Small Engines

The heart of outdoor power equipment, learn from our experts important small engine maintenance and repair projects to keep your machinery performing to its potential.

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Power King Chipper Shredder: A Beast of a Chipper

The Power King Chipper is called a beast for a reason—it quickly shreds your brush pile in a flash.

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Is the Ryobi Tire Inflator Worth the Investment? Find Out in Our Review

Air compressors require a lot of work if you only need them for a minute or two to top off...


Wood Chippers: Renting vs. Buying

Is wood chipper rental a better choice for you than buying? That depends on the answers to a few key...


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Small Engine Maintenance Tips from the Pros

Small engines, big investment. Here’s how to maximize small engine performance.


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Family Handyman Approved: Sea Foam Motor Treatment

Keep your engines running smoothly.

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How To Winterize Your Boat and Trailer

Learn how to winterize a boat.


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How to Check, Clean, and Change Lawn Mower Spark Plugs

Gas-powered lawn mowers need spark plug maintenance. Learn how to change, remove and clean your spark plugs to keep your...

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How to Test a Spark Plug to See If It’s Working

Every small gasoline engine has a spark plug, and this key component requires periodic inspection and testing. Learn how to...


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How to Clean a Small-Engine Spark Plug

All small engines have a spark plug, and cleaning spark plugs from time to time helps keep your equipment running...


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How to Lubricate a Chainsaw With Oil

Unless you understand both types of chainsaw oil and how to use them, your chainsaw won't work properly for long....


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8 Most Common Lawn Tractor Repairs

If you own a lawn tractor, a.k.a. a riding lawn mower, knowing how to make these eight common repairs can...

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Why Is There Oil On My Spark Plugs?

Got a two-stroke engine running rough or not at all? Oil could be the problem. If you're wondering why there's...


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What Are the Signs That a Spark Plug Is Bad?

Having trouble with an engine that won't start or runs rough? A bad spark plug could be the culprit. Here's...


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How to Winterize a Two-Stroke Outboard Motor

Get your boat motor ready for winter storage.


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How to Repair Small Engines: Cleaning the Lawn Mower Carburetor

Don't Google "small engine repair near me" the next time your lawnmower sputters. Learn how to do it yourself. Small...


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What Type of Lawn Mower Oil Should I Use

Your lawn mower needs the right kind of engine oil used in the right way. Read on to learn about...

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10 Things You Should Know About Gasoline

Do you think premium gas is free of ethanol and the best choice for small engines? Do you ever treat...


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Why is My Lawn Mower Smoking?

Leaking oil from the exhaust is the usual cause of blue, white or black smoke from a lawn mower. Learn...


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Here’s What To Do If Your Lawn Mower Won’t Start

Learn the reasons why a lawn mower won't start after winter or during peak season, and how to fix those...


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How to Replace Spark Plugs in Your Car

Save big on car maintenance costs by changing spark plugs yourself!


How to Start a Small Engine

Give your starter-cord arm a rest while you run these basic diagnostic tests


How To Test an Ignition Coil

Test the ignition coil quickly and easily with a simple ignition system tester