Store selector: No store selected
Make sure you have the right unit with all the accessories.
When replacing a gas engine choose one that is similar in displacement or horsepower (HP) to the one being replaced.
If you are replacing an electric motor with a gas engine use the following formula: Gas Engine HP = Electric Motor HP x 1.3. This is because gas engines can be as much as 30% less efficient than electric motors.
If designing a new application, remember to choose an engine that uses a maximum of 85% of its rated HP (or torque). You do not want to run an engine at 100% load for an extended period of time or its life will be significantly reduced.
Small engines are rated for HP but listed by displacement in cubic centimetres (cc). Displacement refers to the cylinder(s) total volume, based on the bore and stroke of the engine.
If you take the displacement (cc) and divide by 29, you’ll be close to the correct HP. You can use this formula to estimate HP up to 500cc. (This calculation becomes less accurate after 500cc).
Another factor to consider when sizing your gas engine is altitude. Small engines lose power at higher altitudes due to reduced oxygen levels. This means an engine with a larger displacement is needed to offset the loss in power.
Another way to select engines is by torque (twisting force) rated in in.-lb and ft-lb. If the torque isn’t sufficient, the engine will stall.
Keep in mind that the engine’s highest torque output is not at the highest RPM; it’s typically at around 2,500 to 3,000 RPM.
Things to consider before buying and engine include:
Overall height x length x width
Shaft size, length and height
Bas mounting dimensions
Seasonal use (small gas engine vs. winter small gas engine)
Camshaft positioned in the cylinder head above the valves
Valves are overhead for more-efficient fuel burn and stroke power
Reduces the number of valve train components
Lightweight and makes the engine more compact
Camshaft positioned below the cylinder head and valves
Valves are overhead for more-efficient fuel burn and stroke power
Uses push rods and rocker arms to open the valves
More valve train components add weight and height to the engine
Many engines have a horizontal shaft. You don’t want to mount a horizontal-shaft motor vertically. If you tilt the engine or mount it in a different position, the oil will drain from the crankcase into the piston chamber.
Vertical-shaft engines are commonly used on equipment such as lawn mowers, snowblowers and pressure washers. They are harder to work on than a horizontal-shaft motor because the components are harder to access.
There are 2 main styles of shaft: Tapered and straight with keyway. Generators typically use a tapered shaft. There are also threaded shafts.
Ideal for occasional use applications on pressure washers, generators, water pumps, log splitters, air compressors, chipper shredders, etc.
Ideal for frequent use applications on pressure washers, generators, water pumps, log splitters, air compressors, chipper shredders, etc.
Ideal for frequent use applications on pressure washers, generators, water pumps, log splitters, air compressors, chipper shredders, etc.
When breaking in an engine, change the oil after 8 hours. Check your operator’s manual for oil change frequency.
Drain the oil from the engine and recycle it in accordance with your current bylaws.
Remove the oil filter (if the engine is equipped with one) and also recycle in accordance with your current bylaws.
Replace the drain plug and install the new filter.
Remove the dipstick. Keep in mind that many engines have a dipstick and oil port on both sides.
Add the correct viscosity and volume of oil to your engine according to your operator’s manual.
Make sure to clean the drain plug threads before reinstalling to prevent engine contamination.
When adding oil, you don’t want to over or under fill. Add a little bit at a time and keep checking until it is full.
If you overfill, drain some of the oil. An over-oiled engine can cause piston damage. There are high and low marks on the dipstick. A level closer to high is best, but don’t overfill.
Run the engine for 2 minutes to circulate the oil and check the level again. Remember to change the oil at the end of the season to ensure there’s no water in the oil during storage.
When doing maintenance on your small engine, you should check your spark plug. Use a spark plug removal tool or wrench to remove the spark plug.
Examine the electrode and hook for carbon buildup and heat damage, which creates a rusty colour. If there’s a lot of carbon buildup and colour change on the electrode, replace the spark plug.
Also inspect the spark plug cable for damage and/or exposed wires.
When replacing a spark plug, make sure it is the same specifications as the old one. Also check that the gap is set in accordance to the operator’s manual.
When installing a new spark plug, ensure proper alignment and finger tighten for 3 or 4 threads before using a tool. Don’t over tighten the spark plug.
You should inspect the air filter more frequently than the oil and spark plug. Check your operator’s manual for recommended inspection intervals.
Look inside the housing to ensure any debris is cleaned out. Ensure the filter media isn’t loose inside the housing.
Inspect the filter media for contamination. If the filter is badly contaminated, it should be replaced. If there’s just loose debris, remove it and replace the filter.
A lack of maintenance is the No. 1 cause of carburetor problems.
An air filter stops debris from entering the engine and clogging up or damaging vital components. Air filters come in 3 main types, including pleated paper, foam and dual element. If the filter clogs, the engine can’t breathe, resulting in loss of power. The filter should be inspected and cleaned or replaced regularly.
There are many different types of spark plugs. Be sure to get the right spark plug for the engine. Check the gapping on the spark plug for proper ignition.
Fuel lines will crack, split or clog over time. If you see leaks or cracks in the fuel line, fix it right away because it’s a fire hazard. Use fuel line only, not PVC or other materials. Try to use the highest-grade fuel to prevent clogging.
The carburetor is like the heart of your engine. A lack of maintenance is the No. 1 cause of carburetor problems. A majority of carburetor problems are due to old/bad or dirty gas that gums up the carburetor. Usually a good cleaning or rebuild will fix these problems. Other problems may be more serious and require a carburetor replacement.
Sometimes, recoil start ropes break. Get a new rope and open the recoil housing to wind it on. Be careful to ensure the recoil spring remains in the right position.
To control the speed of the engine, use a throttle cable, which allows remote control of the throttle.
A centrifugal clutch is an automatic clutch that uses centrifugal force to operate. The output shaft is disengaged at low rotational speed and engages more as speed increases. These are available in both belt and chain drive. Ideal for go-karts, garden equipment, farm machinery, stump cutters, earth augers, compactors, etc.
Torque converters consist of a belt and 2 variable-pitch pulleys that work together, serving as both a clutch and transmission. They’re ideal for go-karts, mini bikes, lawn and garden and industrial equipment.
A gearbox changes the output speed of the gas engine. Typically, it is a gear reduction and will decrease the output speed while increasing the torque. Applications include construction equipment, commercial mixers, lawn and garden equipment, roofing equipment and golf course equipment.
Always add Seafoam to anything with fuel in it, such as lawn mowers and outboard engines. It cleans deposits and lubricates the fuel system. Don’t pour Seafoam directly into the gas tank, unless you’re storing the engine. Seafoam is usually added to a jerry can of gas. Higher-grade fuel is better to use. If using low-grade gas, add Seafoam.