
- Formal Training. While many small engine repairers enter the field with a high school education and receive on-the-job training, you can also complete a small engine training program to prepare ...
- On-The-Job Training. Although many employers prefer mechanics to have formal training, there are not many specialized postsecondary small engine repair training programs, according to the U.S. ...
- Employment Outlook. In 2018, the BLS reported that job prospects for small engine mechanics were much better for those who completed formal training programs ( www.bls.gov ).
What tools are needed for small engine repair?
- The lawn mower’s motion and engine vibrations can cause such hardware as the fasteners and wheels to loosen. ...
- If you have an electric mower, be sure to inspect the cord or battery to make sure they remain in good condition.
- Store the battery or cords in a dry location.
How to diagnose and repair a small engine?
Before you dive too deep into your engine, check the basics:
- Is the tank filled with fresh gas?
- Are all safety devices/switches disengaged?
- Are you using proper starting procedures?
- Is the spark plug dry/wet?
- Is the equipment tuned-up?
- Is there smoke?
How to rebuild a small engine?
How to Repair Small Engines: Cleaning the Carburetor
- Don't Google "small engine repair near me" the next time your lawnmower sputters. ...
- Introduction. ...
- Tools Required
- Materials Required. ...
- Start Your Engine (At Least Try) Confirm that the fuel valve is on, there's gas in the tank and the spark plug is in good shape. ...
- Test for Gas at the Carburetor. ...
- Remove the Carburetor. ...
- Check for Corrosion. ...
How machine learning can help your small business?
- Give real-time guidance to sales reps by monitoring phone calls to analyze callers’ emotional states.
- Perform tasks like nurturing, qualifying, and following up via email with leads.
- Analyze extensive industry and social media data to support account-based marketing and sales.

What skills do you need to be a small engine mechanic?
Small engine mechanics should also possess the following specific qualities:Customer-service skills. Mechanics must discuss equipment problems and repairs with their customers. ... Detail oriented. ... Dexterity. ... Mechanical skills. ... Troubleshooting skills.
What do you need to work on small engines?
Most small engine mechanics have a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Some pursue postsecondary education, such as a certificate from a vocational school or community college mechanic's program. Some small engine mechanics also train as automotive mechanics or have experience working in an auto body shop.
How do I start my own engine shop?
How to Start a Small Engine Repair ShopDetermine the scope of your business.Choose a location.Calculate your expenses and purchase equipment.Acquire funding, choose a business entity, register your business, and obtain federal and state tax ID numbers.Obtain the necessary licenses and permits.Buy insurance coverage.More items...
What tools do you need to rebuild a small engine?
0:4719:35Small Engine Repair - Basic Tools - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd they also include some allen tools in here as well as like a pair of pliers. And just someMoreAnd they also include some allen tools in here as well as like a pair of pliers. And just some various stuff you will also have two spark plug sockets that are most common.
How many types of small engines are there?
two different typesSmall engines are categorized by their engine process, which means there are two different types of small engines: 2-stroke and 4-stroke. Both types may be powered by gasoline or diesel fuel.
What can you make with a lawnmower engine?
7 Projects That Add New Life to Your Old Lawnmower EngineConvert Your Lawnmower Engine to Run on Compressed Air. ... Build a DIY Generator Using a Lawnmower Engine. ... Build a Wooden Go-Kart. ... Lawnmower Engine Powered Mulcher. ... Homemade Power Wheelbarrow. ... Convert it into an Outboard Boat Motor. ... Build a MINI-BEEP.More items...•
What can I do with a small engine?
Small gas engines serve us in many ways. They power lawn mowers, tillers, cultivators, trimmers, edgers, snowblowers, chain saws, pumps, generators, air compressors, and other useful home tools. They also power our fun: outboard boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, ultralight aircraft, and other toys.
How do you hone a small engine cylinder?
2:0115:31How To Hone Small Engine Cylinders (14.5HP OHV B&S as Example)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you see a scratching the cylinder. You can run your fingernail across and fill it and Honan.MoreIf you see a scratching the cylinder. You can run your fingernail across and fill it and Honan.
Is an ATV considered a small engine?
Many kinds of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, and go-karts have something in common with lawn mowers, generators and many other smaller machines – they're all considered to be small engines.
