Basic Repair Tips for Small Engine Parts
There will be times when you face lawnmower problems, which are harder to fix than simply replacing the plugs, oil, or air filters. This is why we, at Tom's Small Engine Repair in Waukegan, IL, have supplied a few helpful tips to homeowners that have a Briggs and Stratton engine. We are assuming you already have the basic knowledge of repairing small engine parts.
However, should you own a lawn mower which is not a Briggs, the procedures we outline may work, however, our descriptions will not be completely accurate in some places. Also, should you have a 2 stroke engine, do not bother reading our article, as they are completely different machines. As with most engine repairs, you will need to remove the spark plug leads and keep it at a safe distance from the plug. Then, take a look at the oil, plug, and air filter in order to rule these simple repairs out.
With the plug still in the engine and the kill-switch bar down, pull your mower’s starter cord. You need to feel a tight resistance, however, if not, and you heard a slight puff noise, your engine has bad compression. Should you have felt and heard nothing, make sure your starter cord is working. If it is, then the chances are you have thrown a rod and will need to buy a new lawn mower.
Troubleshooting bad compression, this can be due to a bent or broken valve, or your head gasket has blown. Take off the large bolts from the engine front and remove the head. Check the gasket for any missing pieces, should you see any, take off what is left and get a replacement from your local small engine parts repair service. After which, use steel wool to remove any pieces stuck on the head gasket, put the new one on, replace the bolts and attempt to start your mower.
If you are in need of a professional small engine mechanic, call us on (224) 430-1830 today.