Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If your snowblower won’t start, common issues include old or stale fuel, a dirty carburetor, or a fouled spark plug. Stale gas can clog your carburetor (more on that below), and spark plugs may need to be resurfaced and adjusted if they’ve been used for a season. Regularly maintaining your equipment is crucial to avoid these problems. If you haven’t had your equipment serviced in a while, bring it in, and we can do a full check-up to get it running smoothly.

For optimal performance, we recommend having your lawnmower serviced at least once per year, ideally before the start of the mowing season. A full service includes changing the oil, sharpening the blades, cleaning or replacing the air filter, checking the spark plug, and inspecting the carburetor. Preventative maintenance helps to avoid breakdowns, improve fuel efficiency, and extend the life of your mower. If you haven’t had your lawnmower serviced, its always a good time to do so. 

Like lawnmowers, snowblowers benefit from annual servicing. Before the winter season begins, it’s a good idea to have your snowblower checked, with oil changes, spark plug inspections, and carburetor cleaning as needed. Preventative care can save you from breakdowns in the middle of a snowstorm. Bring your snowblower in for a full service before the first snowfall to ensure it’s ready when you need it. 

Dull mower blades tear grass rather than cutting it cleanly, which can damage your lawn and make your mower work harder. We recommend sharpening your blades every 20-25 hours of use or at least once per mowing season. This ensures a clean cut and helps your lawn stay healthy. We offer professional blade sharpening services that will get your mower back to peak performance quickly. 

Yes, regular oil changes are essential for keeping your equipment running smoothly. The oil lubricates and protects the engine’s internal components from wear. Over time, oil breaks down and loses its ability to properly lubricate. We recommend changing the oil every 25-50 hours of use or at the start of each season. Brand new engines require an oil change after its first 10 hours of use, this break-in period is critical for longevity. We can to do it for you or show you how to do it yourself. 

 Most lawnmowers use a 4-stroke engine, which operates in four phases: intake, compression, power, and exhaust. During these phases, the engine pulls in air and fuel, compresses it, and ignites the mixture, creating the power to turn the blades. Proper maintenance, including regular oil changes, clean air filters, and routine tune-ups, is key to keeping your engine running efficiently. We recommend bringing your lawnmower in for a seasonal service to ensure everything is in working order. 

The carburetor mixes fuel and air in the right ratio for combustion. However, over time, dirt, debris, and old fuel can cause clogs, preventing the engine from running correctly. Ethanol in gas can also leave behind gummy deposits that clog the tiny passages in the carburetor. Symptoms of a clogged carburetor include difficulty starting, rough idling, and reduced power. Preventative care includes using clean fuel, regularly checking gas quality, and having your carburetor inspected each season. 

Gasoline that sits for over 30 days can break down and form deposits, which can clog your fuel system and carburetor. Ethanol, a common additive in gasoline, absorbs water in the air over time, leading to phase separation, where water and ethanol sink to the bottom of the tank. This mixture can cause engine misfires, corrosion, and damage to the carburetor and rubber components. We recommend using ethanol-free gas if possible or adding a fuel stabilizer to extend the shelf life of your fuel. 

Over time, engine oil collects dirt, carbon deposits, and metal shavings, which reduce its effectiveness in lubricating and protecting engine parts. Old, dirty oil causes increased friction and wear, leading to overheating and potential engine damage. If you notice your equipment is running hotter than usual or making unusual noises, it’s a sign that an oil change might be overdue. We can take care of oil changes and check for any underlying issues during a routine service. 

Smoke from your equipment can indicate several issues. Blue or white smoke often means oil is leaking into the combustion chamber, while black smoke suggests a rich fuel mixture (too much fuel, not enough air). Both issues can cause damage to your engine if not addressed. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and carburetor adjustments, can prevent smoking and ensure your equipment runs efficiently. If your equipment is smoking, it’s a good idea to bring it in for a diagnosis and repair. 

Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your small engine equipment running efficiently and extending its lifespan. We recommend scheduling annual service for all your equipment, especially before the start of each season. At MSE, we offer comprehensive maintenance packages that include oil changes, blade sharpening, carburetor cleaning, and more to keep your machines in top condition. 

 Feel free to contact Miller Small Engine (MSE) with any other questions or to schedule a service. 

Yes, we do! For customers in and around Cape Elizabeth, South Portland, and Scarbourgh ME, we offer convenient pickup and delivery small engine services near you. This is especially helpful if your equipment is too large to transport easily, or if you’re unable to bring it in yourself. Pickup and delivery rates depend on your location and the size of the equipment, so give us a call for a custom quote. We’ll schedule a time that works for you and make the process as smooth as possible. 

At MSE, we prioritize using high-quality OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts to ensure long-lasting repairs. In some cases, we may use equivalent aftermarket parts if they offer the same quality and durability. We will always discuss your options with you before proceeding with any repairs to make sure you’re comfortable with the parts we’re using. 

We charge an hourly rate, so costs may vary depending on the time spent the repair. For complex repairs, we’ll provide you with a detailed, upfront estimate before we begin any work. This ensures there are no surprises, and you’ll know exactly what to expect. For standard repairs, such as oil changes, blade sharpening, or tune-ups, our rates are affordable and significantly cheaper than anyone else around. Please reach out to us for more specific pricing or to discuss your repair needs. 

Yes, we do charge a diagnostic fee, which covers the time it takes for us to inspect your equipment and determine the problem. This fee is usually applied toward the cost of the repair if you choose to have the work done with us. A full diagnostic gives you an accurate picture of the issue, allowing us to provide a detailed estimate for the necessary repairs. 

If we don’t have a specific part in stock, we can usually order it and receive it within a week or two. We work with a wide network of suppliers to minimize delays and get your equipment back to you as quickly as possible. For common parts like spark plugs, filters, gas lines, etc., we keep an inventory on hand so we can make repairs right away. 

We accept payments via cash, checks, and Venmo (under friends and family option). For larger jobs, we can discuss payment options to accommodate your budget. We’ll always provide a clear invoice detailing the cost of parts and labor so you can be confident in what you’re paying for 

In urgent situations, such as a during storms, we offer expedited repair services when our schedule allows. Emergency repairs are prioritized to insure getting your equipment up and running as soon as possible. Call us if you need immediate assistance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.