Use and Care Manual

17
TROUBLESHOOTING
IMPORTANT: If trouble persists, please email [e-mail] or call our customer help line at
[phone] M-F 8-5 Central Time.
PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
Engine will not
start.
Engine switch is set to “OFF.” Set engine switch to “ON.”
Fuel valve is turned to “OFF.” Turn the fuel valve to the “ON” position.
Choke is open. Close the choke.
Engine is out of fuel. Add gasoline.
Engine is filled with contaminated or
old gasoline.
Change the gasoline in the gas tank and drain/
clean the carburetor.
Spark plug is dirty. Clean spark plug.
Spark plug is broken. Replace spark plug.
Plate compactor is not on a level
surface.
Move plate compactor to a level surface to prevent
low oil shutdown from triggering.
Oil is low. Add or replace oil.
Carburetor is air locked.
Shut off the fuel valve and remove the screw from
the bottom of the carburetor to allow it to reset.
Engine runs but
the plate com-
pactor doesn’t
work
Operating speed of throttle incor-
rectly set
Set throttle lever to correct position.
Excess oil Drain the excess oil.
Clutch has slipped Replace or adjust the clutch
Spring failure Replace spiral spring.
Incorrect Engine Speed Adjust the engine speed to meet the task at hand.
Not enough
power behind
plate compac-
tor
Air cleaner clogged Clean or replace the air cleaner element.
Air in fuel line Bleed air from the fuel line.
Fuel level in carburetor’s float cham-
ber is improper.
Adjust the carburetor float.
Carbon deposits in cylinder. Clean or replace the cylinder.
Fuel has gone bad.
Flush the system and replace with fresh fuel and
stabilizer
Engine
overheats
Contaminants in fuel tank. Flush the system and replace with fresh fuel.
Carbon deposits in combustion
chamber.
Clean/replace crankcase.
Exhaust or muffler clogged. Clean/replace the muffler.
Incorrect spark plug. Replace with correct spark plug.
Recoil starter
not working
Dust in rotating parts Clean the recoil starter assembly.