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HomeRepair HelpMTD Small Engine RepairMTD Small engine won't start Repair
MTD Small engine won't start
An MTD small engine that won't start may have a simple ignition or fuel problem. Start with the spark plug, the most common cause of a small engine no start. Inspect it for cracks, burned electrodes, or carbon buildup, and use a spark plug tester to check for a strong spark while cranking. If the plug is good, check the carburetor. Stale or ethanol-blended fuel left in the carburetor is one of the most common causes on seasonal equipment, because it can leave sticky deposits that clog fuel passages. Clean the carburetor with carburetor cleaner, then rebuild or replace it if needed. Next, test the ignition coil, which supplies voltage to the spark plug. If the engine still will not start, inspect the flywheel key for damage, especially if the engine stopped suddenly. A defective recoil starter may also prevent the crankshaft from turning when you pull the starter rope. Finally, test the start switch for continuity if it is difficult to turn or works intermittently. Enter your MTD model number to find the exact replacement spark plug, carburetor, ignition coil, flywheel key, recoil starter, or start switch for your engine.
01 - MTD 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.
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02 - MTD Small Engine Carburetor
The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the engine for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isn’t effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor.
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03 - MTD Small Engine Ignition Coil
The ignition coil sends voltage to the spark plug while the engine is running. If the ignition coil is defective, the engine may not start. Before replacing the ignition coil, ensure that the spark plug is working properly. If you have confirmed that the spark plug is working properly, test the ignition coil with an ignition coil tester. If the ignition coil is defective, replace it.
Highly Likely
04 - MTD Small Engine Flywheel Key
The flywheel key might have sheared in half. The flywheel key is a small metal piece which fits into the crankshaft and engages with the flywheel. If the engine stops suddenly, the flywheel key breaks in half to prevent damage to the engine. To determine if the flywheel key is broken, remove the flywheel from the engine and inspect the flywheel key. If the flywheel key is broken, replace it.
Highly Likely
05 - MTD Small Engine Recoil Starter
The recoil starter assembly engages the crankshaft to turn over the engine. If the recoil starter assembly is defective, the engine won't start. Remove the starter assembly and inspect it to determine if it is working properly. When you pull the starter rope, tabs extending from the pulley and cam should grab the hub on the engine, causing the engine to turn. When you release the rope, the tabs should retract and the rope should rewind back on the pulley. If the recoil starter assembly is not working properly, replace it.
Highly Likely
06 - MTD Small Engine Start Switch
If the start switch is difficult to turn or works intermittently, replace it. To determine if the start switch is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. The switch should have an open contact in the 'on' position and a closed contact in the 'off' position.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my MTD small engine start?
Can old fuel cause an MTD small engine not to start?
What should I check if my MTD small engine has no spark?
Why does the recoil starter pull but the MTD engine will not start?
How do I find the correct replacement part for my MTD small engine?
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