How to Diagnose and Repair a Small Engine

This video shows the general process I use to diagnose and repair small engines, like the ones on string trimmers and chain saws. It's not that difficult, and doing it yourself will save a LOT of money!

[@firstmkb]

This was a great quick take on small engine repair!

[@matthewalbury3622]

Im seeking to learn how to repair small engines. This is the very first video I watched on the subject and I am extremely pleased that I started with this video. I learned a whole lot. You did an awesome job. Thanks

[@TheBadbrad9]

Great video! I'm retired but stay busy. The lawnmower shop in town asked me if I would repair all the 2 cycle engines that come in, I'm not exactly new to doing this but this was great refresher course for me. You know your stuff young man, keep up the great work! Thanks!

[@ericowens235]

Nothing makes me more money than people claiming they know what they are doing who don't. Then to have them teach others! WOW! Keep on keeping on!

[@sapulpaorganics5402]

LOL, So true!!

[@anitawilkerson8092]

Fuel, compression, spark. Even I can remember that.... I love how you break it down to its basic parts.

[@HappyWifeAcres]

I’m sure you know that this was made especially for you!

[@anitawilkerson8092]

@@HappyWifeAcres Thanks for your thoughtfulness

[@curtiswitzig2571]

@@HappyWifeAcres C

[@johnmckell4362]

And it also needs a proper air flow...

[@connectingdots3574]

Air

[@JoseLopez-ec2xy]

I like that you have the patience to teach. Good job.

[@Yutoobr]

this man made this old clunky two stroker work. Thumbs up!

[@davea5150]

Oh isn't that nice how the older motors have simple adjustments!! Nice video!! You go at just the right speed for people to learn...👍👍

[@luislujan8715]

Unbelievable... So it just needed fuel but you still went through all the troubleshooting for teaching purposes? THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!

[@AbedElkassih]

The good way of small engine diagnoses, I love this video, thank you so much for taking the time and explaining things. I am a fan.

[@stephenselman6626]

Thanks for the video!! I was searching for general information for small engines with zero previous knowledge, and this is exactly what I was looking for. Now I just need to get my snow blower started.

[@robeardobarker8011]

Just got promoted to assistant maintenance manager, this is a large part of my new responsibilities, thank you very much

[@ryanstrawn3387]

Congrats! I am actually taking up a brand new interest in lawn equipment and small engines.

[@sapulpaorganics5402]

Actually, you'd be better off watching other videos produced by people who know what they are doing, He left several steps out that are very important

[@donaldbronikowski2859]

I work at a hardware store repairing equipment and I can relate to so much of this. What really hit home is the part about asking the customer questions to get an idea what's wrong wrong with their stuff. The problem we have is the guys in the store who actually talk to the customer and write up the work invoice doesn't ask many questions or doesn't even know what to ask. You have to be part mind reader and part detective. And being lucky doesn't hurt

[@michellenella7129]

Oh my gosh!! Thank you for your step by step review of a small engine. Im new, newer than new. The way you described in details stepby step…I can fo it. I boughta stepby step book but your video was great. Now, to wait for my husband to go into work,then….to grab the leaf blower!!! I can do this. Thank you. Fantastic.

[@HappyWifeAcres]

Awesome! Thanks for the nice comment. Let me know if you get stuck or get baffled.

[@davidbrewer7937]

Over the years I have found that 19 out of 20 problems are fuel...people use regular gasoline in their portable tools & it has ethanol which destroys the carburetor plastics & goes stale to create varnish when left. I always use Shell premium grade fuel (zero ethanol), empty the tank out & run my stuff dry when I am going to store it for more than a month or two. Never had a single problem with anything since I started doing this about 15 years ago...

[@kelton5020]

Same, not a single problem using premium fuel and running the machine dry. Also for other readers, using the machine regularly doesn't mean the fuel will stay good. If the fuel is in the machine for a couple months, run it dry or drain it out, even if you use the machine every day.

[@raymondquadros7142]

Absolutely Loved this video. I am an Auto Body Painter and painting for 42 years, and getting tired of it. But I have NEVER tried to fix or even mess with small engines. But now, I am going to. Thanks to you. Gave you a thumbs up and subscribed as well.

[@HappyWifeAcres]

I always find it interesting how people are attracted to different skills. I would be so out of my element doing auto body work, but if I were locked up and told to fix small engines every day, I could handle it! I hope you give it a try, if only to save yourself a few dollars fixing your own equipment! Good luck!!

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

FACTS - Fuel, Air, Compression, Timing, Spark. Most people only know, acknowledge or remember three of those (and not even the same three, as seen in this video) but all five are required and that acronym is easy to remember and really makes for more complete troubleshooting.

