When to Repair vs. Replace Your Small Engine

Every piece of equipment sustains wear and tear over time. You can keep this in check with professional routine maintenance, but damage, breakdowns, and drops in performance are, ultimately, inevitable.

Maintenance and repairs are part of owning power tools. Yet, the question remains: at what point should you stop paying for repairs and replace your small engine instead?

6 Signs Your Small Engine Needs Professional Repair

You can avoid many costly and inconvenient machine breakdowns by routinely maintaining your small engine. Even with regular maintenance, though, breakdowns still happen. When they do, contact Peel Landscape Depot for professional small machine repair.

As soon as your power equipment starts showing signs of trouble, bring it to our Mississauga workshop. We’ll take care of all the necessary repairs and maintenance to get it running again.

Here are six common signs that your equipment is headed toward a breakdown:

1. Difficulty starting

This is one of the most obvious indicators that your small engine is struggling. When your equipment is having trouble starting, requires multiple attempts to start, or won’t even start at all, it needs help.

A range of underlying issues could be at the root of the problem, but a professional technician can correctly get to the bottom of it. They’ll diagnose the exact cause and fix the problem efficiently.

2. Strange noises

Power tools are usually loud, but they shouldn’t make weird noises. Unusual sounds like knocking, grinding, or sputtering mean that something is very wrong. There could be internal engine damage, a loose component, or worn-out bearings.

Regardless, it’s important to bring your small engine in. Ignoring these noises can lead to even more severe and extensive damage.

3. Loss of power

Is your power tool lacking power? It likely needs urgent maintenance or repair. A noticeable loss of power can be a result of clogged air filters, spark plug issues, dirty fuel injectors, or compression problems.

One of our professional technicians at Peel Landscape Depot will be able to identify the problem and get your equipment performing properly again.

4. Leaking fluids

Leaking fluids can pose a safety hazard, so prompt diagnosis and repair is essential. Your power equipment will also be less inefficient in the meantime. Fortunately, most fluid leaks are easy to fix. They can be caused by cracked fuel lines, damaged gaskets, and worn seals.

5. Frequent stalling

Once your small engine equipment is turned on, it should run smoothly. A frequently stalling engine (or one that is running roughly) is a sign that something is amiss.

This could be caused by fuel delivery issues, air intake blockages, ignition problems, clogged fuel lines, failing spark plugs, or a dirty carburetor. You should address the issue promptly to prevent more severe engine damage.

6. Overheating

An overheating engine is a serious issue. Overheating can lead to significant internal engine damage, which might force you to replace your power tool sooner than you would have wanted.

Low oil levels, dirty air filters, clogged cooling fins, and malfunctioning cooling systems are all possible culprits. Professional examination is crucial to identify the root cause and make the necessary repairs.

When to Repair Your Small Engine

Whenever possible, we recommend repairing your small engine with a professional technician. Repairing, rather than replacing, is the most cost-effective way to restore the machine’s performance and ensure its longevity.

Minor issues, such as replacing spark plugs or fixing fuel lines, are usually inexpensive, especially when compared to buying new equipment. These fixes tend to be quick as well, so you can go back to landscaping or property maintenance tasks soon. Generally, repairs make economic sense when the cost of the repair is less than 50% of the replacement cost.

High-quality power equipment from reputable brands is often worth maintaining and repairing. You’ll be able to get a lot of life out of these machines with the right care. STIHL, for instance, is a highly reliable brand. Peel Landscape Depot is an STIHL-certified store, meaning we are trained to maintain and repair their products.

When to Replace Your Small Engine

All that being said, there are times when replacement is the necessary and most economical choice. In these cases, replacing your equipment is a better long-term investment.

The Repair Cost Is Too High

High repair costs usually mean it’s time to replace your power equipment. If the cost of repairing is more than 50% of the price of a new unit, then consider replacing it. A new small engine machine won’t just perform better and offer superior reliability; it likely also comes with a new warranty.

It Has Extensive Damage

Some damage cannot be repaired or cannot be repaired cheaply. For example, serious internal damage often necessitates replacement or a small engine rebuild.

That being said, you may not recognize the extent of the damage until the machine has been professionally diagnosed. At Peel Landscape Depot, our skilled technicians will perform a thorough assessment to determine if your small engine can (or should) be repaired.

Your Equipment Is Too Old

It can be difficult to find replacement parts for outdated equipment, making repairs expensive or impossible. In these cases, investing in a newer model is the better option.

New equipment usually comes with warranties, in addition to having easier access to service parts. Plus, a new small engine power tool offers enhanced performance, improved fuel efficiency, and other great features that can be worth the upgrade.

How to Extend the Life of Your Small Engine

If you’re eager to avoid inconvenient repairs and costly replacements, you need to properly maintain your small engine. Small machine and lawn engine repair can be avoided with routine maintenance from Peel Landscape Depot. We use top-tier tools to keep your equipment operating at peak condition over the long term. 

Our comprehensive routine maintenance services include:

• Thorough inspection and cleaning 
• Fluid checks and replenishment 
• Spark plug and air filter maintenance 
• Belt and chain inspection 
• Engine tuning

We also offer small engine rebuilds that restore the power and efficiency of your equipment. Our skilled technicians will do a thorough assessment to determine if a small engine repair or rebuilding is needed.

Small Engine Repair From Peel Landscape Depot

Peel Landscape Depot provides small engine repairs and rebuilds in Ontario. Our team of technicians specialize in identifying the root cause of your small engine woes and fixing it. That way, you can continue to rely on your tools for years to come. When it comes time to replace them, we can help you choose your next investment.

We provide a complete and unmatched solution for all your small engine needs. Visit our small engine store today.

To learn more about small engine repair and maintenance, call Peel Landscape Depot at 1-905-873-8988 or contact us here.