This machine is in great condition, and gets used approximately 1.3 hours a month for a small furniture retailer.

Customer complaint is that the forklift is hard to start. On the initial visit we determined that the ignition components had not been changed in years, and that the mixer was dirty and contaminated with LPG tar. We performed a tune-up and changed the mixer, and the machine seemed transformed. Started right up, ran great, and the customer was ecstatic! They used the machine all through the summer and had no issues.

As the weather got colder, the hard start issue resurfaced. After inspection we determined that squirting a little starting fluid allowed the machine to start right up. Gave the customer a can of starting fluid and explained it away as "it's an old forklift".

Fast forward another year, and the forklift is again difficult to start. Starting fluid and a new battery don't make a difference. Instead of sending a tech I go out there myself, and weirdly the machine starts right up and seems fine to me. This allows the customer to receive freight and get through their day, and they are extremely grateful.

The next day the customer texts me and reports that the forklift won't start no matter what they try. I go back and the machine won't start for me either. I have spark, good compression and fuel. I note that the engine seems to be spinning slowly so I check the amperage draw of the starter. Amperage peak is approximately 162 amps and settles to 134 while cranking, but slow.

The amperage draw of the starter doesn't immediately set off alarms for me, but the slow spinning of the engine gives me great pause.

So, seemingly without plausible cause I change the starter. The machine starts immediately and starts every time repeatedly without issue.

The lesson for me? Spark, fuel and compression are nothing if the timing of the combustion events is not fast enough.

Hopefully our experience will be helpful for you some day.