Deciding whether to repair or replace your engine can be a tough call, as it's often a significant investment. However, your equipment will usually give you some clear warnings when its heart is nearing the end of its life.
Here are the key signs that it might be time to replace your engine:
1. Basic Maintenance is Performed, But Engine Still Won’t Start
The simplest steps to take when experiencing engine troubles are to check the oil, oil filter, fuel, fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs, and carburetor. Your oil or fuel could have gone bad, or the various filters could be dirty, allowing contaminants to enter the engine. However, if all these are in good condition, signs indicate an engine replacement might be needed.
2. Engine is Discontinued
When an engine is discontinued, parts become extremely hard to find, which limits repair options. However, just because the engine is discontinued, doesn’t mean the equipment is unusable. Small Engine Warehouse has repower kits, intentionally designed for equipment with discontinued engines. We provide a wide range of options for popular brands and models. Visit our website, or call us to explore our repower kit options.
3. Engine is Past Lifespan
Like most things in life, engines have a limited lifespan. While it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact number, several factors influence how long an engine will last, such as how often maintenance is performed, what type of parts are used, and engine brand. On average, engines are expected to last between 1,500 and 3,000 hours. Adhering to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and using high-quality parts can help maximize this lifespan. However, every engine will eventually reach the end of its useful life and need to be replaced. If your engine is struggling to start or run, and it’s well past the expected lifespan, it may be time to retire it.