Doc Wally’s Tips and Advice
July 27, 2026
How Long Do Small Engine Repairs Usually Take?
Most common small engine repairs take between 30 minutes and 2 hours when diagnosed and performed by a mobile mechanic in the field. Simple fixes like spark plug replacement, air filter swaps, and blade changes are typically 15 to 30 minutes. Carburetor rebuilds, belt replacements, and fuel system work usually run 1 to 2 hours. […]
July 24, 2026
Why Does My Pressure Washer Lose Pressure Mid-Use?
A pressure washer that loses pressure while running usually has a partially clogged nozzle or inlet screen, a worn or damaged pump seal or unloader valve, or an engine that’s losing power under load. Air entering the water supply line can also cause intermittent pressure loss. Doc Wally’s services pressure washers in the New Braunfels […]
July 22, 2026
What Are the Signs Your Riding Mower Engine Is Worn Out?
A worn riding mower engine typically shows signs like excessive oil consumption, blue smoke, hard starting despite tuned components, significant power loss that carburetor work doesn’t fix, or loud internal knocking or tapping sounds. These symptoms point to internal wear on pistons, rings, or valves that goes beyond tune-up repairs. Doc Wally’s can assess whether […]
July 20, 2026
How Do You Know If Your ATV Needs a Carburetor Rebuild or Replacement?
An ATV carburetor usually needs rebuilding or replacing when the engine runs rough, stumbles at throttle transitions, won’t idle without the choke, or surges and hunts at steady speed. A rebuild kit fixes most issues caused by wear and deposits. If the carburetor body itself is cracked, stripped, or the damage is severe, replacement is […]
July 17, 2026
Why Does My Lawn Mower Vibrate Excessively During Use?
Excessive lawn mower vibration usually comes from an unbalanced or damaged blade, a loose blade bolt, or debris wrapped around the blade shaft. In worse cases, it can mean a bent crankshaft. Vibration should never be ignored — it stresses the engine, loosens fasteners, and can cause a blade to fail. Doc Wally’s can identify […]
July 15, 2026
What Causes a Riding Mower to Smoke and What Should I Do?
Riding mower smoke is usually white, black, or blue, and each color points to a different problem. White smoke often means water or a rich fuel mix; black smoke indicates the engine is running too rich; blue or gray smoke signals oil burning. Some causes are minor fixes while others mean internal engine wear. Doc […]
July 13, 2026
Why Is My Gas Golf Cart Running Rough or Losing Speed on Hills?
A gas golf cart that runs rough or loses power on hills is usually dealing with a carburetor problem, a dirty fuel system, or a worn spark plug. These small single-cylinder engines are simple but sensitive to fuel quality and basic maintenance. Doc Wally’s services gas golf carts in the New Braunfels area and can […]
July 10, 2026
What Should I Do When My Zero-Turn Mower Loses Power Under Load?
A zero-turn mower that loses power when cutting through thick grass usually has a dirty air filter, a clogged fuel filter, a carburetor issue, or a worn drive belt. The engine is working harder under load and anything restricting fuel or airflow will show up as power loss. Doc Wally’s can diagnose and fix the […]
July 8, 2026
Why Won't My Lawn Mower Start After Sitting All Winter?
A lawn mower that won’t start after winter usually has one of three problems: stale fuel clogging the carburetor, a dead battery (on electric-start models), or a spark plug that’s fouled from sitting. In most cases, a carburetor clean or fuel swap gets it running again — and if you’d rather not deal with it […]
June 11, 2026
Why Does My ATV Keep Stalling on Trails in the Hill Country?
Why Does My ATV Keep Stalling on Hill Country Trails? If your ATV keeps stalling while you are out on the trails, it is usually due to a fuel delivery issue, a clogged air filter, or overheating. The rugged terrain and dusty conditions of the Texas Hill Country put extra stress on your engine, making […]
June 9, 2026
What is the Best PSI for Pressure Washing Driveways vs Wood Decks?
Howdy folks, Doc Wally here. I spend a lot of time under the hood of lawn mowers and tillers, but one of the most common machines I see in my shop is the pressure washer. Folks in New Braunfels take a lot of pride in their homes, and a good pressure wash can make a […]
June 6, 2026
How Do You Fix an ATV That Leaks Oil After a Weekend on the Trails?