[@HappyWifeAcres]

You're absolutely correct. I don't dwell on air much except to say check your air filter, and since timing can't be adjusted on most small engines, I try not to confuse the beginners. I did make a video about when engines come to a sudden stop and damage the woodruff key. You can find that at kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKDSZKJtadugr7s. Thanks for watching!

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Happy Wife Acres Oops, just realized I spelled shear incorrectly. I referred to it as such because that seems to be more common in this genre than calling it a Woodruff key, although that’s what I have always understood the permanent, non-sacrificial key to be known as. I guess I’m assuming because it’s sacrificial the more correct term is shear, but I don’t know that for a fact. At any rate, our styles differ although we both seek the same result. I tend to speak to the highest common denominator rather than the lowest as it leaves the recipient with questions, which keeps them thinking about the subject and perhaps studying it in more depth. At any rate, the acronym is not difficult to remember and gives the student what I consider to be a firm foundation from which to work. I did appreciate your clear audio and video, something I can’t say for a lot of creators. 👍🙏🔧🧰

[@HappyWifeAcres]

We call ourselves homestead educators, so our audience is typically people who know very little about self-reliance, but want to learn. We consider small engine repair to be part of the mix, along with animal husbandry, meat processing, wine making, and food preservation. So with small engines, we focus on the absolute basics. The typical audience is people who hate paying to get the string trimmer or lawn mower fixed, or can't afford to buy a new one. It's definitely the beginner's course! Hence the different styles. Thanks for the kind words!

[@pedrot9483]

I just want to say thank you for sharing and for being so detailed in everything. Knowledge is power and those who share knowledge empower others.

[@HappyWifeAcres]

You are very welcome. Our mission is to teach!

[@joshhaney9769]

You did a really great job explaining everything!

[@MrOldDC]

Amazing small engine repair course! Warm regards and thank you!

[@ryan1274]

Thanks for this. Im making the transition from automotive to small engine repair and this definitely was a good start to familiarizing myself before my job starts!

[@TomwithaDream]

Fantastic video!! Should be required viewing by every American. If you do nothing else in your life (which I doubt) this service you've provided here is enough to earn you a spot in Heaven. Thanks.

[@HappyWifeAcres]

Thanks. I don't know about heaven, but we try to help people get started without being too complicated.

[@xexkodac7883]

this video is great, got into small motors as a hobby with no knowledge but this video helped me get a weedwacker that hasnt run in years fully functional!! thanks :)

[@sbarber57]

You're an excellent teacher!!

[@HappyWifeAcres]

Thank you! 😃

[@francesfink8082]

Thank you, your a great person to learn from!

[@jimholmes7502]

Superb video. Thanks so much for making it easy to watch and understand. 👌

[@richardheilman6280]

Very fine tutorial! I've got a (Ugh!) Harbor Freight Predator 52cc power auger that just won't start. It's about six years old and started to stall after running a couple of minutes when I used it last year. I threw it in the storage shed over winter and didn't drain the gasoline but did add stabilizer. I recently decided to see what the problems were. The fuel lines were deteriorated and the fuel filter was rusty and semi-clogged, so replaced those. Put in a new spark plug and replaced the old carb with a new one ($16 @ Amazon). Cleaned fuel tank and added Start/Conditioner/Cleaner fuel. Replaced the air filter. And it still won't start. FRUSTRATING! I'll try the spark plug check you recommended to see if it's actually getting ignition because that's all that I can think of. Maybe it's time for the junk heap and moving to the newer Ryobi 40v electric auger but I'd hate to do that as i Have three different sized augers for the Predator, which, of course, don't fit the Ryobi shaft diameter.

[@valleycoastlawns]

Great video mate watched the whole way

[@racoonman100]

Thankyou for this video I want to learn and this has helped a lot. I see that I need to work on the carbi’s more and the compression side

[@kelton5020]

A couple tips: On two cycle engines, use premixed fuel instead of starter fluid to start the engine. It really does not take long to score up the cylinder and ruin it. On 4 cycle engines, I always use carb cleaner instead of starter fluid to start the engine.

[@CaseyDrones]

I learned something thanks

[@dizzydigger7083]

I really like the detail

[@paulvanetten6551]

Good video, lot of good information. Thank you

[@chavesmarcus]

Great video! Thanks

[@Biker65]

Yea, your right. I need to stop throwing weed eaters away. Thank you very much sir.

