Engine Bogs Down Under Load (Small Engine Troubleshooting Guide)
If your small engine bogs down under load, this guide shows the most common causes and the exact steps to diagnose airflow, fuel, ignition, and mechanical issues.
If your small engine bogs down under load, this guide shows the most common causes and the exact steps to diagnose airflow, fuel, ignition, and mechanical issues.
A strong fuel smell means fuel is escaping somewhere it shouldn’t. This guide covers the most common causes—leaks, stuck floats, venting issues, and loose lines—and how to fix them safely.
A burning smell during operation is a warning sign. This guide covers the most common causes—oil leaks, belt friction, electrical issues, and debris on hot surfaces—and how to fix them.
Black smoke means your engine is burning too much fuel. This guide explains the causes and the exact steps to fix a rich-running engine.
Blue smoke from the exhaust is a clear sign your engine is burning oil. This guide explains the causes and the exact steps to fix it.
White smoke from the exhaust is usually caused by excess fuel, moisture, or internal engine damage. This guide shows you how to diagnose and fix it.
An engine that idles unevenly is struggling to maintain a stable air‑fuel mixture. This guide covers the most common causes and how to fix them quickly.
An engine that stalls under load is being starved of fuel, spark, or airflow. This guide shows you the most common causes and how to fix them quickly.
An engine that sputters or coughs is struggling to maintain a clean air‑fuel burn. This guide covers the most common causes and how to fix them quickly.
If your engine revs up and down repeatedly, the cause is almost always a fuel restriction, carburetor blockage, or governor issue. This guide shows you how to fix it fast.