To fix an ATV that leaks oil after a weekend on the trails, you first need to clean the machine thoroughly to locate the source, which is often a damaged drain plug washer, a punctured crankcase from trail debris, or a blown seal caused by overheating. Once identified, you can replace the faulty gasket or […]
June 4, 2026
Why Does My Generator Shut Off After Running for a Few Minutes?
If your generator starts up fine but dies after a few minutes, the most common culprits are a low oil level triggering the safety sensor, a clogged fuel cap vent creating a vacuum, or a dirty carburetor. These issues allow the engine to run briefly on the fuel already in the system before starving it […]
June 2, 2026
How Do You Safely Connect a Generator to Your Home in New Braunfels?
To safely connect a generator to your home, you must use a professionally installed transfer switch or an interlock kit to isolate your house from the main power grid. Never attempt to backfeed your home by plugging the generator into a standard wall outlet, as this creates a deadly electrocution risk for utility workers. Always […]
May 30, 2026
What's the Difference Between a Standby Generator and a Portable Generator?
What’s the Difference Between a Standby Generator and a Portable Generator? The main difference is that a standby generator is a permanent fixture that turns on automatically during a power outage, while a portable generator is a mobile unit you must manually start and connect. Standby units typically run on your home’s existing natural gas […]
May 28, 2026
How Do You Change the Oil on a Portable Generator?
To change the oil on a portable generator, you need to warm up the engine, place a drain pan under the plug, and remove the plug to let the old oil flow out completely. Once drained, replace the plug and refill the crankcase with the manufacturer recommended oil type and amount using a clean funnel. […]
May 26, 2026
Why Does My Generator Run But Produce No Power? | Doc Wally's Mobile Repair
Why Does My Generator Run But Produce No Power? If your generator is humming along but your lights aren’t coming on, it is usually due to a tripped circuit breaker, a worn-out capacitor, or a loss of residual magnetism in the alternator. Most of the time, it is a simple fix like resetting a switch […]
May 23, 2026
What size generator do you really need for a Texas home during a power outage?
What size generator do you really need for a Texas home during a power outage? To keep your basic necessities running like your refrigerator, lights, and a few fans, most Texas homeowners need a portable generator between 5,000 and 7,500 watts. If you want to run a window AC unit or a well pump, you […]
May 21, 2026
How Do You Run In a New Generator Properly So It Lasts for Years?
To run in a new generator properly, you should perform an initial oil change after the first five hours of operation to remove tiny metal shavings left over from the manufacturing process. During this break-in period, you should vary the electrical load and avoid running the machine at full capacity for extended stretches. Using a […]
April 29, 2026
Why Is My Lawn Mower Backfiring and Is It Dangerous?
There you are on a Saturday morning in New Braunfels, just trying to get the yard looking decent before the heat of the day really settles in. You’re making good time, the smell of fresh-cut grass is in the air, and then—BANG!—it sounds like a 12-gauge shotgun went off right under your seat. If you’ve […]
April 28, 2026
Why Does My Mower Belt Keep Breaking? (And How to Stop It)
Howdy, neighbors! There’s nothing quite like a Saturday morning in the Texas Hill Country when the sun is just starting to peek over the horizon, you’ve got a fresh cup of coffee, and you’re fixin’ to get the lawn looking sharp before the midday heat hits. But nothing sours a good mood faster than hearing […]
April 24, 2026
Why Does My Zero-Turn Mower Leave Tire Tracks on My Lawn?
There is nothing quite like the sight of a freshly mowed lawn under the Texas sun, especially when you’ve got those crisp, professional-looking stripes stretching across your property. But it sure can take the wind out of your sails when you step back to admire your work and realize your zero-turn mower has left behind […]
April 22, 2026
How Do You Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Mower Deck?
Howdy, neighbors! It’s Doc Wally here. If you’ve spent any time living in New Braunfels or anywhere across the beautiful Texas Hill Country, you know that when the spring rains hit and the sun starts beating down, our grass doesn’t just grow—it explodes. Whether you’re taming a small patch of St. Augustine or clearing acres […]
April 17, 2026
How do you know when it's time to replace your mower deck?
Well, howdy there, neighbors! If you’ve spent any time out in the Texas sun lately, you know that our Hill Country grass doesn’t care how hot it gets—it just keeps on growing, and it’ll take over your yard in a heartbeat if you let it. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of firing up your […]
April 16, 2026
Why is my riding mower pulling to one side when I mow?
