White PaperSmall engines can have easier starts

888.645.1101www.zMAX.com

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LET’S MAKE FOR AN EASIER START

No matter the season, there is most likely a small engine you rely on to get a job done. Smaller can mean more efficient, but it can also mean more headaches when it comes to an easier start. Before we get into solutions, let’s look at the facts:

There are five systems to generate the power to spin a blade, turn a wheel or perform other work: Fuel Supply, Compression, Ignition, Lubrication/Cooling and Governor. Two others may be included for safety and convenience – starter system (automatic stop function if you let go of the controls) and braking system. The main differences between smaller engines and larger ones found in cars is their capacity and less complicated design.

So, if they are so “simple”, why the tough start? Build-up on internal parts and blocked airways are the main issues that can cause a hard start.

CAN ETHANOL BE THE PROBLEM?

Most gasoline today consists of at least 10% ethanol. With ethanol comes a host of issues related to water in fuel systems. This mixture can cause deterioration of fuel system components, such as hoses, squeeze bulbs, plastic fuel tanks, fuel pump and head gaskets. Fuel filters can get plugged by debris caused by ethanol cleaning dirty fuel systems. A fuel treatment containing cleaning agents will allow the dirt particles to pass through the system. Carburetors and fuel injectors can clog up by a thick substance created when a gasoline/BTBE blend in a storage tank is not completely cleaned out prior to being filled with a gasoline/ethanol blend. When water gets into the fuel causing the water/ethanol mixture to sink to the bottom of the tank where the fuel pick-up is, engines will seize. Two cycle engines particularly have this problem since the proper lubricant will not be present in the gasoline. The best defense is to keep the tank about 95% full. Moisture condenses in the empty space in the tank, so reducing the amount of air in the tank reduces the amount of water that can enter.

#1 repair complaint we get is, “it won’t start”...– Repair shop, IN

White PaperSmall engines can have easier starts

888.645.1101www.zMAX.com

Page 2

Ethanol mixtures are not meant to go into small engines. If your lawn mower is making a sound like “vrum, vrum,vrum,” instead of a nice “vrooooom”, it’s probably the carburetor gummed up by too much ethanol in the fuel. It’s not like the old days, where a small engine could sit all winter long, and at the start of the season, you give it three pulls and it would start. Today, 30 days is about your limit on the fuel.

PREVENTION IN TWO OUNCES

There is a way around the problems caused by the fuel and ethanol mixtures –– a product that doesn’t evaporate and let moisture in your fuel system. The answer –– zMAX Micro-lubricant Fuel Formula. How?

When you start your engine, the internal parts heat up. This allows zMAX to literally soak into the pores of the metal where it helps prevent corrosion damage and deposits in fuel system.

Can be used in 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines. zMAX Micro-lubricant is also available for engines and transmissions.

Carbon deposits increase friction, wear and tear on internal parts of the engine and fuel system. By helping to dissipate these deposits, zMAX Micro-lubricant:

• Improves Performance• Reduces Wear on Vital Engine Parts• Cleans Fuel Injectors and Carburetors• Reduces Emissions

For complete instructions on using zMAX Micro-lubricant in your small engines, visit www.zmax.com.

White PaperSmall engines can have easier starts

888.645.1101www.zMAX.com

Page 3

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