Reasons an engine may not start:
- Check the gas and oil levels.
- Make sure the kill switch is set to "off"
- Check the choke settings
- Flooded engine
- Loose spark plug wire
- Air filter that is clogged or wet (check the filter often, a dirty or wet filter can interfere with engines performance or even prevent it from starting)
- Throttle cable is grounding to engine stop terminal
- Drained batter or failing start switch
- Stale fuel: Gasoline can go stale within 60 days. Stale gas will leave gummy deposits that clog the carburetor, meaning a carburetor may require a soaking in a carburetor cleaner.
- Warning: Remove all the rubber pieces including the throttle shaft seal (o-ring) before soaking Replace gaskets and reinstall the carburetor.