It's exciting to get a new piece of lawn equipment. Whenever I buy one, there's nothing in the world I want more than to try it right away, even if there's absolutely no need at that moment.
In my eagerness, it's easy to forget that there are a few extra steps to take when breaking in a small engine. Granted, it's not the old days anymore, and the break-in process isn't as involved, but there are a few basics to remember.
From changing the break-in oil to making sure you have a fresh tank of gas, this guide will help your new engine start strong.
No matter what kind of engine you're breaking in, the first thing you should do is read the owner's manual. You'll find valuable advice on break-in procedures that differ from one manufacturer to the next.
Considering how many new advances come out every year, engines today have tighter tolerances, more controls, and safety features that may prevent you from easily starting the equipment without following specific procedures.
Many manufacturers may have advanced features like electric starters and automatic chokes that allow for easy startup, but require the engine to cool down after stopping.
Others, like Briggs and Stratton, have a "check and fill" engine where you only need to add oil without ever having to change it.
Like anything else, gas goes bad. After a while, the hydrocarbons in the fuel react with oxygen and make the gas gummy. Putting that old, gummy gas in your new equipment can damage it.
Always add fresh gas to your new equipment, preferably from a top-tier gas station. The jury is still out if using high-octane gas is better, but if you're using fresh gas, chances are the only difference will be felt in your wallet rather than by the engine.
Use gasoline containing the least amount of ethanol (corn alcohol) because it attracts moisture and easily separates from the gasoline over time. You can combat this by using a fuel stabilizer (especially if your gas sits longer than a week).
As for grandpa's old metal can. Don't use it. Metal gas cans form condensation that can water down the fuel. Instead, use a spill-proof plastic gas can.
Never assume the engine comes pre-filled with oil!
It's crucial to remember to always change the break-in oil within the first 5 - 10 hours of use (refer to your owner's manual for specifics).
The reason the break-in oil needs to be changed so soon is due to the new equipment. When it first starts running, the metal on the engine parts contains microscopic asperities that break off when they start rubbing against each other. These small particles enter the oil and can cause engine abrasion.
Many people wonder, "Can I use synthetic oil to break in an engine." Absolutely. You can't go wrong with synthetic oil. It's more expensive than standard oil, but it will operate in all temperatures equally well, which isn't the case with conventional oil.
The way you add oil differs whether you have a 4-stroke or 2-stroke engine.
As far as what type of oil you should use, you're best off continuing to use the oil with which the equipment originally came. Otherwise, consult the manual for the proper viscosity (weight), type (conventional or synthetic), and API service rating that is specified.
With a 2-Stroke Engine, you WILL need to mix the gas and oil together. Be sure to get the right kind of 2-cycle oil and mix it to the proper dilution.
If mixing oil and gas sounds like too much of a pain, you can buy a premixed fuel to eliminate the guesswork.
Once you have read your owner's manual and added gas and oil, it's the moment you've been waiting for.
Depending on the type of engine and the instructions in the owner's manual, starting and break-in procedures vary greatly from one machine to the next.
You'll notice that newer 4-stroke engines are easier to start. For one thing, the gasoline isn't mixed with oil, so the gas compresses and ignites easier. With electric starters and automatic chokes, these engines are nearly foolproof to start.
Equipment with 2-stroke engines is less advanced and a bit more tedious to start, but once you get the hang of it, it's not so bad.
To start a 2-stroke engine, you'll need to:
Whether you bought an emergency gas generator, a gas string trimmer, or a new replacement engine, the above steps will ensure that the engine keeps working hard for you instead of you working hard on your engine!
You'll enjoy many years of service while your neighbors will soon be looking for replacements.