Barrette's Small Engines Inc. - SmallEngines.ca FAQ's

What type of equipment are you having issues with? Please view one of the types of equipment that you are interested in, and a list of provided questions will be there to help you!

If the product that your having issues with is not listed here, please contact us with your issue via e-mail and we would be glad to assist you.

Anatomy of a Typical Walk-Behind Lawn Mower
What do I do if none of the questions can resolve my issues?

Chainsaw

Can I use premium gasoline with my unit?
Don't tempt fate, use gasoline stabilizer in your lawnmower!
How do I start my 2-cycle hand held product?
How do I start my chain saw?
How do I tell if an engine is a a two-cycle or a four-cycle engine?
How is the "pitch" of a chain saw chain determined?
How should I clean my equipment?
What is a good way to prepare my small engine for off season or long term storage?
What type of Chain Bar & Sprocket Oil should be used in the chain saw oil reservoir?
Why does fuel leak when I push my primer?
Why will my engine run only with the choke applied?
Why won't my chain saw start?
Why won't my hand held product start or run?
Why would a hand held product leak fuel from the fuel cap during storage?
Why would oil seem to be dripping from my two-cycle engine muffler?

Chipper/Shredder/Vac

Can I use premium gasoline with my unit?
Don't tempt fate, use gasoline stabilizer in your lawnmower!
How do I properly store my Summer equipment during the Winter months?
How do I start my 4-cycle hand held product?
How do I tell if an engine is a a two-cycle or a four-cycle engine?
How should I clean my equipment?
What does "3-way chipper feeding" mean?
What is a chipper/shredder reduction ratio?
What is a good way to prepare my small engine for off season or long term storage?
What is my chipper shredders chipping capacity?
What reduction ratio does a particular model chipper/shredder have?
What size will the discharged debris chips be?
What type of debris will my chipper/shredder or vacuum accept?
Why did my tire go flat and what can be done about it?
Why does my start cord seem like it's stuck?
Why does my starter rope jerk backwards when I attempt to pull it?
Why will my engine run only with the choke applied?

Engine

Can a small engine with a fixed throttle be converted to accept an adjustable throttle?
Can I use premium gasoline with my unit?
Can I use unleaded gas in my engine?
Don't tempt fate, use gasoline stabilizer in your lawnmower!
How do I properly store my Summer equipment during the Winter months?
How do I replace the in line fuel filter?
How do I start my 4-cycle hand held product?
How do I tell if an engine is a a two-cycle or a four-cycle engine?
How does the self-starter engine work?
How is the fuel tank serviced?
How old is my Briggs & Stratton engine?
How should I clean my equipment?
I am burning oil (white or blue smoke), is this normal?
I just added oil and now my engine won't turn over, what could the problem be?
I recently tipped my my unit for cleaning or maintenance and now my engine won't turn over?
My engine misses or lacks power under load. What might cause this?
My engine seems to run hot even at low throttle, why?
The engine does not appear to be producing spark. Should the Magnetron Ignition Armature be replaced?
The engine pulley won't come off, how do I get it off?
The engine seems to overheat. What should I do?
The engine won't start or is hard to start. What can I do?
What are some basic engine troubleshooting procedures?
What are the recommended break-in procedures for my engine?
What does engine "displacement" mean?
What does OHV mean?
What does the "I/C"stand for on some styles of engines?
What does the expression "mechanical compression release" mean?
What does the muffler deflector do?
What is a anti-after fire solenoid?
What is a cast iron engine cylinder?
What is a counter-balanced engine?
What is a good way to prepare my small engine for off season or long term storage?
What is a mechanical engine governor?
What is an industrial commercial engine?
What is an Overhead Valve engine?
What is the crankshaft?
What maintenance should be performed on my engine in preparation for storage?
What would be the cause of gas coming out of the carburetor?
What would cause the primer bulb to crack/turn gummy?
Where is the engine air filter located?
Where is the fuel filter and how is it serviced?
Why did my engine suddenly start vibrating?
Why do I smell exhaust fumes when driving my tractor?
Why do I sometimes hear a loud banging or backfire type of noise when I shut off my engine?
Why does fuel leak when I push my primer?
Why does my engine die when I engage the mowing deck?
Why does my engine on my pressure washer keep shutting down?
Why does my engine over heat?
Why does my engine start and then shut down?
Why does my start cord seem like it's stuck?
Why does my starter rope jerk backwards when I attempt to pull it?
Why does my unit seem to vibrate excessively, and is it okay to operate this way?
Why does the engine have more than one oil fill/drain location?
Why is gasoline coming out of the vent tube by the air filter?
Why is my engine flooding/running poorly after getting it out of storage?
Why is my paper air filter soaked with oil?
Why should I run my engine at full throttle?
Why shouldn't I tamper with my flywheel?
Why will my engine run for 30 minutes and then shut off?
Why will my engine run only with the choke applied?
Why won't my starter rope pull out as easily as it did before?
Why won't the cord pull out on my engine?

