We would like to share some information to help you keeping your equipment running well and links to open up a service or warranty request process.
Click here to open a service ticket.
Tips to help you use and get the most out of your Makita tools:
Makita MM4 engines using straight gasoline fuel and other equipment with 4 Stroke Engines:
Makita MM4 and four stroke engines run on staright gas, and do not require oil to be mixed in with the fuel.
The motor is lubricated by oil contained in the crankcase.
These engines are designed to run on "straight gas" available at any gas station.
First time assembly and running of MM4 and other four stroke equipment:
1. Get fresh gas from a pump and fill up a clean fuel CARB compliant container. Leave some room at the top for pouring out.
(93 octane is suggested as it provides the best performance and longevity).
2. Assemble the equipment according to the instruction manual provided, or download from the manufacturer website (www.makitatools.com for Makita products).
3. Fill the crankcase with motor oil to the proper fill level as indicated by the instruction manual. Do not overfill the oil as this can cause engine damage.
If you accidentally put too much into the engine, simply tip some out into a clean container and pour back into the bottle.
4. Pull the starter rope smoothly a few times to help the oil circulate inside the motor and to ensure that the motor is turning over without feeling any undue resistance.
Some resistance will be felt due to the motor compressing the air in the cylinder, this is normal.
The motor should not feel like it is "jammed", or not able to turn over smoothly. If the motor appears to be stopped from turning over, see our troubleshooting guide below for help.
5. Now that the equipment is fueled and topped off with oil, you are ready to start the motor.
6. Follow the manufacturer instructions on how to safely start your equipment.
a) On Makita MM4 engines, push the primer bulb on teh carburetor on the carburetor a few times until you see gas flowing.
b) Turn the ignition switch to the "on" position.
c) Then put the choke lever in the up or "choke on" position and pull the starter cord smoothly 2 or 3 times. Once you hear the motor sputter and trying to start, push the choke lever down, the motor may running which is fine.
d) If the motor stops, pull the starter cord again and the motor should start up again. If it does not want to start (especially in cold weather) put the choke back on and pull again 1 or 2 times, then push the choke lever down and pull the cord again.
e) When the choke is on, more fuel is allowed to flow into the motor to help with the cold start. If you pull more than 2-3 times on choke, too much fuel will flow into the motor and "flood" it. The motor will then need to be cleared of the excess fuel before it can start properly. See the troubleshooting section below.
f) Once the motor is running smoothly, allow it to sit and idle in place to warm up for about 30 seconds. This helps the motor internal parts to come up to operating temperature correctly and for the moving parts to receive the proper lubrication.
Revving the motor up to top speed or starting to use it for work before proper warmup can cause serious engine damage.
g) Now that the motor is running and warmed up, check to see if it is "idling"correctly. This means that the motor is running slowly, not to fast so blades are spinning on a tool and not so slow that it cuts out.
If the tool is not idling propertly, a small adjustment is needed on the "idle screw" found on the carburetor.
Adjusting the idle speed is a simple process, and details are provided below.
Over time your equipment idle speed will vary, depending on a number of things such as engine wear, differences in operating altitude and other things. Although idle speed adjustments should happen too often, once ar twice a year is quite likely.
If your tool blade is moving while the tool is idling, the idle speed should be reduced immediately to prevent accidental injury. If the tool appears to speed up and slow down while trying to idle (when the throttle is released) this could indicate a fuel system or motor problem.
h) After the tool is warmed up, hold the tool correctly per the owner manual and "blip" the throttle to ensure the motor is responding correctly to throttle input. It should speed up smoothly and slow down quickly when throttle is released.
If all appears OK, run the tool up to maximum speed for about 3-5 seconds to ensure it is running well. It should run smoothly at high speed and not make metallic sounds, vibrate excessively or emit large amounts of smoke.
i) If all appears to be working well, proceed with using the tool.
Fuel management best practices:
Troubleshooting Guide: