Mark's Fix-It, Small Engines and More

03/26/2026

An update from Mark's Fix-It: I am happy to announce I am now also a Power Smart Service Company. These products are sold at Walmart, on Temu, Home Depot, etc.

03/22/2026

From Mark's Fix-It: I am already getting several customers who are getting their mowers serviced so they are ready for spring. If you have not started yours since the fall, it's a good idea to dust it off and try starting it. Most of the time when they are properly stored, they are fine. However, they can surprise us too.
If you need it repaired or just gone through with preventative maintenance, please let me know. I offer a pick up and delivery service as well.

03/11/2026

From Mark's Fix It:
Like me, most are likely wondering: Am I going to need that snowblower again? Who knows, but when you decide you will no longer need it for the season, there are several steps to take to avoid problems that will otherwise develop when you need it again (if it is months from now).
Put gas Stabil and a cap full of Heet (fuel moisture remover, yellow bottle for 4 cycles, red for 2 cycles) in the tank, cap it and lightly agitate it. Fill the tank to the top.
Start the engine and let it run for about 5 minutes. If you have a fuel shut off, as it's running, turn the fuel off. It will run for a minute or so and then stall. Once stalled, let it cool, top off the tank, turn the choke on and you are set for months.
If you do not have a fuel shut off, after the 5 minutes, kill the engine. Let it cool, top off the tank and then put the choke on. You are set for months.
Some people prefer to run them totally out of gas. If you are used to doing this and you prefer it, you certainly can. Don't run 2 cycles out of gas as from the time it stops firing until when the piston stops moving, there is no lubricantion in there and it will wear out the engine quicker than usual.
I've used the Stabil and Heet additives for years in all my small engines without any problems.
There are pros and cons to each of these steps and all are to avoid common specific problems next season.

02/17/2026

Some snowblower tips-
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18CJzKU9XK/

02/11/2026

Every once and a while people ask me what's the best snowblower to buy.
Here is what consumer reports says: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17abpZhMHY/

Not that I am more qualified than consumer reports, but I am partial to the Ariens 24's (any of the new 24's). They are lighter and easier to maneuver than the Ariens 30. I'd rather have to make a few more passes than struggle with a bigger machine. The others listed are good but a little more difficult to repair imo.

If you're shopping around for two-stage snow blowers, the Toro Power Max HD 1030, Honda HSS724AWD, and Ariens Deluxe 30 are highly recommended models.

02/02/2026

Another snowblower tip from Mark's Fix it.
This one is a little different, as this is what NOT to do with a snowblower.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15bYydrFxD/

Snowblower transmissions are typically engineered to not carry a person's weight. Friction discs will fail very quickly doing this.

01/25/2026

Many snowblowers are going to get a lot of use over the next few days- here are some tips.
Use wd40 or something alike to l**e the cables, to avoid snapping one, rendering the snowblower useless until the cable is replaced.
Make sure once you have finished using it, you clear the auger clear of snow. This area can freeze then when you next use the auger, you can ruin the belt.
If you break a shear pin, replace it with a shear pin, not a bolt. I have had to explain to customers when they have done this, that their snowblower was now totaled as it is cost prohibitative to fix this (the brass gear strips).

12/28/2025

Mark's Fix-It now offers gift certificates. Contact me if needed.

12/26/2025

Sunday/Monday forecast is freezing rain. Its a good idea to check your generators, make sure they are going to start and stay running for more than five minutes. If they don't, you can contact me and ill get them in and service them.

12/25/2025

Happy Holidays from Mark's Fix-It.

12/22/2025

Another snowblower tip from Mark's Fix-It:
In the front of most snowblowers there are shear bolts that fasten the auger to the drive for the auger. These shear bolts are desiged to shear if you hit a rock, etc. to avoid ruining the expensive brass gear box components.
I have had several customers who have put regular bolts from a hardware store in them. This is a really bad idea. I have repaired damages to the units because a customer did this and on one occasion, it totaled the snowblower because parts and labor (2-3 hrs to replace the gears) would have cost the customer more than the snowblower was worth.
Its best to keep extra shear bolts on hand for your machine as you will eventually break them, especially if you have a gravel driveway. And at all costs avoid the temptation of putting a regular bolt and nut in there.