For the small engine mechanic, the air is thick with the buzz of two-strokes and the low rumble of four-strokes. They may both be combustion engines, but when it comes to keeping them running, they demand two entirely different approaches—and two different toolboxes. If you…
How To
66 Articles
Practical step-by-step guides, tool maintenance, and professional advice to help you solve problems and get the job done right.
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The leaves are finally gone, the weather is turning cold, and your faithful leaf blower is ready for a long winter’s nap. Don’t just toss it in the shed! Improper storage is the number one killer of small engines, leading to gummed-up carburetors, rusted pistons,…
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When you fire up your lawn mower, snow blower, or trimmer, the exhaust pipe tells a story.1 While a puff of vapor on a cold morning is normal, persistent, colored smoke is your engine sending a distress signal. For small engines, the color of the smoke…
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That familiar sound of your lawnmower starting strong, only to choke and lose RPM when it hits a patch of thick grass, is a clear signal: your engine is struggling under load. A loss of power under load means the engine isn’t getting enough fuel/air or is…
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A string trimmer is an essential tool for keeping your yard looking neat, but few things are more frustrating than an engine that roars to life only for the cutting head to refuse to spin. This is one of the most common and perplexing issues…
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If you’re maintaining your own lawnmower, snow blower, or generator, you already know the satisfaction of a job well done. But sometimes, when an engine coughs, sputters, or refuses to start, simply replacing parts isn’t enough—you need to diagnose the problem. To move beyond guessing and…
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That trusty weed eater is a workhorse, tackling tough weeds and trimming grass along fences and driveways. But over time, you might notice a drop in performance. It starts hard, runs rough, or lacks the power it once had. Before you assume it’s time for…
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Your Stihl chainsaw is a powerhouse, a vital tool for any demanding task. But at its heart lies a small yet critical component: the spark plug. When it’s working flawlessly, your saw runs perfectly. When it’s not, you face frustrating starts and poor performance. This guide…
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As a homeowner or professional landscaper, you rely on your small engines – from lawnmowers and string trimmers to leaf blowers and chainsaws – to keep your property looking its best. But have you ever stopped to consider a crucial, often overlooked component that ensures…
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Your STIHL HL 145° adjustable hedge trimmer is a powerful tool, essential for maintaining pristine hedges and shrubs. Like any hardworking piece of equipment, it needs regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and a long lifespan. One crucial, yet often overlooked, step in this maintenance…