General/Warranty

How long does it normally take for repairs performed at an authorized service dealer?
How often should I be using new gasoline and why?
How old is my Briggs & Stratton engine?
How should I clean my equipment?
I have a ditch, drop off, or embankment in my yard, how should I mow close to it?
I registered my product, why do I need to show the service dealer a receipt?
Is rust covered by the warranty?
The pulley seems to be stuck to the pulley shaft, how do I get it off?
What can be done to help prevent this icing during storage?
What can I do to keep my small engine fuel system clean?
What could be causing the browning of random areas of the lawn within a few days after mowing?
What does "cubic feet per minute" (CFM) mean?
What does "power take off" mean?
What does an hour meter do?
What does engine "displacement" mean?
What does OHV mean?
What does the "I/C"stand for on some styles of engines?
What does the expression "mechanical compression release" mean?
What does the expression "turning radius" mean?
What is a anti-after fire solenoid?
What is a cast iron engine cylinder?
What is a chore performer?
What is a counter-balanced engine?
What is a good way to prepare my small engine for off season or long term storage?
What is a Material Safety Data Sheet?
What is a PTO?
What is an hour meter?
What is an industrial commercial engine?
What is an Overhead Valve engine?
What is the crankshaft?
What maintenance should be performed on my engine in preparation for storage?
Where can I get battery acid for my "type B" (serviceable) battery?
Why do I need to provide the service dealer my sales receipt when arranging for warranty repairs?
Why isn't my battery charging properly?
Why won't my edger stay in the low setting?
Will the warranty cover replacement of rusted parts?

Generator

Are larger mufflers available for my generator?
Can I install the Home Standy Generator myself or does someone else need to?
Can I run a computer or other sensitive electronic equipment off the HomeStandby Generator during a power outage?
Can I run my central air conditioner on the Home Generator System?
Can I run the generator inside my home?
Can I use premium gasoline with my unit?
Can I use unleaded gas in my engine?
Can I vent exhaust from my generator out of an enclosed area?
Do I have to worry about "back feed" if the Home Standby Generator is running when the power comes back on?
Do I need to start my Home Standby Generator frequently when it is not being used?
Does motor starting require a different wattage?
Don't tempt fate, use gasoline stabilizer in your lawnmower!
How do I know what size transfer switch I need?
How do I properly store my Summer equipment during the Winter months?
How do I start my 4-cycle hand held product?
How do I tell if an engine is a a two-cycle or a four-cycle engine?
How does the Home Generator System work?
How long will a Home Standby Generator run before I have to let it cool down or refill it with fuel?
How often do I have to change the oil in my Home Standby Generator?
How should I clean my equipment?
My battery does not seem to recharge properly?
What does a Home Standby Generator System typically cost?
What does Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) do for me?
What is a good way to prepare my small engine for off season or long term storage?
What is a transfer switch?
What is the difference between portable and automatic Home Standby Generator Systems?
What is the Power Management System and how can it benefit me?
What size of Home Standby Generator do I need to run electric items in my house during a power outage?
What's the difference between running and starting watts?
Why did my tire go flat and what can be done about it?
Why does my start cord seem like it's stuck?
Why does my starter rope jerk backwards when I attempt to pull it?
Why does my unit seem to vibrate excessively, and is it okay to operate this way?
Why is my paper air filter soaked with oil?
Why is my tire losing air pressure?
Why isn't my battery charging properly?
Why will my engine run only with the choke applied?

