Small Engine Problems and Simple Solutions
Today’s economy limits the ability of most consumers to replace large equipment, vehicles, and furniture. To save money, consumers need to be smart and sometimes creative. By identifying what problems are occurring that may be causing these things to not work properly, it is an easy step to find less expensive solutions to get them to work. Often times, a simple repair or replacement of a part can make a difference. Specifically for vehicles with engine problems, the problem may seem irreparable, but if you look into it, a simple replacement kit or reconditioned engine may be the best low-cost option available.
Small motor vehicles (lawn mowers, golf carts, truck drivers, motorcycles, snowmobiles) are secondary equipment that are expensive to replace. When they seem to be having trouble with the engine, replacing the entire vehicle is an expensive proposition. A replacement kit is usually the most cost-effective alternative. But before going down that route, it is important to identify exactly what is wrong with your current engine.
Small engine problems generally fall into two basic categories, poor starting and running problems after the engine has started.
Fail to start
There are several reasons why a small engine may not start properly:
or Fuel line problems: Verify that the fuel tank is full, that the fuel is fresh, and that the shutoff valve is closed. The fuel line or intake screen could also be blocked or the fuel tank cap could be clogged.
or Carburetor problems: The carburetor could be stuck or the engine flooded. There may be problems with the spark plug. Also check the choke on the fuel container; it could be too high.
or Ignition problems: The spark plug contacts could be dirty, the spark plug gap could be set incorrectly, the wire could be faulty, or the kill switch could be shorted. All of these require basic replacement or repair and are very straightforward with a proper kit.
or Compression problems: Check the valves, pistons, cylinders, or connecting rods if you suspect a compression problem. These could be dirty, stripped, or damaged in some other way, and would prevent the engine from starting properly or at all.
Execution problems
Proper running problems can pose more danger to your vehicle than an engine that just won’t start. If left unrepaired, constant overheating or fuming can eventually ruin an engine and require a complete replacement.
or Engines overheating: Lack of oil is one of the most common reasons for overheating. So is a dirty engine. Beyond that, there may be missing covers or cooling fans inside the motor or the gasket may be leaking. The fuel mixture may be too lean, another carb problem. Cleaning or replacing the fuel tank vent and fuel tank screen can also help reduce the possibility of the engine overheating. These are all do-it-yourself solutions or with a simple repair kit that will cost much less than a new engine.
or Of smoking: If the engine emits blue or white smoke, it is likely burning oil. If it emits black smoke, it is most likely a problem with the carburetor. If it’s not the carburetor or an oil leak, then it could be a clogged or dirty air filter.
or Detonation engine: If your engine experiences knocks, it may indicate excess carbon in the combustion chamber, which would require you to clean the carbon from the piston and head. The steering wheel can also be loose. A faulty spark plug wire could cause the engine to knock. This can be easily repaired or replaced.
or Spark plug failures: This could be due to a number of things, including a bad spark plug, bad switch points, an improperly adjusted carburetor, or a weak valve spring.
It may seem like your small engine problems are big and will require a new small engine. This case is very rarely thought about. To save money, take note of the exact problems you are having with your engine, test the areas we’ve outlined above, and talk to a small engine specialist about the steps to take to get the engine working again. The steps can be as simple as basic cleaning or parts replacement with a slightly more complex but much less expensive small engine repower kit. In today’s economy, none of us can afford to make unjustified purchases like new engines if we don’t have to.
~ Ben Nystrom, 2009
