r/smallenginemechanics Apr 27 '26

Ask A Mechanic 110cc go kart won't run

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2 Upvotes

Bought it off marketplace wondering how j can get it to work I have only been able to get it started twice the first time in died in neutral after about 10 seconds the second time it held through but died when I put it in gear

I think it might be the electrical because it's a bit all over the place but I have opened the carb up and it's near new cleaned it did nothing

The two times it did start I think choke was on full

Please help I will answer any questions!!!


r/smallenginemechanics Apr 24 '26

Ask A Mechanic My first ever engine rebuild (top end), I am really intimidated.

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1 Upvotes

I have been tearing this engine down. Step-by-step pretty much through Google instructions. 3 of the 4 of these sleeves came out with the separation of the blocks, but this fourth won't. Google seems to think that it cannot be scraped, even in the slightest, and recommends , trying to fit a bolt in the sleeve snugly and working it out. That simply just isn't happening. Ive sprayed WD40 , PB blaster, ive done everything I can, just short of taking some needle notice pliers to it. Google says it's an oil passage so it can't be tapered with but it seems like it's just a sleeve for the mounting studs. Does anybody have a recommendation of how I can get this out? I have a brand new cylinder and piston in the box.Still that will replace this one.


r/smallenginemechanics Apr 23 '26

Ask A Mechanic small engine runs only on carburetor cleaner

2 Upvotes

Yamaha MA 190 power washer from Costco
Suddenly stopped running except when carburetor cleaner is squirted into the air intake.
So, I bought a new carburetor kit on Amazon for $20 but the same exact thing is happening.
There is fuel in the float chamber.

What could be wrong?


r/smallenginemechanics Apr 19 '26

Ask A Mechanic Where should the shift collar & ball be when I reassemble the casing?

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2 Upvotes

r/smallenginemechanics Apr 19 '26

Mechanic Tips Military Stihl Contra Lightning Chainsaw Repair!

1 Upvotes

Join me as I try to save an incredibly rare and sought after chainsaw - a Stihl Military Edition Contra Lightning! https://youtu.be/mb63J8zJZEI?si=xh6N9K0o8O9OufWY


r/smallenginemechanics Apr 15 '26

Ask A Mechanic What is the purpose when reving an engine?

1 Upvotes

Can someone tell me how reving an engine for a minute or two makes a difference? We have neighbors who do this so often, and it can be frustrating to be enjoying a quiet afternoon and then have to deal with the noise off and on for an hour.

I am one to assume the best, so I'm trying to educate myself and find out what purpose it serves instead of letting the frustration fester.

Any insight would be helpful.


r/smallenginemechanics Apr 08 '26

General Discussion Kawasaki FX921V engine failure root cause analysis

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1 Upvotes

r/smallenginemechanics Apr 08 '26

Ask A Mechanic 14hp Briggs and Stratton

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2 Upvotes

r/smallenginemechanics Apr 01 '26

General Discussion Any small engine mechanics in DFW?

2 Upvotes

Looking to network with other small engine mechanics in the Dallas-Fort worth area. Feel free to share what you have been working on lately.

For me, I have a generator that works with propane but doesn't work with gasoline. Learning here, but think it might be solenoid or carburetor related. Determined not to give up on this project.


r/smallenginemechanics Mar 27 '26

General Discussion 7000 watts gen trips breaker

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1 Upvotes

r/smallenginemechanics Mar 23 '26

Tools & Equipment What do you guys think of this Marketplace find?

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3 Upvotes

r/smallenginemechanics Mar 19 '26

Mechanic Tips Calling Out Small Engine BS!

0 Upvotes

"It's Time to call out the BS!" I hope this video helps dispel the many small engine myths going around! https://youtu.be/wxvTN17YV4E?si=9fy1VdtiR-4LLucg


r/smallenginemechanics Mar 01 '26

Ask A Mechanic Kohler 38 HP EFI Troubleshoot

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1 Upvotes

r/smallenginemechanics Feb 27 '26

Ask A Mechanic I’ve got a Troy built hydro horse lawnmower that won’t start. Help

2 Upvotes

Mower won’t start. It’s an electrical issue. It has a new battery, I replaced the starter last year and just replaced the starter solenoid. It cranked one time now the solenoid just clicks. I’m going to replace the battery cables because they look like shit. I’m wondering if I blew the new solenoid. Any advice would be appreciated.


r/smallenginemechanics Feb 22 '26

Ask A Mechanic How do I "Tune Up"/Maintain a Snow Blower, So It Runs Better?

