How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Small Engine

Small engines power the equipment that makes it possible to keep your property well-maintained and looking its best. However, small engine machinery needs proper and consistent maintenance to work effectively and efficiently. Maintenance ensures reliability, guarantees performance, and extends the equipment’s lifespan. 

You have two options: stick to a consistent maintenance schedule yourself or bring your equipment to a professional small engine maintenance company, like Peel Exterior Maintenance. We perform routine maintenance, tune-ups, repairs, and rebuilds so you don’t have to.

Why do some small engines fail prematurely?

Everyday equipment like lawnmowers and power washers are often considerable investments. So, naturally, you want them to last for as long as possible. Unfortunately, many Ontario homeowners are forced to deal with premature engine failures that are both costly and inconvenient.

Most cases of early engine failure are due to poor maintenance, improper use, or poor storage. The good news is that all of these are preventable! Peel Exterior Maintenance will explain in this article.

Extending Small Engine Life 101

1. Prep before the start of the season

Lawnmowers, snow blowers, power washers, and the like are all examples of seasonal equipment. They’re heavily used for a season or two, and then stored for the rest of the year. Therefore, you need to make sure that the machinery is ready to go before you start cutting grass or clearing snow.

The preseason inspection involves checking all the engine components, including the fuel hoses, spark plugs, muffler, fuel cap, wires, fasteners, bolts, etc.

2. Do regular inspections

Preseason and postseason inspections are important; however, these are not the only times when a check-up is warranted. Don’t wait for odd vibrations or weird sounds to take a closer look at your equipment. If you are hearing or feeling unusual things, though, definitely take a closer look!

Make sure that you’re performing regular inspections based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Take into account how much you use the equipment by mileage or hours, as well as the unique environmental conditions where you live.

3. Change the oil and refill fuel

The oil and fuel must be fresh and at the proper levels before you get going. Ensure that you’re checking the oil and fuel levels every time, even if you’re sure that they were fine the last time.

Furthermore, changing the oil regularly is vital for the longevity of the engine. Neglecting oil changes leads to engine wear, reduced efficiency, and premature engine failure. 

Take a look at the manufacturer’s guidelines to see how often you need to change the oil. Every 50 hours of operation or once per season is typical.

4. Clean and replace air filters

Clogged or dirty air filters deprive the engine of air, resulting in decreased power and increased fuel usage. To make sure that doesn’t happen, regularly inspect, clean, and replace the equipment’s air filters. They need to be replaced every three months or more frequently in dusty conditions.

5. Check and tighten fasteners

Bolts and fasteners can loosen over time because of the constant vibration from the small engine. Parts become unstable or detached as a result. If that happens, it can compromise the structural integrity of the engine and lead to damage. Take a close look at the fasteners and bolts on a regular basis and tighten any that are loose.

6. Keep it clean

Debris buildup is bad for the longevity of your small engine. Grass, dirt, dust, and other substances can clog parts of the engine, reduce efficiency, and cause the engine to degrade. You can prevent this type of damage by regularly cleaning your small engine to prevent the accumulation of harmful materials. 

7. Responsible operation

Misuse and overuse can significantly reduce the lifespan of your small engine equipment. It’s important to understand its capabilities and limitations to ensure its longevity. Here are a few tips:

• Warm up the engine by letting it run at a lower speed for a few minutes.
• Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to learn the maximum load capacity and adhere to it. Don’t overload the engine by pushing it beyond the recommended capacity.
• Take regular breaks if you’re using the engine for extended periods of time. This helps prevent overheating. A 15-minute break every couple of hours is all it takes!
• Cool down the engine before turning it off, especially after heavy use.

8. Store equipment properly

Proper storage is essential for small engine longevity. Before storing any equipment for extended periods of time, make sure you’re taking the right steps to prepare it for long-term storage. For example:

• Empty the fuel tank to prevent gasoline from damaging the fuel system.
• If you don’t want to drain the carburettor, use a fuel stabilizer to minimize the oxidation process.
• Run the engine for 10 minutes once a month to keep it in good working condition.
• Clean the outside and inside of the small engine to prevent rust.
• Lubricate all components.
• Store in a dry place.

9. Keep the owner’s manual

Yes, you do need to keep the owner’s manual. It contains important information specific to that equipment model, including tailored recommendations for proper maintenance and operation. If you encounter any issues with your machine, you should check the manual first.

Is regular maintenance really that important?

Without regular maintenance, you are headed for trouble. You will encounter unexpected breakdowns, premature engine failure, and significant drops in performance. Fuel efficiency, power, and responsiveness all suffer. 

Regular maintenance, from oil changes to air filter replacements, leads to substantial long-term savings. You can avoid the high costs of major repairs, replacements, and rebuilds just by taking care of your engine with the small, actionable steps listed above.

Utilize Professional Small Engine Maintenance Services

Regular maintenance is non-negotiable if you want your small engine machinery to last. However, not everyone wants to commit to a regular maintenance schedule. Maybe you don’t have time, can never seem to remember when you need to change the oil, or prefer to do other things with your weekends.

In that case, professional small engine maintenance services are available. Peel Exterior Maintenance offers routine maintenance and repairs for small engine machinery in Ontario.

Professional maintenance services don’t just save you time; they also ensure that your equipment stays in excellent condition for as long as possible. The technicians at Peel Exterior Maintenance are highly experienced and knowledgeable, so we can confidently maximize the lifespan and performance of your small engine tools.

We provide comprehensive maintenance services, including inspections, tune-ups, rebuilds, and repairs.

Small Engine Maintenance and Repairs With Peel Exterior Maintenance in Ontario

Peel Exterior Maintenance offers a range of professional-grade outdoor power equipment, knowledgeable advice, and expert small engine maintenance services. With our assistance, taking care of your property has never been easier.

Just leave it to us to take care of your small engine machinery. Our comprehensive maintenance services and small engine repair services ensure the longevity and performance of your equipment.

To learn more about small engine repair and maintenance, call Peel Exterior Maintenance at 1-905-873-8988 or contact us here.