Replacements vs. Buying a New Engine
When looking to do repairs on your small engine, sometimes it may be better to buy a new engine entirely. Repairing small engines by replacing components is generally easy and cost-effective; however, there are instances where an engine replacement is ideal. Repower Pros provides replacement parts, engine replacement kits, and new small engines for Pennsylvania homeowners to use to repair their equipment. Determine the problem with your engine, then decide if component replacements or buying a new engine is necessary.
When to Replace a Component
Repairing the equipment and individual components is favorable when the problem is simple, you don’t have to disassemble the engine, and the cost is less than a full engine replacement. If your equipment is in good condition and well-maintained, then you can usually replace any failing components instead of the whole engine. Minor repairs like replacing spark plugs, air filters, and carburetors, and changing the oil, are easy to complete yourself. When the part is available, easy to fix, and costs less than replacing the engine, repairing it will extend the equipment’s lifespan. We recommend that larger, more intricate repairs be completed by professionals.
Learn more about replacement parts with our The Most Common Replacement Parts for Small Engines blog post.
Signs Components Need Repaired
Your engine will give off signs that it needs repairing. Below are some common signs we’ve seen that mean engine components need repairs.
- Difficulty Starting: This is the most obvious indicator. Engine stalling or not starting can mean fuel system problems or simply needing a spark plug change.
- Noises: While all engines make noise, knocking, grinding, and sputtering noises can mean internal engine damage, loose components, or worn-out bearings. These noises usually mean a part is wearing out and should be replaced.
- Losing Power: Generally means a clogged air filter, old spark plugs, and dirty fuel injectors that need to be replaced.
- Leaks: Engine leaks are a safety hazard and make equipment less efficient. These issues usually require a new gasket, seal, or oil filter.
- Overheating: This can lead to serious internal engine damage and should be addressed as soon as possible. Overheating can be caused by low oil, dirty air filters, and malfunctioning cooling systems.
- Smoke: Blue or white smoke means oil is burning inside the engine, requiring the replacement of piston rings or valve seals. Black smoke means too much fuel is mixing with the air, requiring the replacement of fuel injectors or air filters.
For any oil-contaminated or electronic parts you are replacing, make sure you dispose of the broken parts properly at a hazardous waste collection or electronic recycling center.
When to Buy a New Engine
Buying a new engine is sometimes better than replacing parts, especially when replacements are too expensive, the engine is too damaged, or the equipment is outdated. We recommend replacing the engine unless you are certain you have identified all problems with the engine and can replace components correctly.
High Costs
Sometimes, there will be too high costs to repair the engine, so replacing it is the best option. If there are multiple engine components broken, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire engine instead of replacing individual parts. In our experience, if repairing engine parts exceeds 50% of the engine replacement cost, then you should opt for the engine replacement.
Damaged Engine
If the engine is completely damaged, replacing components on it may be too labor-intensive and expensive, so replace the whole engine. Damage that may require an engine replacement includes cracked blocks, bent crankshafts, broken connecting rods, and damaged piston rings, as you may have to disassemble the engine to repair them. These damages are usually caused by larger engine problems, like inadequate lubrication or blown gaskets, that will require a full replacement.
Unavailable Parts
Different engine models require different parts, and sometimes they might not be available. Repower Pros has a large inventory of engines and engine parts from major brands like Kawasaki, Briggs & Stratton, Honda, John Deere, and more, but sometimes parts for a specific engine are not available. Once you’ve identified your engine model, determine if you can get the appropriate parts for it. If these parts are unavailable, it may not be worth it to fix the engine, but to just replace it entirely.
Old Equipment
If your equipment is old or regularly has problems and breaks down, then replacing the entire equipment is the best option to ensure it works consistently. Engine components are likely to break even after an engine replacement due to the equipment’s age, so replacing the whole unit can be a more cost-effective solution. We’ve found that this is usually a better option than spending time and money on figuring out the issues with the engine and fixing them. When your equipment is too old, it’s better to invest in newer equipment that will likely come with warranties.
Repower’s Engine Rebuild Kits
Repower Pros provides engine replacement kits that are designed for Pennsylvania homeowners to help them repair their lawn mowers, generators, snowblowers, and more. Our kits come with all the hardware and adapters homeowners need to install the replacement engines. They will also come with instructions to assist homeowners with the replacement installation, making it easier and quicker to complete.
Repower Pros Has All Engine Replacement Needs
Repower Pros provides many different parts for an engine to help you repair your lawn equipment to proper working conditions. We offer high-quality OEM and aftermarket parts at an affordable price for multiple engine brands. Check out our engine replacement parts, replacement engine kits, and new and used engines to save money on quality machinery. Our full database of products is not online, so if you have any questions about listed or unlisted products, feel free to contact us.