Handheld Blower/Vac

Can I use premium gasoline with my unit?
Don't tempt fate, use gasoline stabilizer in your lawnmower!
How do I properly store my Summer equipment during the Winter months?
How do I start my 2-cycle hand held product?
How do I tell if an engine is a a two-cycle or a four-cycle engine?
How should I clean my equipment?
What does "cubic feet per minute" (CFM) mean?
What is a good way to prepare my small engine for off season or long term storage?
What is the CFM specification of my blower?
Why will my engine run only with the choke applied?
Why won't my hand held product start or run?
Why would a hand held product leak fuel from the fuel cap during storage?
Why would oil seem to be dripping from my two-cycle engine muffler?

Log Splitter

Can I use premium gasoline with my unit?
Don't tempt fate, use gasoline stabilizer in your lawnmower!
How can I determine which log splitter (tonnage, horsepower, options etc...) is best suited for my intended use?
How do I start my 4-cycle hand held product?
How do I tell if an engine is a a two-cycle or a four-cycle engine?
How is log splitter force measured?
How should I clean my equipment?
What is a good way to prepare my small engine for off season or long term storage?
Why did my tire go flat and what can be done about it?
Why does my start cord seem like it's stuck?
Why does my starter rope jerk backwards when I attempt to pull it?
Why does my unit seem to vibrate excessively, and is it okay to operate this way?
Why is my tire losing air pressure?
Why will my engine run only with the choke applied?

Pressure Washer

Can I use chemicals that do not state pressure washer safe? Can I use bleach in my pressure washer?
Can I use premium gasoline with my unit?
Can I use unleaded gas in my engine?
Can we use hot water with our pressure washer?
Does my pressure washer require a continuous water source?
Don't tempt fate, use gasoline stabilizer in your lawnmower!
How do I properly store my Summer equipment during the Winter months?
How do I start my 4-cycle hand held product?
How do I tell if an engine is a a two-cycle or a four-cycle engine?
How should I clean my equipment?
What is a good way to prepare my small engine for off season or long term storage?
Why did my tire go flat and what can be done about it?
Why does my engine on my pressure washer keep shutting down?
Why does my start cord seem like it's stuck?
Why does my starter rope jerk backwards when I attempt to pull it?
Why does my unit seem to vibrate excessively, and is it okay to operate this way?
Why is my paper air filter soaked with oil?
Why is my pressure washer pulsating/surging?
Why is my tire losing air pressure?
Why is the pressure low after I turn my unit back on? It was working just fine when I turned it off.
Why is the water coming out of the little rectangle on my pump?
Why is water coming out of the chemical hose tube?
Why should I run my engine at full throttle?
Why will my engine run only with the choke applied?

Push Mower

Can a single speed self-propelled walk behind mower be modified to adjust the ground speed?
Can I use premium gasoline with my unit?
Can I use unleaded gas in my engine?
Do I need a mulch plug or mulching plate, if I have a mulching blade or blades?
Do you have to disengage the drive system in order to turn the mower?
Don't tempt fate, use gasoline stabilizer in your lawnmower!
How do I keep the trail shield on my walk behind mower from going underneath the deck when I pull the mower backwards?
How do I properly store my Summer equipment during the Winter months?
How do I replace the in line fuel filter?
How do I start my 4-cycle hand held product?
How do I tell if an engine is a a two-cycle or a four-cycle engine?
How fast does my self-propelled mower travel?
How should I clean my equipment?
I have a ditch, drop off, or embankment in my yard, how should I mow close to it?
I recently broke the blade adapter on my walk-behind mower and now the new one has failed, why would the new one fail so soon?
Is it normal for my cutting deck belt to squeak when I engage the cutting deck?
My battery does not seem to recharge properly?
My self-propelled mower goes too fast, how can I adjust it to go slower?
My self-propelled mower goes too slow, how can I adjust the speed?
My self-propelled mower has lost drive on one drive wheel, what could the problem be?
The pulley seems to be stuck to the pulley shaft, how do I get it off?
What does the term 3-N-1 mower mean?
What happens when grass is being mulched?
What is a good way to prepare my small engine for off season or long term storage?
What is the actual cutting height at each height setting?
What is the best way to mow on a slope?
What is the difference between mulching (3/1) & high-lift (2/1) cutting blades ?
What is the ground speed of my self-propelled mower?
What is the proper engine throttle setting when the mower is performing work?
What is the proper way to mulch grass clippings? How do I mulch grass clippings?
What is the purpose of the stop lever on the handle?
Where is the belt located on self-propelled mowers?
Where is the engine air filter located?
Where is the fuel filter and how is it serviced?
Why and How do I remove/sharpen/balance/install my blade or blades?
Why did my engine suddenly start vibrating?
Why do I sometimes hear a loud banging or backfire type of noise when I shut off my engine?
Why do some models of walk behind mowers have oversized rear wheels ?
Why does fuel leak when I push my primer?
Why does my engine seem sluggish when I engage the lawn mower blade?
Why does my grass clog in the discharge chute when I use the grass collector?
Why does my grass discharge in clumps?
Why does my grass not mulch properly when mulching?
Why does my start cord seem like it's stuck?
Why does my starter rope jerk backwards when I attempt to pull it?
Why does my unit seem to vibrate excessively, and is it okay to operate this way?
Why is gasoline coming out of the vent tube by the air filter?
Why is it necessary to clean underneath the deck?
Why is my paper air filter soaked with oil?
Why is my tire losing air pressure?
Why is the paint underneath the mower deck wearing away?
Why should I run my engine at full throttle?
Why will my engine run for 30 minutes and then shut off?
Why will my engine run only with the choke applied?
Why would the handle or bracket on my mower become loose or break?
Will bagging grass affect the self-propel feature?

