What are the reasons why a gasoline engine cannot start when hot?
2 Answers
Gasoline engine may fail to start due to the following reasons: insufficient fuel supply preventing ignition; low battery voltage, which is too low to enable the starter to provide sufficient speed and torque to start the engine; mechanical failures, including faulty spark plugs or ignition coils, which prevent normal engine ignition. Below are the relevant details: 1. Check the engine oil and gasoline: Verify whether the engine oil and gasoline are newly added. If not, and if they have been in use for more than three months, it is necessary to drain and replace them. Engine oil and gasoline have a validity period of only three months. Beyond this period, they lose their viscosity and effectiveness. 2. Check the spark plugs: Inspect whether the spark plugs are firing. If not, remove the spark plugs, dip them in a small amount of gasoline, and reinstall them. Then check if the generator starts firing. If it does, the engine should start.
I've encountered the issue of a gasoline engine failing to start when hot several times. The most common cause is vapor lock, where the gasoline in the fuel line becomes too hot and vaporizes, leading to poor fuel pump delivery and difficulty starting. Additionally, overheated spark plugs or ignition coils can malfunction, as they're prone to failure at high temperatures, resulting in weak or no ignition signal. Another possibility is fuel injector leakage or poor sealing, causing uneven fuel supply. On the sensor side, incorrect temperature readings might make the ECU adjust the ignition timing improperly. My advice is not to rush to turn off the engine on hot days—open the hood to let it cool down first. Keep the fuel system clean regularly, and if the problem occurs frequently, have it checked by a professional shop. Avoid forcing the engine to start to prevent damage to more components.
