Assuming you have fresh or treated fuel installed in your engine, what other things are important that the homeowner can check before the Spring startup? Let's make a short list of things considered important.

1. Thoroughly clean the unit. If possible learn how to remove the blower shroud, so that you can clean debris from the cooling fins. This is very important because the only way the engine can run at the proper temperature is if it can get good air circulation. Make a habit of checking on this during the season. You can either clean it with air or wash it with the garden hose. If you use water avoid getting it in the fuel tank. Engines with ignition points should not be washed until tune up time.
2. Remove the spark plug and examine it. A lot can be told from looking at the spark plug. A normal plug electrode should be dry and slightly tan colored. A wet oily plug could indicate internal problems causing excessive oil consumption.
3. After you have the engine clean, remove the air filter and replace it with an original equipment filter. Cheap imitations just aren't worth the risk of ruining an engine. If the filter is a foam type be sure to follow recommendations on oiling it. Be careful not to let dirt fall in the clean area of the carburetor air inlet. A faulty or improperly serviced air filter can ruin an engine in a matter of minutes. Once the dirt gets into an engine it forms a grinding compound in the ring and crankshaft area.
4. Change the oil, again being careful not to let any dirt enter the engine. Use the engine manufactures recommended viscosity for your expected temperature range. I usually use either 10w30 or 30w. Check the oil often during the season and change it when it looks dirty.
5. Check everything over for any loose bolts, dull blades or recommended maintenance in your equipment owners manual, including proper operation of all the control and throttle cables. A little WD40 can be helpful here.

For the most part good maintenance practices involve common sense and a picky eye to eliminate any potential problems during the season. If you find a problem that you are not sure about, check with a local small engine dealer. Most have been trained to spot and handle these problems. Sometimes what looks like a big problem is really not and can be resolved early before any major damage occurs. Proper governor operation is very important and if you suspect the engine is over speeding, get it checked immediately. Once again, CLEAN OIL and CLEAN AIR are the two most important things to an air cooled engines life.

Also see Step by Step Two Stoke Carburetor Rebuild, Complete Engine Rebuild, Carburetor Rebuild, Loose Valve Seats, Starter Rope Repair,         Carburetor Troubleshooting Chart or My Engine Won't Start for more troubleshooting.

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