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air filter . Before removing the filter to clean it , however , blow away any external dust or caked oil and dust , lest when you remove the filter and spark plug some of this gunk enters either the carburettor or cylinder . With the outside of the engine clean , remove the air filter and clean it well . If it is a foam filter wash the foam in warm soapy water and let it dry before impregnating it with light oil according to the engine manufacturer ' s instructions . Don ' t oversaturate the element or you will restrict its ability to allow air to flow through . If it is a filter incorporating a micromembrane wash it well and blow it dry with a light jet of air from your compressor . Next , remove the spark plug and clean it . If you have been pulling and pulling on the starter cord the chances are that the end of the plug will be wet with fuel and oil mix , and this is the key to both your problem and its solution . With a small piece of fine sandpaper brighten up the two tips of the plug and , using a small screwdriver or piece of wire scrape away any carbon that has built up in the recess of the plug . Blow it clean with your compressor . If the plug is heavily carbonated and black , or the points are worn ,
MACHINERY
replace it . All of this maintenance work presupposes , of course , that you are using a fresh batch of fuel mix . Counter-intuitively ( because it is oil-derived ), petrol is hygroscopic , ie it absorbs moisture from the air over time . As a result , last season ' s fuel mix will have lost much of its “ vooma ”, even if stored in a sealed container and this alone could be the source of your problem . Replace old fuel with a fresh mix . Before replacing either the spark plug or the air filter , blow air into the air intake with your compressor while simultaneously pulling on the starter cord . Depending on how long you spent pulling the starter cord attempting to start the machine , this should result in a fine mist of fuel and oil being emitted from both the spark plug hole and the exhaust ~ evidence that you ' d well and truly flooded the engine . Replace the spark plug , ensuring it is properly connected electrically , and the air filter . Engage the choke and attempt to start the machine . Give it no more than two or three pulls . Did it at least kick over ? Yes ? Disengage the choke and pull again on full throttle . It should start after one or two
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