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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Utility Vehicles Are an Essential Part of a Landowner’s Toolkit

If you own a large piece of property, a utility vehicle, tractor or brush cutter can make so many chores...


A Family Handyman Approved Father’s Day Gift Guide

Struggling to find the right Father's Day gift for your dad? Check out these Family Handyman Approved products any DIY...


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The Family Handyman Approved Ryobi Cordless Tire Inflator Is a Worthy Addition to Your Garage

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.

California’s New Law Could Change the Way You Shop for Lawn Equipment

The Golden State is set to ban gas-powered lawn equipment by 2024. Here's what it means for you.


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How To Winterize Your Boat and Trailer

Learn how to winterize a boat.


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What to Know About 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....


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 2-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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Safety Basics to Prep Power Yard Equipment for Spring

It's springtime! Time to get outside and do yard work. Here are 10 tips to keep your outdoor power equipment...


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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...


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...


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!


What You Need to Know to Adjust a Spark Plug Gap

Be sure to set and adjust the spark plug gap for your particular engine!

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How to Buy Spark Plugs

Get better performance


Iridium Spark Plugs for Small Engines

Get faster, more reliable starts


How to Start a Small Engine

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


How to Tune Up a Lawn Mower

Keep your mower running smoothly and efficiently.


How to Test an Ignition Coil

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


Keep Your Automotive Tools at Your Fingertips

I really like my trusty rolling mechanic’s stool because it saves my knees when I work on cars and small...