Turning on… The starting point and a fundamental requirement for any equipment to be worth its weight but yours isn’t?
There are a couple of reasons, few all too tough to correct, that could be causing your equipment to hesitate or even refuse to start altogether! Let’s take a look at some of the possibilities and determine what might be causing your problem today.
If you observe the "Check Engine" light or warning light; a steady light may indicate a less critical issue, while a flashing light could signal a more immediate problem. Using a diagnostics tool specific to your equipment or an OBD-II scanner for cars, trucks, and various machinery to check for any relevant error codes, giving you a starting point for your equipment's error. Is this the start of the season?
Some of the most common causes of starting issues are tied directly to improper storage and leaving an engine sitting without being ran for long periods of time. If you can confidently say it’s been running recently or all stored for only a short time, then skip on. If you can’t, no worries, there are a few things you can quickly check to see if your starting issue is one you can fix at home!
Listen for a clicking sound when turning the key, which could indicate a faulty solenoid or a weak battery. If the engine cranks slowly or not at all, it may suggest a problem with the starter motor or a weak battery. Ensure the starter engages properly and disengages after starting; a persistent cranking sound after starting could indicate a faulty starter.
Smell for the presence of fuel around the injectors, which could indicate a leak. Check fuel pressure using a gauge to ensure it meets the manufacturer's specifications. Listen for a humming sound from the fuel pump when the key is turned; a silent pump might be faulty.
Over time batteries die. A clicking sound is your first indicator that yours is on its way or already there. If your battery is the case, it means your equipment is trying to draw electricity from it and not getting what it needs in return resulting in a no-start. Disconnect the old battery from the terminals and replace it with a fresh one!
Make sure your unit has oil in it prior to the first start. Often, equipment won’t start due to the low oil pressure sensor, and that’s a simple fix. Before you start your equipment, the first step should always be a fluids check. Oil and fuel are your number 1 concerns. If you do forget and your oil is low, be sure to top it off and try to start your equipment again!
How long has the fuel been sitting in your equipment? Chances are if your equipment has had fuel in it for the off-season or even over a month, that fuel may be bad. If it’s a very small amount left, likely you can fill it with fresh and get it running. Any more and you want to siphon it out. Technically speaking, all the old fuel should be removed, but if that isn’t an option, mixing in fresh is a choice you can make.
No worries, your equivalent to fuel is the cord or battery, and it’s actually easier to check! See if your cord is damaged by looking for any fraying, kinked, or otherwise damaged sections. If you see anything worth noting, you may be in need of a new cord and would need to consult a local shop to have it safely repaired.
There are a few! The first stop is the air filter. The most common piece to regularly replace on your equipment, aside from fuel anyway. The air filter is constantly taking in air from outside, often with debris mixed up in it. They get dirty and as such need to be cleaned often. Depending on the size of your equipment, you may even have two layers, likely cocooned within one another. This requires removing the housing and gently blowing out or wiping off your filter. If you’re unsure of where the filter is located, consult your owner’s manual or search the model online. If the filter is bad enough, you may need to replace the filter altogether. Consult your local repair shop to get the right part right away! No luck?
Let’s go back to the fuel… filter that is. The fuel filter is what keeps your engine running with no contaminants from the fuel into the engine. These particles often come from the manufacturing process, the housing container, or even the pump itself, but your filter stops it from being a problem. Too many contaminants over the years build up in the engine and cause issues or stop the engine from getting enough clean fuel regardless.
How to tell if that is the issue or not is an easier task than fixing it. If you’re an avid DIYer and are up to the task, be sure to follow all recommended safety and installation guidelines, or just drop it at your local repair shop for a quick fix! If the equipment is stalling, sputtering, or idling rough, these are telltale signs it may, in fact, be the filter. Start by checking your owner’s manual for the locations of the filter. This will help determine if you should clean or replace the filter. Some filters have a longer lifespan than others and might be able to be cleaned prior to needing a full replacement. If you’re unsure or need assistance, contact your local repair shop with your make and model, and they will have the answer for you.
If the engine sounds like it’s struggling, misfiring, or stalling, your spark plug may be the tiny but mighty reason! First, we can see if it’s as simple as a loose plug. If that’s the case, congrats you won the “no start equipment” lottery. Simply push the spark plug in until you feel it has a tight fit. Cleaning and replacing are the other alternatives to making it a happy plug. When the spark plug acquires build-up over time from the equipment, it halts the transfer of electricity. When this happens, you can start by disconnecting the plug wire and with a wrench remove the spark plug. Using a rag or a wire brush gently clean off any excess residue and carbon then re-install. When all else fails, replacing the plug altogether is a simple fix for any avid DIY-er.
A sudden failure of your equipment to start can stem from various factors across its intricate systems. From issues with the starter and fuel delivery to problems with safety switches or electronic components, troubleshooting the root cause demands a methodical approach. Regular maintenance, timely checks, and adherence to safety guidelines can significantly mitigate the risk of sudden starting issues. However, when faced with persistent challenges or unexpected engine shutdowns, seeking the expertise of a professional at your local repair shop is a prudent next step. Their diagnostic skills can swiftly identify the elusive culprits and ensure your equipment is back up and running efficiently, ready to tackle the tasks at hand.
