Small utility engines are everywhere. They can be found on all types of power equipment, from lawnmowers and snowblowers to log splitters and plate compactors.
Given how they are used and the harsh environments they sometimes operate in, it's not uncommon for engine problems to arise. Maybe your small engine won't start or is hard to start. Or, maybe your engine won't rev up or is running rough.
Fuel Problems
Most often, problems with small engines are due to fuel - specifically when gasoline becomes contaminated with water. Water doesn't take long to condense in a gas storage can or even in your engine's fuel tank. Since we all know that water is not combustible, your engine will fail to run correctly if it gets into the fuel supply.
To avoid fuel problems, you can use ethanol-free gas, which is the best gas for small engines, or you simply be sure to always use fresh gas. To help keep regular gas fresh longer, you can add a fuel stabilizer to it as soon as you get home from the gas station.
Log Splitter Engine Won't Start
If your engine won't start and the pull start is locked up on a hydraulic log splitter, ensure the directional control valve is in neutral. If the engine is shut down while the rod is still retracting, the hydraulic system will be locked, preventing you from starting the engine.
What do Engines Need?
For an engine to run smoothly, it needs fuel, air, compression, and spark. Small engine problems arise when one or more of these is missing. In this video, Jared covers all these troubleshooting topics and provides step-by-step instructions on resolving the problem of a flooded engine.