[@Dylan-tt3ic]

Great video man

[@danfox2345]

Nice job,thankyou

[@BspPlays9287]

When I work on one and put the pin back in. I take a hose or just my mouth if tube is sticking out. And blow in the fuel inlet while tapping the float/pin lever. To make sure the needle valve seals. The taste of gas is just an extra benefit 😋

[@maakhina4595]

Thank you

[@Luis-ql3mm]

Thank you very much for this classes. 👍😀

[@HappyWifeAcres]

Hope it was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@ronniebarker79]

Top content m8

[@oneness1_]

Thank you!

[@elizabethvillalobos4504]

Thank you sir you’re a great teacher

[@erniemoore2365]

You can soak the metering diaphragm in brake fluid for a about a week and reuse it if you can't find one

[@williampierce2034]

Thanks, great video. You need a new shirt. Dale was great, no doubt, maybe 18, Wild thing.

[@theeasywayoutcampers6550]

First thing you should have done with check for air make sure that the air cleaner isn't clogged because that's the most popular issue on a chainsaw then from there if that looks like it was okay and it's getting there you would then want to check for spark because that's pretty easy to do. If it's getting spark and it's getting there then it must be Fuel and another big thing on chainsaws is that the fuel line from the gas tank to the carburetor will gum up

[@godrole2481]

Ty

[@ihaveadream7658]

bravo

[@jeremywallace9494]

“It tends to burn a bit of it gets on the skin” Proceeds to douse his hand in carburetor cleaner, haha. Made me laugh.

[@romaldothomas8653]

Thank you so much I have learned a lot.

[@TheTrailblazer1974]

Always remember spark has to be at the rite time. That one will get ya

[@HappyWifeAcres]

True, however nearly every 2-stoke engine has fixed timing via the flywheel magnet. On a 2-stroke engine, just clean and inspect the coil gap, which is about the thickness of a business card (.010”).

[@yungbape7194]

glad my father taught me this

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Happy Wife Acres That response is good, as far as it goes. That said, if you have something like a mower hit an immovable object (large stone, drain pipe, whatever) then the sheer key (which keeps the crankshaft and the flywheel rotating together) can sheer away slightly or altogether, which changes the timing and can prevent the engine from running. Just something else of which to be aware. Timing may not be adjustable but it CAN go out of synch.

[@vensisalphonz6040]

Got 2 wd eater sitting n non operational. 1 stped running after 1 month use after purchase. 2nd after 6month use. I am stock. Parts r rare.

[@LemmyA.D]

"Has a tendency to burn if it gets on your skin" *Proceeds to literally bathe in Carb Cleaner*

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

I would also remove the inlet tube to confirm the hidden screen is clean as well as the emulsion tube.

[@reyreyna1068]

Good video Sir 👍 Thanks

[@geoffreylast7194]

I have a horizontal Briggs and Stratton engine that runs great but it pushes oil out the vent tube What could cause this?

[@ricardocervantes7203]

Thank you! Im using this to study for a test🤪

[@sapulpaorganics5402]

You failed to show cleaning the screen inside the needle valve side of carb and blowing cleaner through all of the ports.. These are VERY important

[@jarodsmith558]

I don't see how 1 person could dislike this video, let alone 10. Trolls.

[@erniemoore2365]

Yellow spark or red spark is a sign of weak coil, should be blue

[@jeffrooee]

You know anything about Husquvarna riding lawnmowers? I changed the oil, oil filter, air filter and cutting blades. I got around the yard one time and it started smoking like crazy and popping. What could i have done?

[@HappyWifeAcres]

Is that all you did? Did you change the spark plug?

[@jw2par]

If under 100 compression does that mean the engine is bad?

[@TysonPaxton1214]

Im in a small engine class competing for a set of tools whoever takes an engine apart and puts it back together gets a set. Im confident. I know fuel fire and flow. I got mine running today for my class part. Waiting for one more person to finish and were competing. I am milss ahead

[@HappyWifeAcres]

When I was in high school, I took a class on engine basics. During the semester, we had to completely disassemble and reassemble a small engine, and make it run again. As a young kid, I was convinced it would never run again. But it did! It’s something I’ve remembered all my life. Good luck to you!

[@TysonPaxton1214]

@@HappyWifeAcres yeah thats exactly what were doing. Our teacher made a competition for the 2 fastest and I am tue fastest by a long shot. It ram perfect too. Perfect valve setting

[@elizabethvillalobos4504]

Hi!!!!! I have an older Craftman weed eater. Can you work on one? Should I try to get rid of it or restore it

[@HappyWifeAcres]

Unless something terrible happened to the mechanical parts of the equipment, the engine can usually be tuned up and running again. Go through the steps in the video for the engine. With age, the fuel lines get brittle, and the carburetor might need cleaning out. Clean the spark plug and it will probably start for you!

