Safety Tips for Working with Small Engines

When working on repairs and maintenance for your small engines, some people may focus on getting the job done as quickly as possible and not on safety precautions. Replacement engine kits from Repower Pros come with detailed instructions to help you maintain your engines, but it’s important to know how to safely fix them. No matter what kind of engine and equipment you’re working on, you must always follow the appropriate safety measures. Here are some important tips for working with small engines to keep everything safe. 

Tip 1: Wear Personal Protective Equipment 

Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is vital for ensuring you are safe and protected from potential injuries while working with small engines. Always wear safety goggles or a face shield, ear protection, and sturdy shoes. You should also wear gloves to protect yourself from any moving parts. The University of California recommends finding ones that are gasoline-resistant; they’ll be made with nitrile or polyurethane. To ensure nothing gets caught on anything, wear tighter clothing and tie your hair back if it’s long. 

Tip 2: Work in a Clean, Ventilated Space 

Your workspace should be clear of any clutter, debris, and other people, especially children and pets. According to the Ohio State University, engines should never be run in an enclosed space due to the risk of carbon monoxide. It’s better to work in a well-ventilated area, like your garage or outside. If you have to work inside, make sure doors and windows are open and fans are running for proper ventilation. We find it best to have a fire extinguisher on hand just in case. Make sure the space you’re working in is also well-lit to increase safety. 

Tip 3: Disconnect Spark Plug Before Fixing 

Before starting any maintenance, turn the engine off and allow it and the muffler to cool completely. We recommend waiting about an hour before starting maintenance. Once it’s cooled, disconnect the spark plug before starting work to ensure the engine doesn’t accidentally start. If the engine is electric, disconnect the battery before performing maintenance. All safety guards on the engine should be kept in place, and make sure you’re using the right tools for the task you’re working on.

Tip 4: Read Manuals

The owner’s manual of the equipment you have will have specific safety instructions for your engine model. Briggs & Stratton recommends thoroughly reading through the manual to determine how to safely repair all aspects of the engine. It will also tell you what kind of oil and gasoline your engine requires, as adding the wrong ones can lead to difficulty starting the engine. The manual, along with our instructions for our engine rebuild kits, will help you safely perform the maintenance and repairs you need for your small engine. 

Tip 5: Properly Dispose of Waste 

Any fuel spills should be cleaned up immediately before starting the engine again. Used oil should not be poured down the drain as it can clog the pipes. Take any oil and other engine waste to a proper disposal facility or recycling center. After you finish maintaining your engine, wash your hands with soap and water. 

Find Engine Replacements with Repower Pros

Repower Pros has everything you need for maintaining your small engines. Our engine rebuild kits, replacement parts, and replacement engines will help you repair your equipment easily. We carry a wide variety of parts for various brands, including Kawasaki, Briggs & Stratton, Honda, John Deere, and more. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. With our 30 years of experience in the industry, we’ll be able to help you get your engine running again quickly.