How Do You Troubleshoot A Small Engine Problem?
• Check the fuel supply. No gas, or old gas, is frequently the only problem, especially when starting a small engine at the beginning of its season. An engine needs clean fresh fuel. This fuel needs to be free from water and debris. • Check the air filter. If the engine can’t breathe, it can’t run! The filter should be relatively clean. If a purple air filter has turned brown or black, it’s probably time to change it. • Many engines that will not crank or run well need a spark plug. This can be purchased at the local hardware store along with a wrench. Just ask! If new spark plugs or a new filter doesn’t fix your engine, crank it over a few times (or run it for the short time it will run), and then pull your spark plugs and look at them. A black or sooty plug indicates the cylinder it is running too rich (leaking fuel injector or plug not firing well). A white and ash-covered plug can indicate the cylinder is running too hot (sticking fuel injector, wrong spark plug). If the plug does
