Small engine mechanic working on a chainsaw motor

Small Engine Repair

Mike’s Marine & Small Engine Repair has over 30 years of experience working on small engines of all kinds — from lawn mowers to snowblowers. We can service any make or model of small engine, and never turn customers away just because their equipment is older or outdated.

Servicing the Following Equipment…

  • Lawn mowers
    • Push mowers
    • Ride-On garden tractors
  • Leaf blowers
  • Hedge trimmers
  • Chainsaws
  • Garden tillers
  • Snowblowers
  • And more!

Our small engine repair services include…

  • Troubleshooting
  • Compression testing
  • Blade sharpening
  • Engine cleaning
  • Carburetor rebuilds

Call 507-413-6353 today to schedule your small engine repair.


We are a certified Ariens Dealer!

Ariens logo

Want to DIY the Job?

Mike’s Marine & Small Engine Repair has what you need to complete do-it-yourself small engine repairs. We carry a variety of parts and products, and provide the tips you need to perform your own maintenance. Our staff can also special order anything you need to get the job done.

— See our retail area for: —

  • Spark plugs
  • Oil & oil filters
  • Fuel filters
  • Fuel stabilizer
  • Carburetor kits
  • Impeller kits

Small Engine Tip Center

Find tips on how to best care for your small engine

Best Fuel for Small Engines

Not all fuels are equal. When it comes to your small engines, be sure to use the best fuel possible to help avoid the need for engine repairs. For most small engines, the fuel you choose should be:

  • clean, fresh and unleaded
  • have a minimum of 87 octane

How to Store Chainsaws and Weed Trimmers

Storing your chainsaws and weed trimmers properly provides a number of benefits. For starters, it helps to maintain the condition of your equipment and extend their lifespan; and two, it keeps others out of harms way.

To properly store your chainsaw and/or weed trimmer:

  • clean your equipment — remove woodchips, sawdust, grass clippings, etc.
  • store it in a dry, dust-free environment (frost-free is also ideal) that is protected from the weather and with good ventilation
  • do not store them in your house — a garage, shed, or storage unit is ideal
  • keep them out of reach of children
  • Empty the fuel tank during off-season storage

How to Winterize a Gas-Powered Lawn Mower

It is important to winterize your lawn mower to prevent unnecessary damage that could result in extensive repairs. To DIY your mower winterization, follow these steps:

  1. Empty the gas tank — unused gas left in your small engine over winter can gum up the carburetor and allow rusting.
  2. Disconnect the spark plug — to avoid serious injury if your mower were to accidentally kick-start.
  3. Remove the blades — wear a pair of thick, protective gloves, unscrew the bolts that hold them in place, and clean / sharpen the blades.
  4. Oil — Drain the oil if you have a 4-cycle engine. If you have a 2-cycle engine you can skip this step because the oil is mixed with the gas.
  5. Clean the undercarriage — grab a putty knife and wire brush to clean any grass or mud debris on the underside of the cutting deck to help prevent rusting.
  6. Reattach the sharpened blades.
  7. Fill the oil tank with fresh oil — if your mower is a 2-cycle engine you’ll want to skip this step until spring.
  8. Change the air filter — having a clean air filter allows your mower to burn gas more efficiently, so replace or restore the filter and clean the cooling fins. If your mower uses an oil-soaked sponge filter, you’ll remove it, wash it and let it dry completely. Then you’ll add a bit of clean oil and return it to its position.
  9. Replace the spark plug — you’ll need to use a socket wrench with a spark-plug socket.