Question: What kind of annual maintenance should I perform on my 4-cycle engine?
Answer: Every year it is important to install a new:
1. Air filter, (see
What is all the hype about keeping my air filter clean?)
2. Fuel Filter (if applicable), (see
How do I service a fuel filter?)
3. Spark plug(s), (see
"Can I clean the spark plug in my equipment?")
4. Change the oil, (see
How do I check my oil?, and
Can I use non-detergent oil in my power equipment engine? and
How often should I check my engine's oil?)
5. Replace oil filter (if applicable)
6. Some engines have additional maintenance that needs to be performed that is specific to that engine. This maintenance can include checking valve clearance, replacing points and condenser (on older engines), etc.
A dirty or worn air filter will permit dirt into the engine causing premature internal engine wear or complete, permanent engine failure.
The same is true for your engine oil. Dirty oil has dirt in it! Oil is the life-blood of your engine and when it gets old and dirty the oil breaks down and no longer lubricates and protects your engine. With this in mind, if your engine is equipped with an oil filter, this is an important step to prolong your engine life. By replacing the oil filter you are keeping the engine oil clean and free of harmful contaminants like metal shavings, sludge, etc.
Your engine's fuel filter needs to be replaced at least once per year. The fuel filter keeps water, dirt, and other contaminants from getting to the carburetor. By preventing these contaminants from getting into the carburetor you will likely save yourself extensive labor costs that would result from a dirty carburetor that would need to be disassembled to be clean.
A worn spark plug will reduce your engines power, increase its fuel consumption, and make it harder to start. A worn spark plug can also place unnecessary stress and wear on other ignition components. For questions about cleaning spark plugs, visit the
"Can I clean the spark plug in my equipment?" page.
Remember: oil, oil filter, and air filters are cheaper than a new engine!
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