Howdy, neighbors! There’s nothing quite like a Saturday morning in the Texas Hill Country, cup of coffee in hand, looking out at a lawn that’s growing faster than a cedar elm in a wet spring. But when you hop on your riding mower to get that New Braunfels acreage looking sharp and the machine starts […]
April 16, 2026
Is Your Pressure Washer Ready for Spring? Here's What to Check
Is your gas pressure washer not starting or losing pressure? Doc Wally’s Mobile Small Engine Repair comes to you in New Braunfels, Schertz, Cibolo, and the Hill Country. Same-day repairs.
April 12, 2026
Why Can't I Find a Reliable Lawn Mower Repair Near Me?
Tired of hauling your mower to a shop and waiting weeks? Doc Wally’s Mobile Lawn Mower Repair comes to you in New Braunfels, TX. Same-visit service, no drop-off needed.
April 12, 2026
What You Need to Know About Gas Golf Cart Repair and Maintenance
Gas golf cart won’t start or running rough? Doc Wally’s Mobile Small Engine Repair comes to you in New Braunfels, Schertz, Cibolo, and the Hill Country. Expert gas golf cart service.
April 12, 2026
Who Do You Call for Generator Repair in New Braunfels?
Need generator repair in New Braunfels? Doc Wally’s Mobile Small Engine Repair comes to you — no towing, no hauling. Serving New Braunfels, Schertz, Cibolo, and the Hill Country.
February 20, 2026
How Can You Prepare Your Small Engines for Texas Flash Flood Season?
Prepare your small engines for Texas flash flood season with expert tips from Doc Wally’s Mobile Small Engine Repair. Keep your equipment safe, reliable, and storm-ready.
February 20, 2026
What Causes White, Blue, or Black Smoke in Lawn Mowers and Generators?
Seeing white, blue, or black smoke from your mower or generator? Learn what it means, what to check, and when to call a pro like Doc Wally’s.
February 20, 2026
How Should You Winterize Small Engine Equipment in the Hill Country?
Learn how to winterize your small engine equipment in the Texas Hill Country with expert tips from Doc Wally (fuel, oil, battery, storage & more).
February 20, 2026
Is it a Flooded Carburetor or Fuel Starvation?
Not sure if your small engine has a flooded carburetor or fuel starvation? Learn how to spot the difference, troubleshoot common symptoms, and get expert mobile repair with Doc Wally’s trusted small engine service.
February 20, 2026
When Should You Replace the Belt on Your Lawn Mower or Zero-Turn?
Wondering why your mower isn’t cutting like it used to? Learn how worn belts affect performance, when to replace them, and why Doc Wally’s mobile repair service makes fixing the issue fast and stress-free.
September 27, 2025
How Do You Clean and Replace a Lawn Mower Air Filter?
A lawn mower engine is a lot like your own lungs, it needs clean air to function right. When the air filter clogs with dust, grass, and debris, the engine has to work harder. That means less power, rough starts, and in some cases, damage you don’t want to pay for. It might take a […]
September 27, 2025
What Do You Do If Your ATV or UTV Breaks Down in the Field?
When your ATV or UTV quits in the field, there’s no time for guesswork. You need clear steps, and you need them quick. The first thing to remember is not to panic. Don’t start tearing into the machine, and don’t make the problem worse. Take a breath, size up the situation, and work through the basics. […]
September 21, 2025
What Causes One Wheel on My Zero Turn Mower to Stop Moving?
What’s Causing One Side of Your Zero Turn To Stop Pulling? If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard, “Doc, one wheel just quit on me“, I’d have retired a long time ago. It’s a common problem, especially here in Texas where the heat beats down on everything. When a zero turn loses one wheel, […]
September 19, 2025
Which ATV & UTV Problems Should Texas Hunters Watch For?
ATV and UTV Problems Texas Hunters Face Year After Year Every hunting season, I get calls from folks whose machines quit on them right when they need them. The problems usually aren’t new or mysterious, in fact, they’re the same handful of issues that pop up year after year. What makes the difference is knowing what to […]
September 18, 2025
How Should You Prepare Your ATV/UTV for Hunting Season in Texas?
