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23 Oct 2025
0 Comments By Earl Gibson Small Engines , ,

💨 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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19 Oct 2025
0 Comments By Earl Gibson Reviews ,

Trimmer Head Won’t Spin? Fix the Gearhead, Shaft & Clutch

A string trimmer is an essential tool for keeping your yard looking neat, but few things are more frustrating than an engine that roars to life only for the cutting head to refuse to spin. This is one of the most common and perplexing issues you’ll encounter on a small engine repair blog.

Don’t assume your trimmer is dead! The problem is often isolated to the drive system. Here is a detailed guide to the primary culprits when your trimmer head won’t spin.

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01 Aug 2025
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Weed Eater Losing Power? Check the Exhaust

That trusty weed eater is a workhorse, tackling tough weeds and trimming grass along fences and driveways. But over time, you might notice a drop in performance. It starts hard, runs rough, or lacks the power it once had. Before you assume it’s time for a new one, there’s a simple, often overlooked maintenance task that could bring it back to life: checking the exhaust for carbon buildup.

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27 Jul 2025
0 Comments By Earl Gibson Small Engines , , ,

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
0 Comments By Earl Gibson Small Engines , ,

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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