How much does it cost to rebuild a small engine?
between $2,500 and $4,000A typical engine rebuild is between $2,500 and $4,000 in parts and labor costs. This type of engine repair might include simply replacing bearings and seals, and obviously taking the engine out and re-installing it. It could be much higher too.
Is it worth rebuilding a lawn mower engine?
If the equipment the engine powers is old, it may make sense just to buy a new lawn mower, log splitter, or whatever machine is in question rather than spend money diagnosing and fixing its engine. If it's a newer piece of equipment, it could be worth repairing or replacing the engine, depending on the diagnosis.
What tools are needed for building an engine?
Engine Building Tools | The Essentials And DesirablesBasic Mechanic's Toolset. ... Torque angle gauge. ... Ring squaring tool. ... Plastigauge. ... Bore gauge. ... Burette. ... Dial gauge and magnetic base. ... Deck bridge.More items...
What can I do with a small engine?
Small gas engines serve us in many ways. They power lawn mowers, tillers, cultivators, trimmers, edgers, snowblowers, chain saws, pumps, generators, air compressors, and other useful home tools. They also power our fun: outboard boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, ultralight aircraft, and other toys.
What are 7 components that make up the combustion chamber?
As used herein, a combustion chamber defining component is a component which is directly exposed to a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine and includes components such as piston walls, cylinder liners, cylinder heads, exhaust port walls and the top portions or crowns of pistons.
How do you run an old small engine?
3:4310:42Tips on Starting Small Engines that Haven't Ran for a While - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPull your spark plugs out ground it out and crank it over and watch for spark when the plug. AndMorePull your spark plugs out ground it out and crank it over and watch for spark when the plug. And this one you're going to do that on both sides. If you got spark. You might have a stuck valve.
Why are small engines harder?
0:062:14Top Reasons Small Engine is Hard to Start - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd a weakened electrode the spark plug will degrade over time which can make the engine hard toMoreAnd a weakened electrode the spark plug will degrade over time which can make the engine hard to start you should inspect the spark plug for damage or wear.
What types of small engines will I learn to repair in this course?
Penn Foster's online Small Engine Repair Program prepares students to repair typical two-stroke and four-stroke engines, outboard engines, and mari...
Why become a small engine mechanic?
Small engine mechanics play a vital role in servicing and repairing outdoor equipment such as lawn mowers and leaf-blowers. Mechanics who work on o...
How long does it take to become a small engine mechanic?
Depending on your education and experience, it can take up to a year to become a small engine mechanic. While postsecondary education isn't require...
What qualities make a good mechanic?
Good small engine mechanics are detail-oriented, have strong troubleshooting and mechanical skills, and are able to work in a variety of environmen...
How much does it cost to service a lawn mower?
The cost of a lawn mower repair will vary depending on many factors, including complexity, time and materials required for the project. But you cou...
Is small engine repair profitable?
Small engine repair could potentially be profitable if you have a high volume of repairs.
What is considered a small engine?
A small engine is the term that includes a variety of low-powered internal combustion engines, including those to power lawn mowers, generators, le...
What is considered small engine repair?
Small engine repairs include routine tuning and maintenance of equipment, including lubricating parts, replacing plugs, etc.
Getting Started
For those new to small engine repair, the best resource is the manual. The level of detail should solve most issues with your small engine. Next, check out the abundant resources on the Briggs & Stratton website, complete with frequently asked questions, and videos to help.
Buy the Right Repair Parts
Be sure to buy Briggs & Stratton genuine parts that can be found on our online store or at an authorized dealer. These parts are guaranteed to fit your engine. Consult your operator’s manual for the correct set of parts for your engine.
On-Going Knowledge
The best way to learn to repair small engines is to be a good owner, and follow the manual. For more information on small engines, there are also plenty of small engine repair books and helpful videos available by certified mechanics and authors.
What are the components of a small gas engine?
Components of the combustion system include the cylinder block, cylinder head, camshaft, valves, piston, connecting rod, crankshaft, timing gears, and flywheel. To better understand small gas engines, let's look at how this vital system works.
How many systems are needed for an internal combustion engine?
Internal combustion gasoline-powered engines require six systems: fuel, exhaust, ignition, combustion, cooling, and lubrication. In this article, we will discuss the systems and components that make small engines work. Advertisement.
What is the ignition system?
