harbor freight engine 420cc

[finetune]

bought a new engine from hf to replace a 18 hp command 30 year old engine , ran great in the shop, put it outside next morning would not start [10] degrees. it's on a log splitter, it's electric start, would just backfire, changed plug, still no start. put in shop to warm up, starts right up. remove engine return to hf get another, does the same thing, all my other engines will start at [0] degrees, what's wrong with these engines?

[bgsengine]

they are not built for cold weather operation, I guess.

[bobodu]

Might try some 5/30 oil.

[finetune]

had 10-30 changed to 5-30 still no go spins over fine just won't start, it seems like a compression thing.

[mwerles]

It may need more choke,try blocking the intake when cranking
Les

[bobodu]

Most definitely....my HF engine needs full choke when it is 100 outside.

[KE4AVB]

I think you guys got it. These are what they call summer engines. The carburetors are not setup to run in freezing temperature thanks to the EPA regs.

Besides the extra choke try a little extra fuel into carburetor throat; maybe that all it need to get going.

[EKAP1200]

May be it just needs some time on the engine, let the rings seat up. There is always the can of either shot to get it going in the cold...

[creia]

Most definitely....my HF engine needs full choke when it is 100 outside.

That has been our experience as well (2 HF 6.5 HP engines). Furthermore, ours needed to be full- choked even after they were already warmed up, shut off , then immediately restarted! Apparently, these engines are factory set to run real lean, which no doubt is an emissions-complying requirement.
Michael

[finetune]

plug was real wet, tried starting fluid, will just back fire.