This table is a quick
reference guide, which summarizes part of the troubleshooting process. Use it to outline possible problem areas,
then refer to the specific chapter or section involved.
TROUBLESHOOTING
GUIDE
Item Problem
or Cause Things to
Check
Loss of
power Poor
compression Piston
rings and cylinder
Head
gaskets
Crankcase
leaks
Overheated
engine Lubricating
oil supply
Oil
pump
Clogged
cooling fins
Ignition
timing
Slipping
clutch
Carbon
in combustion chamber
Improper
mixture Dirty
air cleaner
Starter
lever position
Restricted
fuel flow
Gas
cap vent hole
Miscellaneous Dragging brakes
Tight
wheel bearings
Defective
chain
Clogged
exhaust system
Steering Hard
steering Tire
pressures
Steering
damper adjustment
Steering
stem head
Steering
head bearings
Steering
oil damper
Pulls
to one side Unbalanced
shock absorbers
Drive
chain adjustment
Front/rear
wheel alignment
Unbalanced
tires
Defective
swing arm
Defective
steering head
Defective
steering oil damper
Shimmy Drive
chain adjustment
Loose
or missing spokes
Deformed
rims
Worn
wheel bearings
Wheel
balance
Gearshifting
difficulties Clutch Adjustment
Springs
Friction
plates
Steel
plates
Transmission Oil quantity
Oil
grade
Return
spring or pin
Change
lever or spring
Drum
position plate
Shift
drum
Shift
forks
Brakes Poor
brakes Worn
linings or pads
Brake
adjustment
Oil
or water on brake linings or pads
Loose
linkage or cables
Low
brake fluid level
Noisy
brakes Worn
or scratched lining or pads
Scratched
brake drums or disc
Dirt
in brakes
Unadjustable
brakes Worn linings
or pads
Worn
drums or disc
Worn
brake cams