Riding Lawn Mower

Can I use premium gasoline with my unit?
Can I use unleaded gas in my engine?
Do I need a mulch plug or mulching plate, if I have a mulching blade or blades?
Don't tempt fate, use gasoline stabilizer in your lawnmower!
How do I get the rear wheels loose?
How do I know if my battery is 'type A' (non-serviceable) or 'type B' (serviceable)?
How do I properly store my Summer equipment during the Winter months?
How do I remove the pulley?
How do I remove the wheel assemblies on my riding mower?
How do I replace the in line fuel filter?
How do I start my 4-cycle hand held product?
How do I tell if an engine is a a two-cycle or a four-cycle engine?
How do you adjust the ground speed of a tractor with a hydrostatic transmission?
How should I charge my riding mower battery?
How should I clean my equipment?
I have a ditch, drop off, or embankment in my yard, how should I mow close to it?
I only hear a "click" or "repeated clicking" sound when I turn the key to start my riding mower, what could be causing this?
Is it normal for my cutting deck belt to squeak when I engage the cutting deck?
My battery does not seem to recharge properly?
My headlights are always on when I operate my riding mower. Will this drain the battery?
My riding mower cuts unevenly, what can I check?
The pulley seems to be stuck to the pulley shaft, how do I get it off?
What causes the steering shaft to wear out?
What does "power take off" mean?
What does an hour meter do?
What does the expression "turning radius" mean?
What happens when grass is being mulched?
What is a clutch / brake pedal?
What is a good way to prepare my small engine for off season or long term storage?
What is a hydrostatic drive lawn mower?
What is a manual shift/gear drive lawn mower?
What is a PTO?
What is the actual cutting height at each height setting?
What is the average mowing time when mowing with a riding mower or tractor ?
What is the best way to mow on a slope?
What is the difference between a Lawn Tractor, Garden Tractor, and Mid-Engine Rider?
What is the difference between mulching (3/1) & high-lift (2/1) cutting blades ?
What is the difference between the Hydrostatic and Transmatic systems?
What is the proper engine throttle setting when the mower is performing work?
What is the proper way to mulch grass clippings? How do I mulch grass clippings?
What is the purpose of the large rear wheels on a walk mower?
What is the towing capacity of my tractor?
What is the voltage of my riding mower battery?
Where are the grease fittings located?
Where can I get battery acid for my "type B" (serviceable) battery?
Where is the engine air filter located?
Where is the fuel filter and how is it serviced?
Why am I leaving an uncut strip of grass with my riding mower?
Why and How do I remove/sharpen/balance/install my blade or blades?
Why are the front tractor tire valves located on the inside of the rim?
Why are the rear wheels stuck to the axles?
Why did my engine suddenly start vibrating?
Why did my tire go flat and what can be done about it?
Why do I smell exhaust fumes when driving my tractor?
Why do I sometimes hear a loud banging or backfire type of noise when I shut off my engine?
Why does my belt chirp or squeak when I engage the cutting deck?
Why does my engine die when I engage the mowing deck?
Why does my engine seem sluggish when I engage the lawn mower blade?
Why does my grass clog in the discharge chute when I use the grass collector?
Why does my grass discharge in clumps?
Why does my grass not mulch properly when mulching?
Why does my tractors transaxle make a whining noise?
Why does my unit seem to vibrate excessively, and is it okay to operate this way?
Why is gasoline coming out of the vent tube by the air filter?
Why is it necessary to clean underneath the deck?
Why is my paper air filter soaked with oil?
Why is my tire losing air pressure?
Why is the paint underneath the mower deck wearing away?
Why isn't my battery charging properly?
Why should I run my engine at full throttle?
Why will my engine run for 30 minutes and then shut off?
Why will my engine run only with the choke applied?
Why would my hydrostatic transmission continue to drive when the shift lever is placed in the neutral position?
Why would my tractor slow down going uphill?

