What is the first check to perform when a small gas engine refuses to start?

The first check to perform when a small gas engine refuses to start is to inspect the level of fuel in the tank. This is crucial because an engine requires fuel to operate, and without sufficient fuel, it will not start despite having other functioning components. Checking the fuel level allows the operator to quickly identify if a lack of fuel is the underlying issue. If the fuel level is low or empty, refueling the tank may resolve the problem immediately.

While the condition of the spark plug, air filter cleanliness, and battery charge status are all important checks for troubleshooting starting issues, they are secondary to verifying that there is fuel present. If you overlook the fuel level and check other components first, it could lead to unnecessary diagnostics or repairs when the simplest solution—adding fuel—could have addressed the issue right away.