Small Engines CDE Questions and
Answers Latest Version Graded A+
A small engine has a hard time starting, and the battery voltage is low. What should the
technician check first?
✔✔A. Battery connections and condition
B. Fuel level
C. Spark plug condition
D. Oil level
What is the purpose of the governor on a small engine?
A. Control the fuel mixture
✔✔B. Regulate engine speed
C. Reduce engine noise
D. Increase fuel efficiency
What is the most likely cause of a small engine sputtering and stalling during operation?
A. Low engine temperature
B. Excessive engine oil
1
,✔✔C. Clogged carburetor
D. Faulty ignition coil
If the engine is running rough and misfiring, what should the technician check first?
✔✔A. Spark plug condition
B. Valve clearance
C. Compression
D. Fuel filter
A small engine’s oil appears dark and dirty. What is the recommended action?
✔✔A. Change the oil and filter
B. Add oil stabilizer
C. Check the oil level
D. Clean the oil filter
What is the primary function of a small engine's air filter?
A. Cool the engine
B. Prevent moisture buildup
2
,✔✔C. Filter dirt and debris from the air entering the engine
D. Increase engine power
When checking a small engine’s spark plug, what is a sign that the plug should be replaced?
✔✔A. The electrodes are worn or corroded
B. The plug has a slight carbon buildup
C. The spark plug is slightly loose
D. The plug is covered with grease
What is the cause of an engine backfiring?
A. Overfilled fuel tank
B. A dirty fuel filter
✔✔C. Ignition timing issues
D. Low oil pressure
If a small engine won’t start, and the fuel is fresh, what should the technician check next?
A. Fuel level
✔✔B. Ignition system
3
, C. Oil level
D. Exhaust system
What is the primary purpose of a muffler on a small engine?
✔✔A. Reduce noise and emissions
B. Increase engine power
C. Improve fuel efficiency
D. Cool the engine
Which of the following can cause a small engine to overheat?
A. Faulty carburetor
✔✔B. Low or contaminated coolant
C. Excessive fuel pressure
D. Clogged air filter
A technician notices that a small engine produces excessive exhaust smoke. What might be the
cause?
✔✔A. Worn piston rings or valve seals
4
Answers Latest Version Graded A+
A small engine has a hard time starting, and the battery voltage is low. What should the
technician check first?
✔✔A. Battery connections and condition
B. Fuel level
C. Spark plug condition
D. Oil level
What is the purpose of the governor on a small engine?
A. Control the fuel mixture
✔✔B. Regulate engine speed
C. Reduce engine noise
D. Increase fuel efficiency
What is the most likely cause of a small engine sputtering and stalling during operation?
A. Low engine temperature
B. Excessive engine oil
1
,✔✔C. Clogged carburetor
D. Faulty ignition coil
If the engine is running rough and misfiring, what should the technician check first?
✔✔A. Spark plug condition
B. Valve clearance
C. Compression
D. Fuel filter
A small engine’s oil appears dark and dirty. What is the recommended action?
✔✔A. Change the oil and filter
B. Add oil stabilizer
C. Check the oil level
D. Clean the oil filter
What is the primary function of a small engine's air filter?
A. Cool the engine
B. Prevent moisture buildup
2
,✔✔C. Filter dirt and debris from the air entering the engine
D. Increase engine power
When checking a small engine’s spark plug, what is a sign that the plug should be replaced?
✔✔A. The electrodes are worn or corroded
B. The plug has a slight carbon buildup
C. The spark plug is slightly loose
D. The plug is covered with grease
What is the cause of an engine backfiring?
A. Overfilled fuel tank
B. A dirty fuel filter
✔✔C. Ignition timing issues
D. Low oil pressure
If a small engine won’t start, and the fuel is fresh, what should the technician check next?
A. Fuel level
✔✔B. Ignition system
3
, C. Oil level
D. Exhaust system
What is the primary purpose of a muffler on a small engine?
✔✔A. Reduce noise and emissions
B. Increase engine power
C. Improve fuel efficiency
D. Cool the engine
Which of the following can cause a small engine to overheat?
A. Faulty carburetor
✔✔B. Low or contaminated coolant
C. Excessive fuel pressure
D. Clogged air filter
A technician notices that a small engine produces excessive exhaust smoke. What might be the
cause?
✔✔A. Worn piston rings or valve seals
4