Snow Thrower

Are Single-Stage Snow Throwers self-propelled?
Can I add heated hand grips to my snow thrower?
Can I use premium gasoline with my unit?
Can I use unleaded gas in my engine?
Don't tempt fate, use gasoline stabilizer in your lawnmower!
For my single-stage snow thrower, I am unable to adjust my shave plate any closer to the ground. How can I continue to make this adjustment?
How do I properly adjust the skid shoes on my two-stage snow thrower?
How do I remove a foreign object out of my snow thrower?
How do I start my 4-cycle hand held product?
How do I tell if an engine is a a two-cycle or a four-cycle engine?
How does a friction wheel drive system function?
How does a two-stage snow thrower work?
How far should a snow thrower throw snow?
How is the single-stage snow thrower shave plate adjusted?
How should I clean my equipment?
How warm can the heated hand grips on snow throwers get?
The pulley seems to be stuck to the pulley shaft, how do I get it off?
What are some general snow throwing procedures that I should follow?
What can be done to help prevent this icing during storage?
What can I do when snow clogs inside the discharge chute?
What is a good way to prepare my small engine for off season or long term storage?
What is a shear bolt? What is a shear pin?
What is the difference between a "Single-Stage" and a "Two-Stage" snow thrower design?
What is the difference between a wheel-drive snow thrower and track-drive snow thrower?
What is the purpose of shear bolts?
What type of engine is on a Single-Stage Snow Thrower?
Where are the grease fittings located?
Why did my tire go flat and what can be done about it?
Why does my start cord seem like it's stuck?
Why does my starter rope jerk backwards when I attempt to pull it?
Why does my unit seem to vibrate excessively, and is it okay to operate this way?
Why is ice forming on my snow thrower during storage?
Why is my paper air filter soaked with oil?
Why is my tire losing air pressure?
Why should I run my engine at full throttle?
Why will my engine run only with the choke applied?
Why would a person want one style over the other?
Why would a snow thrower engine seems to putt or skip every couple of seconds?

String Trimmer

Can I use premium gasoline with my unit?
Don't tempt fate, use gasoline stabilizer in your lawnmower!
How do I properly store my Summer equipment during the Winter months?
How do I start my 2-cycle hand held product?
How do I tell if an engine is a a two-cycle or a four-cycle engine?
How should I clean my equipment?
What is a good way to prepare my small engine for off season or long term storage?
Why do some string trimmers have curved shafts and some have straight shafts?
Why does fuel leak when I push my primer?
Why is there a clutch feature on some model trimmers and not on others?
Why will my engine run only with the choke applied?
Why won't my hand held product start or run?
Why would a hand held product leak fuel from the fuel cap during storage?
Why would my hand held string trimmer advance too much line?
Why would oil seem to be dripping from my two-cycle engine muffler?

Tiller/Culticator

Can I use premium gasoline with my unit?
Can I use unleaded gas in my engine?
Don't tempt fate, use gasoline stabilizer in your lawnmower!
How do I properly store my Summer equipment during the Winter months?
How do I start my 2-cycle hand held product?
How do I start my 4-cycle hand held product?
How do I tell if an engine is a a two-cycle or a four-cycle engine?
How should I clean my equipment?
The pulley seems to be stuck to the pulley shaft, how do I get it off?
What are the differences between Counter & Standard rotating tiller tines?
What is a good way to prepare my small engine for off season or long term storage?
What is the difference between the front and rear tine tillers?
Why did my tire go flat and what can be done about it?
Why does my start cord seem like it's stuck?
Why does my starter rope jerk backwards when I attempt to pull it?
Why does my unit seem to vibrate excessively, and is it okay to operate this way?
Why is my tire losing air pressure?
Why will my engine run only with the choke applied?