When you rely on an ATV or UTV for hunting, you can’t afford to cut corners on preparation. I’ve seen too many hunters stuck miles from camp because their machine wasn’t ready for the season. A weak battery, a fuel issue, or a worn tire may not seem like much in the driveway, but in the field it can […]
July 31, 2025
When Should I Change the Oil in My Pressure Washer Pump?
Most people don’t give much thought to their pressure washers maintenance until it starts losing pressure, making strange sounds, or suddenly refuses to perform. More often than not, the problem doesn’t start with the engine or hoses—it starts inside the pump. Your pressure washer pump relies on clean, healthy oil to run efficiently. Over time, that oil […]
July 30, 2025
How Often Should You Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades?
When it comes to keeping your lawn healthy and your mower running efficiently, blade sharpness is one detail you can’t afford to overlook. Dull mower blades don’t just tear through grass—they strain your engine, waste fuel, and leave your yard looking patchy at best. So..how often should you sharpen your mower blades? The answer depends on how often […]
July 28, 2025
What Does a Carburetor Do in a Lawn Mower or Generator?
If your lawn mower stalls halfway through a mow or your generator refuses to fire up on a stormy day, there’s a good chance the problem starts in a small—but powerful—part of the engine: the carburetor. While it might sound intimidating, the carburetor is one of the most important (and misunderstood) components in gas-powered lawn and garden […]
July 27, 2025
Why Is My Pressure Washer Leaking? Common Causes and Quick Fixes
You’re ready to tackle the driveway, patio, or siding—but instead of blasting away grime, your pressure washer is leaving a puddle at your feet. Sound familiar? Leaking pressure washers are more than just a nuisance—they’re a sign that something’s not working right inside your machine. Whether it’s a loose fitting, worn O-ring, or something deeper in the […]
July 25, 2025
Why Is My Push Mower Vibrating Excessively and How Can I Fix It?
Noticing your push mower shaking more than usual? Excessive vibration isn’t just annoying—it can be a warning sign of deeper issues under the deck or within the engine. While a little vibration is normal for small machines like lawn mowers, intense shaking can cause premature wear, affect cut quality, or even become a safety hazard if […]
June 24, 2025
What Should I Do If My Generator Stops Working Before a Storm?
The forecast’s turning rough—heavy rain, high winds, maybe even power outages. You step outside to fire up your generator, give the cord a pull or press the start button… and nothing happens. No hum. No backup. Just silence. That’s the kind of call I get a lot—especially in storm season. From New Braunfels and San […]
June 24, 2025
Why Won’t My Walk-Behind Lawn Mower Work? Top 5 Issues and Fixes
I’ve worked on more walk-behind mowers than I can count—machines that sputtered, stalled, or sat silent no matter how many times their owners yanked the cord. Most of the time, the cause isn’t complicated. It’s usually one of a few small issues that get overlooked, especially after a long season or a bit too much […]
June 24, 2025
What Toolkit Should Every Property Owner Have for Small Engines?
There’s a certain kind of pride that comes with keeping your equipment running right—whether it’s a mower that cuts clean, a generator that fires up on the first try, or an ATV that’s always ready for the trail. Over the years, working across towns like San Marcos and Stone Oak, I’ve seen how much smoother […]
June 7, 2025
The Battery’s New—But the Mower’s Still Dead. Now What?
It’s a familiar scene: the sun is shining, the grass is growing, and you’ve set aside time to tackle the lawn. You turn the key on your zero-turn mower, expecting the engine to roar to life—but instead, there’s silence. You’ve just installed a brand-new battery, so what could be the issue? As someone with decades […]
May 24, 2025
Should I Repair or Replace My Generator?
Repair or Replace? Making the Right Call for Your Generator When your generator starts showing signs of wear—maybe it hesitates on startup, runs louder than usual, or doesn’t deliver steady power—you’re faced with an important decision: should you repair it, or is it time to invest in a new one? This isn’t just a question […]
May 22, 2025
Why Is My Riding Mower Leaving Uneven Cuts Across My Lawn?
Why Your Lawn Looks Uneven After Mowing — And What to Do About It Uneven cuts can be frustrating, especially when you’re putting in the time and effort to keep your yard in good shape. But more often than not, there’s a clear reason behind the problem — and a fix that doesn’t have to […]