[@erniemoore2365]

It might start with 90psi until it gets hot then see if it starts

[@robstone5333]

Thanks for the video. I saw the air filter. Is there a fuel filter on these chainsaws?

[@HappyWifeAcres]

Yes. Most often that are in the fuel tank on the end of the fuel line. Unless you’ve used very dirty fuel, they can usually be cleaned out with fuel and compressed air.

[@juhajuntunen7866]

And there can be small metallic one inside carburettor too.

[@davefairchild7023]

Would you please tell me with what you flush a fuel tank?

[@HappyWifeAcres]

Gas. Remove the tank, pour gas in, shake around, dump. Repeat if necessary.

[@davefairchild7023]

@@HappyWifeAcres Thank you.

[@darudesandstorm683]

I have a dirt bike that I’m having trouble getting to run and it has spark and compression but only starts when I pour gas directly into the carb, do you or anyone have any tips for this? It’s a 4 stroke

[@HappyWifeAcres]

Does it have a working choke? Or perhaps one of those large primer buttons? The primer buttons spray the carburetor with gas. Sometimes the gasket cracks, keeping air from the button from forcing gas in. Without a choke of some sort, it's hard to get an engine started.

[@kyesniper]

Sounds to me like a bad float but I'm definitely no mechanic. I've just had to clean and rebuild about 10 carbs for my landscaping business lol we have a lot of small engines

[@Slithey7433]

What do you do if you have weak or no spark?

[@HappyWifeAcres]

Weak or no spark could be the spark plug, but if your spark tester isn't sparking, it's the coil. Sometimes it's dirty or out of adjustment. Loosen the coil, check it for dirt where the flywheel passes near the coil, then reinstall. The proper gap is about .010", which is the thickness of a business card. Place the business card between the coil and the flywheel, rotate the flywheel until the magnet pulls the coil in, and tighten the screws. Remove the business card. Retest for spark. If there's still no spark, replace the coil. Good luck!

[@Slithey7433]

@@HappyWifeAcres Thank you very much for responding.

[@hrdman2luv]

My only objection is the use of carb cleaner on 2 cycle carbs. The check valves inside the carbs don't like carb cleaner. I use seafoam. And never ever use compressed air on these tiny holes, because it'll blow out the check valves.

[@HappyWifeAcres]

Agree about the compressed air. I use low pressure or squeeze slightly. Check valves are in the primer assembly and yes they can blow out easily. The main body is just channels. Never had a problem with carb cleaner but it is strong stuff and will remove paint!

[@hrdman2luv]

@@HappyWifeAcres Needle seats and check valves are pretty easy to distort. Sea Foam top engine cleaner and lube doesn't seem to have any effect on them. But the Walmart brand carb cleaner you're using, isn't as strong as the name brand stuff. I use a lot of it. But only on bare 4 cycle carbs.

[@user-lo1bd6zb6r]

Super Всем привет

[@neileaket4095]

I have a power washer that someone put diseal in how do I fix this and it won’t turn over anymore

[@HappyWifeAcres]

Start by flushing the gas tank and lines. You might have to rebuild the carburetor. Clean spark plug.

[@sonnyc3826]

kind of lost me at the idle screws stuff...the rest looks pretty easy...im thinking to myself this is it? this is all you have to do to fix small engines? my god...i mean yeah im sure theres other stuff maybe a broken aprt here and there but once you see this video you know what the parts are and where they go and such...good video...i collect metal and come across alot of weed eaters and lawnmowers i always thought of trying or learning to try to fix one just for seomthing to do i have alot fo time on my hands i mean ALOT so after seeing this video ill give it a shot but ill have to rewatch that idle screws part.. not sure what thats for or about...

[@HappyWifeAcres]

What a nice comment. Thank you! I hope you try fixing some small engines. I think you'll find that many of them just need a clean carburetor or some adjustments and you'll be able to sell what you fixed. I recently had someone bring me a blower and a weed trimmer. He had put the wrong fuel-oil mixture and was convinced they were trash. I flushed the tanks and made a minor carburetor adjustment and had both fixed within 20 minutes. For the screws, most (but not all) carburetors have an idle speed screw, and a "L" and "H" screw. After cleaning the carb, the starting point for the L and H is to screw them all the way in, then back them out a full turn or a 1.5 turns. Idle speed screw controls idle speed. Too slow and it dies; too fast and it engages a clutch that spins the trimmer or chain or whatever it does. The L screw adjusts how much fuel goes in the engine when it's idling. Screw in to make it lean; out to make it rich. Either way will make it run bad, so get somewhere in the middle. BTW, this needs adjusting based on fuel type, mixture, temperature, & altitude. Most people don't know how to adjust it (or they're afraid to), and they throw it away when it runs rough. The H screw controls the speed. Press the trigger and adjust it in or out until it sounds good. Once the L and H is adjusted, adjust the idle speed so it's not too fast or slow. That's it! When carburetors are really bad, most can be replaced for about $15 on eBay. Again, most people don't know how to change it so they throw the whole thing out. Push mowers are even more simple than a chainsaw. I'll probably make a video on one of those soon. I like getting push mowers; I charge more because they're bigger, but usually have them fixed in half the time. Again, I hope you'll give it a try. If you screw it all up, then it's scrap metal for you! If you lived close, you could have my scrap metal. It's piling up. Best wishes and thanks for watching!

