Small engine fault diagnosis
Small engines are some of the most important pieces of machinery in our daily lives, from lawn mowers and snow blowers to garden tractors and boats. They provide us with the power to complete tasks that would otherwise require a lot of manual labor. Small engines, however, can be prone to faults and malfunctions, which can leave the user scratching their head as to what’s wrong. To help understand and diagnose the most common faults with small engines, the following sections will provide an overview of the most common faults and their symptoms.
Carburetor problems
Issues with the carburetor are among the most common small engine faults. A carburetor is responsible for providing the correct mixture of fuel and air to the engine, and if there is an issue, it can have drastic effects on the engine’s performance. When diagnosing a suspected carburetor fault, some of the symptoms to look out for are difficult starting, rough running, poor fuel economy, and white smoke from the exhaust.
Fuel system problems
If the engine has a fuel system issue, it can prevent it from operating correctly, or at all. The symptoms of a faulty fuel system range from poor fuel economy and hard starting, to the engine not starting at all, or running at reduced power. Some common causes of fuel system problems include a dirty fuel filter, a blocked fuel line, or a faulty fuel pump. All of these issues can be resolved by cleaning or replacing the affected components.
Ignition system problems
The ignition system of an engine is responsible for providing a spark to ignite the fuel mixture in the cylinders. If there are issues with the ignition system, it can prevent an engine from starting, or cause it to run poorly. Some of the symptoms of an ignition system fault include the engine not starting, backfiring, and poor fuel economy. Common causes of ignition system issues include a faulty spark plug, a faulty coil, a clogged air filter, or a faulty ignition module.
Carbon build-up
Carbon build-up is common in small engines, especially when they are not used regularly. This build-up can cause serious performance issues, such as poor fuel economy and hard starting. It can also cause the engine to run rough and slugging at high speed. Carbon build-up can be removed by performing a routine tune-up or engine overhaul.
Valve or cylinder problems
Valve and cylinder problems can have serious implications for an engine’s performance, but fortunately they are rare. Common symptoms of a valve or cylinder issue include the engine having difficulty starting, poor performance, and excessive vibration. To diagnose the fault, technicians will usually conduct a compression test to check the condition of the cylinders and valves.
These are some of the most common faults with small engines, as well as their associated symptoms. While it’s not always possible to diagnose and repair a fault without help, being aware of the symptoms can help narrow down the possible causes, allowing owners to get the help they need more quickly and efficiently.
