DISCLAIMER: Working on power equipment can be dangerous! Moving parts, gasoline (explosive!), burns and other dangers lurk. Even though these small machines appear harmless, they can maim or even kill you if proper procedures are not followed. Always wear safety goggles! Refer to your owner's manual for adjustments & basic troubleshooting BEFORE continuing with anything I have outlined below, and if you are unsure of what you're doing, summon a pro to tackle the repair for you - hopefully US!!

Problems:

Engine will not run: install a new spark plug first. Then check to see if the air filter is clean - if not, replace it.  Make sure any shutoff switch is placed in RUN or ON. We cannot tell you how many times we've found the latter!

Electric Starter will not turn: you can use your auto to jump start your equipment's battery ONLY IF BOTH are 12 volt batteries. The vehicle should NOT be running. Connect the positive (+ or red) cables to both positive battery terminals. Connect ONE cable to the negative (- or black) terminal to the good battery, the other negative to a BARE CLEAN METAL part of the machine at least 3 feet from the battery. Any sparks can cause battery explosions which are VERY dangerous.

Engine Starts but runs briefly (about 5-10 seconds) & Stalls: chances are you have a clogged carburetor due to old gas. If the engine has a start primer, keep pressing it repeatedly for about a minute & see if the engine runs on it's own afterwards. If it doesn't, the carburetor needs cleaning/rebuilding or even replacement.

Engine Runs for 5-10 Minutes & Stalls: There is a tiny hole in the gas cap. It must be clear. If not, the tank will vapor lock & not allow fuel to flow into the carburetor. An easy test is to loosen the cap slightly when the engine begins to falter. If the engine regains power & runs ok, clear the vent hole or replace the fuel tank cap. DO NOT run the machine with a loose fuel cap for more than 10 seconds!

Belts: Use original equipment manufacturer belts at all times. Substitutes can render improper disengagement of power which can be lethal!

Batteries: The normal lifespan of a small OPE battery is about 2 to 3 years. If you begin to experience slow cranking, make sure ALL cable connections are clean & tight. We highly recommend Wal-Mart batteries - they hold up well and are cheap (under $30). There is absolutely no need for a $50+ battery as they will only last the same 2 or 3 years.

Fuel Filters: Make sure that if your engine has a fuel pump, the filter you install MUST BE for an engine WITH a fuel pump. Do not use one for a gravity fed fuel system - and vice versa. There IS a difference & you WILL have engine running troubles if you switch them!

Engine Oil -  ALWAYS use what the engine manufacturer suggests. Summer engines usually should have STRAIGHT 30w but some do use 10w30. If you use 10w30 when 30w should be used, you may experience some oil burning. Synthetic oil is a fantastic choice if you decide to use it - however, oil changes should still be performed at regular recommended intervals. Snowblowers should use 5w30 due to cold temps.

Chainsaw Chain Derails - the bar is probably worn where it contacts any timber. Rotate it 180 degrees. If it continues to derail, the sprocket is worn & must be replaced for safe operation.

Forums/Cyber Wrench Assistance - when posting your questions, have ALL your machine & engine model/serial numbers handy & POST THEM so the members can see exactly what you have. You have no idea how important this is. Click the FORUMS tab above for a listing.

Lastly - if you feel that you need pro assistance for repairs, just let us know. Know your limitations, and also realize that there are specialty tools required at times that are not readilly available to the general public and without great expense. Don't attempt a repair, botch it and expect a jigsaw puzzle to be repaired & reassembled cheaply - AGAIN, SUMMON US FIRST!

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