a cracked porcelain insulator, burned electrode, or heavy carbon buildup, then test for a strong spark while the engine is cranking. If there is no spark, replace the spark plug. Next, inspect the carburetor. A clogged main passage can prevent enough fuel from reaching the engine, while a choke that does not close properly can deliver too much fuel. Stale or ethanol-blended fuel left in the carburetor is one of the most common causes of hard starting, especially on seasonal equipment, and may require carburetor cleaning or replacement. Finally, test the fuel cap by loosening it slightly before starting. If the engine starts more easily, the cap vent is likely clogged and the fuel cap should be replaced. Enter your LCT model number to find the exact replacement spark plug, carburetor, fuel cap, or other part for your specific engine.
01 - LCT 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.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Top Solution
02 - LCT 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 - LCT 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 LCT small engine hard to start?
Can old gas cause an LCT small engine to be hard to start?
How do I know if the LCT fuel cap is causing starting problems?
What should I check if my LCT small engine has no spark?
How do I find the correct replacement part for my LCT small engine?