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Earl's Yard ServicesBlogSmall Engines
23 Oct 2025
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💨 Blue Smoke vs. White Smoke: An Exhaust-Based Diagnostic Guide for Small Engines

When you fire up your lawn mower, snow blower, or trimmer, the exhaust pipe tells a story.1 While a puff of vapor on a cold morning is normal, persistent, colored smoke is your engine sending a distress signal.

For small engines, the color of the smoke can quickly diagnose a problem, saving you from a costly guessing game. This is your essential guide to decoding what those plumes mean for your 2-stroke and 4-stroke equipment.

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22 Oct 2025
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Mower Bogging Down? 5 Quick Fixes for Loss of Power 🌿

That familiar sound of your lawnmower starting strong, only to choke and lose RPM when it hits a patch of thick grass, is a clear signal: your engine is struggling under load.

A loss of power under load means the engine isn’t getting enough fuel/air or is facing too much resistance to maintain maximum speed (RPM). The good news is that the fix is usually one of the Big Five easy maintenance checks.

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18 Oct 2025
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Top 5 Must-Have Diagnostic Tools for Small Engine DIY 🛠️

If you’re maintaining your own lawnmower, snow blower, or generator, you already know the satisfaction of a job well done. But sometimes, when an engine coughs, sputters, or refuses to start, simply replacing parts isn’t enough—you need to diagnose the problem.

To move beyond guessing and truly fix the issue, every small engine DIYer needs a few essential diagnostic tools. These five affordable items will turn you into a troubleshooting master, saving you time, money, and frustration.

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27 Jul 2025
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Stihl Chainsaw Spark Plug Guide

Your Stihl chainsaw is a powerhouse, a vital tool for any demanding task. But at its heart lies a small yet critical component: the spark plug. When it’s working flawlessly, your saw runs perfectly. When it’s not, you face frustrating starts and poor performance.

This guide will demystify the spark plug, explaining why the right one matters and how to use a spark plug reference to find the perfect match for your Stihl model.

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25 Jul 2025
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Stihl Leaf Blower Spark Plug Chart Guide

A healthy spark plug is the heart of a well-running small engine, and your Stihl leaf blower is no exception. A fouled, worn, or incorrect spark plug can lead to hard starting, reduced power, increased fuel consumption, and even engine damage. That’s why knowing the right spark plug for your specific Stihl model is crucial for optimal performance and longevity.

While always referencing your owner’s manual is the gold standard, this guide provides a handy “Stihl Leaf Blower Spark Plug Chart” to help you quickly identify the common spark plugs for popular models.

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