[@JetSkiBuyFixPlaySellChannel]

Needs fuel, compression, spark and timing.

[@HappyWifeAcres]

True, but on many small engines, the timing is fixed. That makes it a lot easier for home mechanics!

[@cbnx82703]

You lost me when you called the Bar a Blade...!

[@cbnx82703]

You need to pull it over until the gauge stops climbing ...!

[@leehansen4750]

What is the gap in the spark plug and where can you buy that plug? 🤔 I recommend buying no ethanol fuel for ALL small engines 2 or 4 stroke because ethanol absorbed water and destroys the metal of the engine!!

[@HappyWifeAcres]

I’m not sure of the specific spark plug but there’s always a replacement, no matter how old. You can find the gap online. They are typically.020” to .030”. Agree about fuel. Ethanol destroys the fuel diaphragm in the carburetor, causing poor performance, followed by no starting.

[@Growyourheirlooms]

And fourthly it needs air. Without it, it won't run.

[@HappyWifeAcres]

I assumed that most people are using their equipment on earth. But yes, a clogged filter and obstructions will prevent an engine from running.

[@johncollins8304]

"Push mower"?? But they're 4 stroke, no?

[@ryanl40]

No! Don't get premium fuel! Get Non-Ethonal fuel! There is a differece!

[@HappyWifeAcres]

You are correct. Thank you for clarifying. Ethanol is the culprit. Here is a website that can help people find ethanol-free gas. It’s not easy to find! www.pure-gas.org

[@nationalsmallenginesnse9123]

Husqvarna's premixed 50:1 XP fuel is great for chainsaws that don't get regular use. The stuff has a shelf life of 2-years. If your machines get regular use then this can get expensive. In that case, it's best to look for ethanol-free premium gas but as mentioned it is difficult. I've had good success with using Star Tron in all my fuel as a preventative but it's not a cure-all. Best to not fill up with more gas than you plan on using and try not to store gas for more than 30 days. BTW, if you're ever in need of small engine parts you can check out our site nationalsmallengines.com. The promo code "SAVE10" will save you 10% at checkout on all parts.

[@jeffrooee]

dumb question, where is the air filter?

[@HappyWifeAcres]

The air filter is always in front of the carburetor. On this model, it was under the top cover.

[@jeffrooee]

@@HappyWifeAcres thank you I found it. I had success tearing down a leaf blower and putting it back together. Your video was extremely helpful.

[@HappyWifeAcres]

Wonderful!

[@clintcarter]

Sooooo...it was a dirty carburetor?

[@HappyWifeAcres]

The main culprit was gas lines, which I replaced before I shot the video. The carb needed some care, but looked clean. Mostly, it hadn't been used for years, and needed a good looking-over. Thanks for watching!

[@kyesniper]

Honestly I find 95% of the time, it's a dirty carb.

[@elizabethvillalobos4504]

WHAT DO YOU MEN BY HALF FULL..?

[@HappyWifeAcres]

Elizabeth, I scanned through the video and I'm not sure what I was referring to. Can you remind me of the context of half full? Thanks.

[@MrDizzle715]

Ha..premium fuel is like $6/gal…if I’m not eating good my small engines will just have to eat fast food for rn.

[@aaronfaucett6442]

I thought all gas had ethanal in it..? I really don't know, that's why I'm watching KZbin for basic information, to learn

[@HappyWifeAcres]

You have to read the label at the pump, but premium usually doesn’t have ethanol or it has very little.

[@williamhewitt2170]

My chainsaw runs for 10 to 15 minutes real good and after that it keeps dying

[@HappyWifeAcres]

Check the spark arrestor screen. You'll find a small screw that attaches a screen to your muffler. Remove it and make sure it's not clogged. Clean it if it is. Otherwise, your carburetor might be adjusted too lean on the "H" side.

[@curtfreese9156]

Great video, thanks!!