Running a two-stroke engine requires a bit of know-how. If you’re unsure how they work or why you always have to use the choke, you’re in the right place. It’s important to know the basics: The choke is designed to close off the air pulled in by the engine, allowing for a richer fuel mixture. If your engine only runs when it’s half choked, there’s a problem.
When a two-stroke only runs on half choke it is usually the result of a dirty fuel cap, a leaking gasket, a clogged carburetor, or a gunky passageway. In rare cases, it could be the result of a crack somewhere on the engine. You can fix these problems by cleaning the carburetor, removing the fuel, and adding new gas.
Throughout this article, you’ll also learn the following info about two-stroke engines and their malfunctioning choke mechanism:
- Multiple causes of an engine that requires a half choke
- How you can fix this common issue
- Preventative suggestions to keep the engine running clean
Why is Your Two-Stroke Only Running on Half Choke?
The sound and feeling of a malfunctioning two-stroke engine is unmistakable. Even if you’re not mechanically inclined, it’s not difficult to know that something’s wrong. It might shake or crackle, but it’s important to know that this issue can’t go on for too long. If your engine online runs on half choke, then it’s time to take action.
Review the causes of a two-stroke that only runs on half choke below.
- The carburetor might be clogged. Garage Journal points out that a clogged carburetor is a leading cause of this problem. If it’s clogged, it won’t be able to allow enough fuel or oxygen into the chamber. The result is a malfunctioning engine that needs the perfect half-choke to work.
- There could be a bit of old oil or gasoline stuck in the line. If you’re not used to cleaning your engine, then this issue will happen eventually. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t know that they need to flush the lines. Oil and gasoline will start to coagulate, causing clogs.
- Leaky gaskets can limit the effectiveness of the choke. A leaky O-ring or gasket allows air to come into the engine, which means you won’t be able to use it without the choke. Furthermore, too much of a choke would allow the fuel to flow out of the gasket, so you’ll be stuck using a half choke.
- A dirty fuel cap prevents optimal fuel consumption. If there’s dirt, dust, grime, oil, or anything else stuck inside of the cap, it won’t be able to achieve a proper seal. It’ll allow air and gasoline to flow freely through the cap, which changes the interior pressure of the engine.
- Cracks on the passageways, caps, gaskets, and other parts of the engine can cause issues. Much like the dirty fuel cap issue, cracks will prevent the pressure from sealing as it should. It’ll allow too much air into the chamber, so you’ll have to choke the engine for it to run.
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons that you might have to run your two-stroke on half choke. If you leave these issues alone for too long, they’ll get much worse. You might eventually have to replace it. Don’t worry, though; There are all sorts of repairs that you could try, many of which you’ll find in the next section.
How to Fix the Problem
Now that you’ve seen the potential causes, you’re probably wondering how you can repair it. The good news is that it doesn’t cost too much for most of these fixes (aside from number three).
Here’s the steps to resolving a two-stroke only running on half-choke:
- Start by cleaning the carburetor and all of the lines. Flush out the lines and remove all of the gunk from everything. There shouldn’t be anything left in the lines or on the carburetor when you’re done with it. As mentioned above, grime can cause a disproportionate amount of oil and air.
- Replace the fuel cap gasket and add lubricant if it’s necessary. The gasket of an engine is often one of the most common parts that need to be replaced. If it gets too dry, it’ll start to crack. We all know that cracks invite air, which isn’t good when it’s found in mass quantities in an engine.
- Consider getting new lines and/or a new carburetor. Unfortunately, it’s not always as easy as adding lubricant or cleaning the lines. Sometimes, you have to spend a bit of money to fix the engine. Address the other issues first but know that the replacement of parts may be necessary.
- Use epoxy on small hairline fractures. If you notice a small hole or crack anywhere along the engine, you could try to repair it with an epoxy or tough resin. Always ensure that the product is compatible with the material of the engine, and don’t forget to review the heat rating so it doesn’t melt.
Fixing a two-stroke engine can be as easy as a five-minute cleaning session. In some cases, you might have to replace carburetors, filters, gaskets, lubricants, or lines within the engine. Any of these repairs is notably cheaper than replacing the whole engine, so it’s worth spending a bit of time to try to fix it.
If you want to know how you can prevent it from getting so bad, read on.
Preventing It from Happening
For those of you who don’t want to have to deal with the aforementioned problems or repairs, you’re about to learn everything that you need to know. Anyone who knows about engines will tell you that prevention and maintenance are both essential components of a long-lasting product. With these tips, you’ll be able to keep your two-stroke looking as good as new.
Follow Maintenance Procedures
Maintenance includes replacing and inspecting O-rings regularly, adding lubricant to keep the gaskets free of cracks, and clearing the lines whenever it’s necessary. You don’t have to do this daily or weekly, but try to make it a monthly habit. Although it takes a little bit of time, you’ll save tons of money in the long run.
Empty the Fuel Before Long-Term Storage
One of the biggest mistakes that beginners always seem to make is that they store their engine in the garage without emptying the oil or gasoline. If you leave either of them in the engine, they’re going to coagulate. It doesn’t matter if you live in a warm climate or a cold one. Humidity can influence consistency, but you always need to empty the tanks.
Never Leave the Engine Outside
Exposure to the elements can cause rust and corrosion. Furthermore, it can allow moisture to enter the carburetor and fuel tanks, leading to a choke that won’t function as it should. This problem could be a leading cause of why your two-stroke only runs on half choke.
Conclusion
There are many causes of a problematic two-stroke, but for every issue there’s a solution. Maintenance is the name of the game. It takes a bit of time and money, but it saves you much more of both in the long run.
Here’s a quick recap of the post:
- Leaks, cracks, and excess moisture can cause numerous two-stroke problems.
- Clean the carburetor, fuel lines, tanks, and gaskets monthly.
- Never store an engine with fuel inside of it for too long (if it’s not in use).
