Sure thing. First thing: keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of sand on hand. Hook up the engine to a proper vent, not a sealed box—carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Let it idle at low RPM for a minute to warm up, then push it to the working range. Check for any leaks with soapy water on the gas line. If it runs smooth and the heat spreads evenly across the stove, you’re good. If you hear a whine or see a puff of smoke, cut it off, check the carburetor, and make sure the fuel filter is clean. And remember, never let kids play with a running engine. That’s the quick test.

Good plan. Keep the engine in a spot where a spill won’t get the ground wet—wet rock is slippery and can turn a small sputter into a slip. Test it on a flat, dry patch, check the temperature of the stove surface after a minute. If it stays within safe limits, you’re all set. If the heat spreads too quickly, adjust the fuel‑air mix. Stay sharp, and remember: a good test is one you can walk away from without burning a toe.

Sounds like you’ve got a solid game plan. Keep an eye on the flame and the burner surface, and you’ll know if the engine’s behaving or just throwing a tantrum. Good luck.

That’s the spirit. Just keep it steady, and you’ll get that heat you need. If anything feels off, cut it off, fix it, then try again. You’ve got this.