Common Small Engine Problems You Can DIY

Most of the time when you go to start your small engine you just pull the cord and you’re off to the races however there are times when you pull the cord and sadly, nothing happens or it just sputters and refuses to stop no matter what you do. So you let it sit for a bit then try again. You check your fuel levels and they are fine. So what is the problem? Well the good news is that there are a few small engine troubles that you can fix on your own. Of course there are many that require a small engine repair mechanic and there are times when you just don’t want to do it yourself but for some occasions you can DIY your small engine problems and troubleshoot your way back to cutting your lawn like a pro!

There are some cases where a quick clean and a simple small engine tuneup will get you back up and running but for the other times here are some helpful tips that can help you DIY your small engine repair.

First off you should check your fuel. Are the levels topped up? Is the fuel fresh (put in recently or treated with a stabilizer)? You’ll also want to make sure you are using fuel E10 or less, E15 or E85 is actually illegal to use in outdoor power equipment. If you aren’t sure, drain the gas and replace with fresh gas and add fuel stabilizer.

A dirty carburetor can cause your small engine to perform poorly and is usually the cause of stale fuel. You need to protect your small engine with a fuel stabilizer that will help things flow smoothly because your carburetor regulates air and fuel movement. You should also check your spark plugs to make sure they are not dirty or damaged. It is important to change your small engine spark plugs every 25 house of usage (approx) or at least every season. Around the 25 hours of use mark you can pull them out, clean them and inspect them to see if they are fouled. If they are good to go then place them back and continue using your small engine until further issues starting arise.

Similar to the spark plugs, you should be checking your small engine air filter around the 25 hours of use mark too. The important thing to keep in mind with small engines is that air flow is important. When your air filter is clogged up or your carburetor is dirty then the air won’t flow properly and performance will be severely degraded. Tuneups and cleanings can help get the machine rolling again but replacement is the better option when possible to ensure your small engine runs properly and the lifespan of your machine is optimized.

When it comes to small engine maintenance and repairs, you would be surprised at the things you could probably do on your own however this takes time out of your already busy day and means you have to get your hands dirty. The better option that many people in Ottawa are extremely satisfied with is the MVS mobile small engine repair and maintenance service. We come right to your door and fix your small engines to get them back up and running in peak condition at extremely affordable prices. We can even setup a reminder service to book your scheduled small engine tuneup in advance. This saves you money and ensures you don’t forget.