The ignition is a primary system within all small gas engines. It produces and delivers the high-voltage spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture to cause combustion. No spark means no combustion, which means your engine doesn't run. Below are the components found in small engine ignition systems.
What is the difference between a four stroke engine and a fuel tank?
Four-stroke engines use a fuel-air mixture. Fuel Tank: The fuel tank stores fuel in preparation for mixing by the carburetor and use by the engine. Some fuel tanks are pressurized with air to help deliver fuel to the carburetor. Other tanks are non-pressurized and depend on a fuel pump to deliver fuel to the carburetor.
What is the difference between a two stroke and a four stroke engine?
Two-stroke engines require that oil be mixed with the gasoline to lubricate internal parts. Four-stroke engines use a fuel-air mixture. Fuel Tank: The fuel tank stores fuel in preparation for mixing by the carburetor and use by the engine. Some fuel tanks are pressurized with air to help deliver fuel to the carburetor.
Where is the fuel strainer in a small engine?
Some small engines have a fuel strainer in the bottom of the fuel tank. Others have a removable fuel strainer in the fuel line. Still other small engines use disposable in-line fuel filters made of pleated paper. To clean sediment from a tank:
Do small engines need lubrication?
Some small engines require additional lubrication, depending on their design and the tasks they perform. A riding lawn mower, for example, may require lubrication of the axles and steering box. Though this article can't cover all possible lubrication service procedures, it can offer procedures that are easily adaptable to most small engines.
How long does it take to repair a small engine?
Most commonly, it takes between 12 and 24 months to complete a program in small engine repair. However, it's possible to find small engine repair classes that can be completed in as little as four months.*
What is a small engine mechanic?
While some small engine mechanics are generalists, most specialize in areas like: Motorboat repair: Maintain and fix mechanical and electrical equipment in different types of watercraft. Motorcycle repair: Troubleshoot, adjust, and fix motorcycles as well as related vehicles like dirt bikes, ATVs, and scooters.
Is mechanics full time?
Full-time work is the norm, but a mechanic's hours can be affected by the seasons. Spring and summer tend to be busy, while demand drops off in the winter. Some mechanics try to even out the workload by scheduling major repairs like engine overhauls during the off-season.
Do you need a license to work on a motorcycle?
In most cases, small engine mechanics do not need to be licensed or certified. However, motorcycle mechanics must have a valid driver's license that includes a motorcycle endorsement. And in Hawaii and Michigan, motorcycle mechanics must pass special licensing exams.
What training do I need to be a small engine repairman?
Formal Training. While many small engine repairers enter the field with a high school education and receive on-the-job training, you can also complete a small engine training program to prepare you for the small engine repair trade offered by community colleges, technical schools, vocational schools and online institutions.
How long does it take to get a small engine repair certificate?
Certificate programs usually take 6-12 months to complete. Through hands-on courses, you may learn how to make diagnostic assessments of engines and study various small engine types. Course topics might include the following: Small engine repair fundamentals. Small engine parts and operation.
What is a small engine?
Small engines power a variety of vehicles and outdoor equipment, including motorcycles, motorboats, snow blowers, snowmobiles, portable generators, lawn mowers and chainsaws. As a small engine repair technician, you'll inspect an engine and its related parts, including plugs, carburetors, electrical systems, fuel systems and other components, ...
Is small engine mechanics good?
In 2018, the BLS reported that job prospects for small engine mechanics were much better for those who completed formal training programs ( www.bls.gov ). Those who specialize in outdoor power equipment repair are likely to have favorable job opportunities. Employment for this profession was expected to grow by three percent between 2019 and 2029, according to the BLS.
Do mechanics need to be trained?
Although many employers prefer mechanics to have formal training, there are not many specialized postsecondary small engine repair training programs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Depending on your desired specialty, you might instead pursue on-the-job training that lasts a few years.
Overfilled Oil
So I know I overfilled a little and I did turn it to about 30 degrees because I had no other way to unscrew the drain plug let a little oil out. It’s blowing white and after shutoff the muffler is smoking. I’m guessing that’s from the oil burning off.
small engine on old evinrude outboard . What does this knob do?
A subreddit to discuss maintenance and the repair of small engines, including mowers, tillers, chain saws, grass trimmers, and other small machines that make life easier.
