Here’s How to Care for Your Gas-Powered Outdoor Power Equipment

Most gas-powered outdoor tools are sturdily built, but they do require routine maintenance to key engine parts and other basic components. Here’s some tips to help keep your essential yard care equipment at peak efficiency for years to come.

Change the Oil

A once-a-year oil change is probably adequate for most gas engines to ensure sound performance. Two-cylinder engines mix fuel and engine oil in the same tank, so the oil will be exchanged when you refuel through normal usage. Four-cylinder engines have a separate oil tank so the oil needs to be changed. Most four-cylinder engines have an oil drain plug which, depending on the model, can be awkward to reach. Consider using an oil siphon pump to avoid having to lift, tilt or flip the machine to drain the oil. Whichever method you choose, the steps are fairly similar across all types of small engines:

Place a plastic oil drain pan or other receptacle underneath the drain and remove the drain plug.
Allow all of the oil to drain out.
Use an oil funnel to refill the tank to the recommended level.
Replace the oil drain plug and tighten it securely.
Dispose of the used oil at your local waste transfer station.

Change the Sparkplug

The first hint of a problem with a small engine sparkplug will be sluggish or hard starts. If you notice this, or other symptoms, such as misfires, stalling out, or rough operating sounds, it’s likely time to replace it. Check the operator’s manual to confirm the new sparkplug is compatible with your machine. Sparkplugs may differ by device, manufacturer and/or the type of engine:

Grasp and disconnect the sparkplug wire from the sparkplug.
Use a sparkplug wrench or socket wrench to unscrew and remove the old sparkplug.
Mount the new sparkplug in the wrench, insert it into the hole and tighten until snug.
Inspect the old sparkplug electrode for dark, carbon deposits and corrosion (if minimal it can be cleaned and reused).

Clean or Replace the Fuel Filter

The fuel filter performs a critical role in separating sediment and residue from the fuel supply before it reaches the carburetor, where it could impair engine performance.On most small engines the filter is connected to the fuel line or integrated with a fuel line assembly.To extend the life of your filter, always use fresh fuel and add a fuel stabilizer when refilling.

Consult the owner’s manual to confirm the location of the fuel filter and the correct replacement for your make and model.
Perform fuel filter maintenance after the engine has cooled and when the fuel supply is low.
As applicable, remove the fuel cap and fish the fuel line from the tank to replace the filter, or disconnect the fuel line assembly and carefully remove and replace the entire unit.
Replace and tighten the fuel cap, and/or housing.

Clean the Carburetor

The carburetor is where fuel and air mix to create combustion. Keeping it clean is essential to trouble-free operation. A dirty carburetor (often related to old fuel, or lack of a stabilizer) can prevent your engine from starting or stop it cold in mid-task. A good carburetor cleaner may resolve the issue. Otherwise you’ll need to replace the carburetor or disassemble and clean the unit, which can be a meticulous job. Here’s a few basic steps to follow, but you’ll need to consult the manufacturer’s directions as well.

Allow the machine to cool before disassembling.
Locate the carburetor, detach the fuel lineand remove the unit from the engine.
Carefully disassemble the carburetor to expose the intake and outlet ports.
Lubricate the ports with carburetor cleaner.
Clean out the float bowl and lightly sand off any rust.
Soak all the parts in carburetor cleaner to remove stubborn grime.
Reassemble the carburetor then remount and reconnect the unit to the machine.

Replace & Treat the Fuel

Any small, gas-powered engine performs its best with clean fuel, treated with a fuel stabilizer or other fuel additive. A fuelstabilizer prevents gas from degrading if left unused in the tank or stored for long periods. A fuel additive also offsets the corrosive effects of ethanol, a component contained in most grades of gasoline that can damage engine parts. Here’s a few pointers to follow:

If possible, use non-ethanol gas
Use a carefully-measured amount of high-quality fuel stabilizer with each fill-up of your gas lawn mower, gas leaf blower, gas hedge trimmer, or other outdoor power equipment
Use a fuel stabilizer only when refuelling with fresh gas, never with old gas
Ideally, add a fuel additive into your freshly-filled gas can before filling the tank
Regular use of a fuel additive will protect your gas engine if you forget to drain the tank before storing it after the season
Drain off any old gas left in the tank and refill with new gas and stabilizer at the start of each season

Off-Season Storage

Follow a basic maintenance routine to prepare your outdoor power equipment for the off-season. You won’t regret it when it comes time to start them up again.

Completely drain all fuel from gas pressure washers, gas string trimmers, gas tillers, gas chainsaws and other outdoor power equipment at the end of each season (winter equipment in the spring, summer equipment in the fall).
After draining the tank, run the engine until it quits to remove any remaining fuel from the carburetor.
Remove the spark plug and put a few drops of oil in the bore.
Crank the pull cord several times until the piston is seated in the cylinder before replacing the sparkplug.
Thoroughly wipe down and lubricate all machines before storing to prevent corrosion.

It’s not uncommon for gas-powered outdoor equipment to be handed down from generation to generation and still function well thanks to diligent, long-term maintenance. It’s worth the time and effort to do the little things that keep your gas-powered OPE in good working order.

Maintenance & Repair Outdoor Power Equipment

Here’s How to Care for Your Gas-Powered Outdoor Power Equipment

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