From generators and pressure washers to snow blowers and chainsaws, there are many types of equipment that utilize a small gasoline engine during their operation. Knowing how to maintain your engine and keep it in peak operating condition is crucial for maximizing the usable life of your equipment while minimizing the risk of breakdowns, accidents, or other issues. As a leading provider of quality outdoor power equipment, the team at Western Equipment knows how important engine maintenance is. That is why we have compiled a list of small engine maintenance tips to give outdoor power tool owners the information they need to keep their equipment in good working order.

Learn about some important chainsaw maintenance tips.

6 TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE SMALL ENGINE MAINTENANCE

To ensure that your equipment is ready to work when you need it, you will need to perform the following actions to maintain your small engine:

1. REGULARLY CHECK OIL AND AIR FILTERS

You should change the oil in your engine every 3 months or after every 25 hours of use, whichever comes first. Every time you change your oil, you should also change your oil and air filters as these components are often overlooked when performing maintenance. If you do not change either filter, you will drastically increase the risk of overheating while accelerating wear, so it is well worth your time.

2. RUN THE MACHINE PERIODICALLY

Fluids can thicken and build up in engines if they are not used regularly. Be sure to run your engine at least once every month to keep the fluids moving and reduce the risk of rust, clogs, and other damage.

3. MONITOR COOLANT LEVELS

If your equipment overheats, it can suffer extensive damage or become completely inoperable. To minimize the risk of overheating, it is crucial to ensure that your engine always has a sufficient level of coolant. If your coolant level drops, you will need to replenish it.

4. PROPERLY STORE YOUR FUEL

Gasoline deteriorates quickly, especially when stored improperly. That is why it is crucial to drain the fuel from your engine into a suitable container if you will not be using your equipment for a few months.

5. USE FUEL STABILIZER

If you cannot store your fuel in a suitable container, you can add fuel stabilizer to your gas tank as an alternative. This will keep the fuel from causing damage to the equipment while allowing you to run it if needed without refueling.

6. MAINTAIN YOUR BATTERY

Your engine’s battery should be regularly inspected to ensure that it is fully charged and functioning properly. If you notice that your battery is not holding a charge or if it is showing signs of damage, it may need to be replaced.

To learn more about our selection of outdoor power equipment or to inquire about our other products, get in touch with the team at Western Equipment. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our equipment solutions.