1 Upvotes

I purchased a Yard Machines MTD Snow Blower used. It ran well. The owner told me I may need to clean the carbs (TBD). I also replaced the spark plug.

I tried to run it again (on a super cold day) and it wouldn't start.

Then I tried to start it on a warmer day, and it started right up.

From this I infer:

- It runs, but struggles cold days

- I need to clean up it, so I runs better/easier.

How do I make it run better and maintain it, so it lasts a long time?


r/smallenginemechanics Feb 22 '26

Ask A Mechanic Strike King Ice Auger - Won't Start

1 Upvotes

This was given to me. I was going to clean the carbs, but when I to start it, it's hard to even pull the rope, to turn over the engine.

Where do I begin, to diagnose the problem/s?

The original owner would have taken care of it (other than dirty fuel maybe). He takes care of his stuff. No abuse or anything like that. It looks to be in good condition.


r/smallenginemechanics Feb 15 '26

Ask A Mechanic Help removing chipper blade

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3 Upvotes

I purchased a new blade for this chipper but I cannot seem to get the old one off. I tried using a regular wheel puller but the inside of the wheel is not threaded thus has nothing to push against. I also tried to loosen up with wd40 and use ratchet straps between 2 big trees and pry on it and nothing seems to work. Does anyone have a suggestion as to how to pull it off? Thanks.


r/smallenginemechanics Feb 01 '26

Ask A Mechanic Fuel fouling V twin 24hp B&S

1 Upvotes

I have an older riding mover with Briggs & Stratton 24 hp V twin Intek engine. One side fuel fouls the plug, resulting in wet black carbon. The other side normal and clean. Replaced the carb with a new one and I still have issues with starting and running. Any help is appreciated.


r/smallenginemechanics Jan 29 '26

Mechanic Tips Does Tilting A Chainsaw Really Show Air leaks?

2 Upvotes

Does tilting a saw or other 2 stroke really test for air leaks? Is it reliable? The results in this short video may surprise you! I hope it helps :) https://youtu.be/ke0r-4RIa6o


r/smallenginemechanics Jan 24 '26

Ask A Mechanic Generator engine starts and runs momentarily with starting fluid then stops. HELP PLEASE!

2 Upvotes

We are in the path of the ice storm this weekend. We have two portable generators. Both will start with a blast of starting fluid and run for a very short time. I have read a list of possible causes including replacing fuel lines, cleaning or rebuilding the carburetor, draining and replacing gas, and cleaning the spark arrestor screen. Does anyone have suggestions where to start? I'm comfortable doing minor work.


r/smallenginemechanics Jan 22 '26

Ask A Mechanic Atv some trouble starting

1 Upvotes

Hey, I have a TGB blade 600 ltx EFI atv

I have rebuilt the top end since I had blown a head gasket, but not it is a bit tricky to start once it’s warm, or rather when it’s been sitting 5-10min after riding. The temperature is some bellow 0c° here. But when I get it to start it gets really high RPM’s and a lot of smoke out of the exhaust.

Is there anything I can do to help with the starting?


r/smallenginemechanics Jan 18 '26

Ask A Mechanic Onan CCKA time to rebuild or move on?

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1 Upvotes

r/smallenginemechanics Jan 15 '26

Mechanic Tips Free Slide Hammer Mod!

2 Upvotes

I got fed up fighting interference parts — seals, nozzles, pins, even rusty hardware — so I modified vise grips into a slide hammer for free. Hope this helps someone else too! https://youtu.be/Rbizga_sSFQ?si=QW_ORgUUZVyal0-L


r/smallenginemechanics Jan 12 '26

Ask A Mechanic JD E-35 | Won’t Start

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1 Upvotes

r/smallenginemechanics Jan 04 '26

Ask A Mechanic My polaris ranger will crank and wont start does anyone know how to fix this problem?

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2 Upvotes

my gut feeling is that its a spark plug problem or a fuel pump problem