The Complete Small Engine Maintenance Guide
Lawn mowers, generators, pressure washers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, snow blowers: if it has a small engine, this guide covers the maintenance. We include oil changes, air filter service, spark plug replacement, fuel system care (especially ethanol treatment and off-season stabilization), blade sharpening and balancing (mowers), bar and chain care (chainsaws), pump maintenance (pressure washers), and seasonal storage prep. Whether you run a Honda, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, or Husqvarna engine, select your equipment type and usage frequency below.
Jump to section
Intervals Based on Manufacturer Recommendations
These intervals are compiled from Honda, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and other small engine manufacturer service manuals. Dusty and heavy-use conditions require shorter intervals. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual for model-specific requirements. For personalized reminders, download LookOver free on iOS and Android.
| Service Task | Pre-Use Every use | 5 Hours Break-in | 25 Hours Regular | 50 Hours Service | 100 Hours Major | Seasonal Start/End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Check engine oil level | - | - | - | - | ||
Visual check air filter | - | - | - | - | - | |
Check fuel level and condition | - | - | - | - | - | |
Check safety features and controls | - | - | - | - | - | |
Change break-in oil | - | - | - | - | - | |
Change engine oil | - | - | - | |||
Clean/inspect air filter | - | - | - | |||
Inspect spark plug | - | - | - | - | ||
Replace spark plug | - | - | - | - | ||
Replace fuel filter (if equipped) | - | - | - | - | ||
Sharpen/balance mower blades | - | - | - | - | ||
Inspect drive belt(s) | - | - | - | - | ||
Check valve clearance | - | - | - | - | - | |
Inspect/clean carburetor | - | - | - | - | - | |
Clean cooling fins and shroud | - | - | - | - | - | |
Inspect muffler and exhaust | - | - | - | - | - | |
Add fuel stabilizer for storage | - | - | - | - | - | |
Change oil before storage | - | - | - | - | - | |
Remove or maintain battery | - | - | - | - | - | |
Pre-season startup inspection | - | - | - | - | - |
Track All Your Equipment
Mower, generator, chainsaw, snow blower: set hour-based reminders and log every service in one app. Free on iOS and Android.
Engine Oil
Small engines hold very little oil. Clean oil is the single most important thing you can do for longevity.
Air Filter Service
Air filters protect your engine from dust and debris. A clogged filter kills power and wastes fuel.
Fuel System Care
More small engines are ruined by bad fuel than by any other cause. Ethanol and stale fuel are the top killers.
Seasonal Reminders
Get reminded to winterize, add stabilizer, and do pre-season checks. Never forget storage prep again.
Blades, Bars & Equipment-Specific Care
Different equipment types have their own service needs beyond the engine.
Seasonal Storage
Most small engine equipment sits for months between uses. Proper storage prevents the most common problems.
Fuel System
- Add fuel stabilizer to a full tank
- Run engine 5 minutes to circulate stabilizer
- Or drain fuel completely (carbureted engines)
- Turn off fuel valve if equipped
- Never store with untreated fuel
Engine
- Change oil before storage (used oil is acidic)
- Clean or replace air filter
- Remove and inspect spark plug
- Fog cylinder with fogging oil (long storage)
- Clean cooling fins and engine exterior
Battery & Electrical
- Remove battery or connect a tender
- Clean battery terminals
- Store battery in a cool, dry place
- Never store a fully discharged battery
Equipment Care
- Clean equipment thoroughly
- Sharpen and oil mower blades
- Lubricate cables and moving parts
- Store in a dry, covered location
- Run pump saver through pressure washers
Go Deeper
Track all your service intervals in one place. LookOver handles hours, miles, and dates so you never miss a service. Download free on iOS and Android.
READY TO RIDE MORE?
Download LookOver now and take control of your machine maintenance. It's free to use. No credit card required.