7 Common Issues in Small Engines, and How to Fix Them
If you possess gardening equipment such as a lawn mower or trimmer, you will likely have some experience with a small engine. Most people assume that a small engine doesn’t require the same maintenance as a larger car engine, for example.
However, these small engines work just as hard as their larger counterparts and, therefore, can suffer the same issues. Identifying and fixing the issue can save you time and money, and help move the season along with a beautifully landscaped yard.
Before touching any section of the small engine, make sure you are familiar with how it operates. In this article, we will discuss seven common problems with small engines and how to repair them.
1. Is it clean?
One way to prevent various issues with small engines is to make sure that the equipment is cleaned before storage.
Lawnmowers typically hide grass cuttings that can dry out and become a fire hazard. They can sometimes be home to mice as well. Leaf blowers can also be jammed with leaves and debris within.
Regardless of the type of equipment you have, ensuring it has been properly cleaned before being put away (either after each use or at the end of the season) will prevent problems from occurring when you next use it.
2. Fuel quality
Fuel ages and can thus go bad quickly. In less than a month, fuel can go stale when left in an engine that is not running.
Bad fuel left inside an engine for too long can lead to parts rusting, breaking, or disintegrating. Therefore, at the end of the summer season, all fuel should be drained from the engine so that it doesn’t turn bad over the winter.
If your small engine is not working in the spring, then there may be fuel left inside from the previous year. This fuel needs to be removed and the engine should be flushed in order to prevent further damage and costly repairs.
Should you need to store your small engine for only a short time, you can add a fuel additive that will help prevent this breakdown and save on costs. However, this should not be used for the winter months. Proper winterization should be done before the temperatures drop.
3. Air and oil filters
Just like in larger engines, there are filters in small engines that need attention. While air filters are common, it’s a good idea to find out if you have an oil filter, too, as this will also need to be changed.
Dirty and clogged filters will prevent the airflow through the engine, which is necessary to keep it cool and prevent overheating. If this airflow is prevented in any way, then the engine will quickly heat up. This can then cause burns to the operator, engine failure, and melted components inside, rendering the machine useless.
Changing these filters when necessary, or at least checking them to see their condition every time you do maintenance, will prevent this issue.
4. Oil quality
To keep small engines running smoothly, you must use good-quality oil. Just like your car’s oil, this will also need to be changed frequently. Unlike your car, though, there may be a very specific amount of oil required and in a particular viscosity.
You should be able to find this information in the operator’s manual or online. Check your oil for colour and consistency while the engine is cold. That way, if you need to change the oil, it is safer to do so immediately, rather than waiting for the engine to cool.
5. Carburetors
Gas-powered lawn mowers and chainsaws have carburetors in them. This helps to mix the fuel and air correctly, thus allowing your engine to operate as designed.
If the carburetor fails for any reason, then the incorrect mix of fuel and air can spell trouble for the small engine. When it comes to a mechanical failure such as this, a small engine repair facility specializing in landscaping equipment should be your first stop.
For carburetors that are just dirty, do not attempt to clean it yourself. This job will require the expert hands of a licensed technician. Therefore, visit your landscaping supplier and have one of their specially trained professionals clean it for you.
6. Spark plugs
A key part of the small engine is the spark plugs. These are required to ignite the fuel at certain intervals in order to allow it to run.
Should the spark plugs become dirty, clogged, or broken, they cannot operate as intended. A visual inspection will help you determine their condition, and then they can be easily cleaned or replaced.
Keep in mind you will need to ensure that the correct gap is in place when installing spark plugs; otherwise, you will come up against misfires and banging sounds, eventually leading to engine failure.
7. Gaskets
Another part of the engine that is likely to fail if not properly serviced is the gaskets. A small piece that creates a safe gap in between other areas can fail just as easily as any other part of the engine.
Gaskets cannot be repaired, so replacement is the only option. However, if the gaskets are just dirty, then you can simply clean them.
Contact the Landscaping & Small Engine Repair Professionals
Peel Exterior Maintenance are professionals when it comes to selling and servicing small engines in various landscaping equipment.
From lawnmowers to hedge trimmers—and everything in between—we have the knowledge and expertise to maintain and repair your equipment when things go wrong.
Not only are we authorized STIHL dealers, but our staff are also routinely trained in new technology and are proficient with all equipment you could ever need, from residential to commercial needs.
You can call us at (888) 455-7999 or browse our selection online to see the range of equipment in stock. Reach out to one of the experts today to get advice on small engine repairs or book a service. Together, we can keep your small engines running properly and efficiently.