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[U169]Used Small Engine Parts

by Ben Nystrom, Ben

Today's economy limits most consumers' ability to replace large pieces of equipment, vehicles and furniture. To save money, consumers have to get smart, and sometimes creative. By identifying what problems are occurring that may be causing these things to not work properly, it is then an easy step to find less expensive solutions to make it work. Often times a simple repair or part replacement can make all the difference. Specifically for vehicles with engine trouble, the problem may seem beyond repair but if analyzed, a simple replacement kit or a repowered engine may be the best, low cost option available.

Small engine vehicles – lawn mowers, golf carts, trucksters, motorcycles, snow mobiles – are secondary pieces of equipment that are expensive to replace. When they seem to have engine trouble, replacing the entire vehicle is an expensive proposition. A replacement kit is typically the most cost effective alternative. But before going that route, it is important to identify exactly what is wrong with your current engine.

Small engine problems typically fall into two basic categories, failure to start and a problem running after the engine has started.

Failure to Start
There are a number of reasons a small engine might not start properly:

• Fuel line problems: Check to see that the fuel tank is full, that the fuel is fresh, and that the shut-off valve is closed. The fuel line or inlet screen could also be blocked or the fuel tank cap could be clogged.

• Carburetor problems: The carburetor could be blocked or the engine could be flooded. There might be problems with the spark plug. Check the choke on the fuel bowl as well – it could be set too high.

• Ignition problems: The spark plug contacts could be dirty, the plug gap could be set incorrectly, the lead could be faulty, or the kill switch could be shorted. These all require basic replacement or repair and are a snap with a proper kit.

• Compression problems: Check the valves, pistons, cylinder, or connecting rods if you suspect a compression problem. These could be dirty, stripped, or otherwise damaged, and would prevent the engine from starting properly or at all.

Problems Running
Problems running properly can pose more danger to your vehicle than an engine that simply won't start. If left unfixed, constant overheating or smoke emission can eventually ruin an engine and require a full-on replacement.

• Overheating engines: Lack of oil is one of the most common reasons for overheating. So is a dirty engine. Beyond that, there may be shrouds or cooling fans missing within the engine or the gasket could be leaking. The fuel mixture might be too lean, another carburetor problem. Cleaning or replacing the fuel tank vent and fuel tank screen can help reduce the chance of your engine overheating as well. These are all fixes that you can do yourself or with some simple repair kit that will cost far less than a new engine.

• Smoking: If the engine is emitting blue or white smoke then it is likely burning oil. If it is emitting black smoke it is a problem with the carburetor most likely. If it is neither the carburetor nor an oil leak, then it might be a clogged or dirty air filter.

• Knocking engine: If your engine experiences knocking it may indicate an excess of carbon in the combustion chamber, which would require you to clean carbon from the piston and head. The flywheel might also be loose. A faulty spark plug lead could cause engine knocking. This can be easily repaired or replaced.

• Spark Plug Misses: This could be caused by any number of things, including a faulty spark plug, faulty breaker points, an incorrectly set carburetor, or a weak valve spring.

It may appear that your small engine problems are large and will require a brand new small engine. Very rarely is this the case thought. To save money, take note of what exact problems you are having with your engine, test the areas we have outlined above and talk to a small engine specialist about steps to take to get the engine in working order again. The steps may be as simple as basic cleaning or part replacement to a slightly more complex but much lest expensive small engine repower kit. In today's economy, none of us can afford to make unwarranted purchases like new engines if it is not necessary.

~Ben Nystrom, 2009

Many people who are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of small engines or appliances ? particularly golf cart engines - are beginning to realize the benefits of repowering the engine, rather than ordering a new one. These days, a new gas powered golf cart typically costs between $12,000 and $20,000 and finding reliable used or rebuilt older gas powered carts is often difficult.
There are several advantages to repowering a utility vehicle or golf cart rather than replacing it with a completely new vehicle. Apart from the environmental reasons, the financial reasons alone make sense - as mentioned above, new golf carts don't come cheap.
Repowering the engine on a golf cart or other small vehicle can also increase the power and flexibility of the vehicle. A more powerful engine can mean more carrying or towing power for your vehicle ? perhaps saving more money by having one vehicle performing multiple tasks. Less vehicles means less maintenance and storage costs for your company or facility.
You may also be eligible for state financial incentives under your state's emission reduction program if you choose to repower your engine rather than replace it. Some states will reimburse the cost of repowering the engine, as well as cover the costs of related parts.
A repowered engine is also easier to repair and maintain. Finding parts for an older engine can be time consuming and isn't always easy. If you ever need spare parts, it's a lot easier to obtain the parts for a newer engine than an older engine model.
Aside from golf carts, repowering can be useful for other appliances around the golf course or garden, too. Instead of discarding greens keeping equipment such as raking equipment and mowers, they can also be easily repowered ? and with the same financial benefits.
Repowering an engine also has significant environmental benefits. Most modern engines are generally more efficient, quieter and environmentally-friendly. And by repowering rather than replacing, your older vehicle won't be taking up space in a landfill or a city dump.
Some states are so concerned about air quality that they now have laws passed that regulate the amount of emissions that are allowed. The emissions on older golf carts and other utility vehicles are routinely above acceptable standards.
The environmental advantages of repowering are so great that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a comprehensive program in place to repower most of the 11 million diesel engines in the United States by 2014. The military has also realized the benefits of repowering and has its own program.
Repowering an engine is fairly easy for most people who have some mechanical expertise. You can easily purchase a repower kit from Kohler or other companies that contains everything you need to complete the job as well as easy to follow instructions.

And the disadvantages of repowering small engines? It's actually hard for most people to come up with any. Repowering is easy, cost-effective and good for the environment. You can repower several engines for the cost of replacing one. And most people will agree - there's also something satisfying in prolonging the life of an old and trusted piece of equipment.

-2007 Ben Anton

Article Source : Pg. 106

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Both Ben Nystrom & Ben Anton are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Ben Nystrom has sinced written about articles on various topics from Gadgets, computers and the internet and Laptops. Ben Nystrom lives in Portland, OR and works for Labworks Design, an Oregon web design firm.Learn more about. Ben Nystrom's top article generates over 3600 views. Bookmark Ben Nystrom to your Favourites.

Ben Anton has sinced written about articles on various topics from Software, Home and Writing. Read More Articles about Small Engines and Utility Carts.Specializing in products to Repower. Ben Anton's top article generates over 1220000 views. Bookmark Ben Anton to your Favourites.