small engine repair

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I have (too) many engines on the farm-- lawn mowers, chain saws, tractor, tillers etc that need work on them. Any good references on the net or books that you could recommend for DIY? Also, what tools for this kind of work are "must haves?" Thanks, David

-- David (drdati@mwt.net), October 31, 2001

Answers

There is a book with the title: "Barnacle Parp's Guide to Garden and Yard Power Tools" The Author is Walter Hall. Publisher is: Rodale Press. The copy I have is 1983. I do not know if this is still in print. If it is not you can check at used book stores. You can also go to www.powells.com and see if they have it.

The book covers both two-cycle and four-cycle engines.

Hope this helps.

-- Tom S. (trdsshepard@yahoo.com), October 31, 2001.


As for tools a standard 3/8th drive socket set (standard and metric both) with deep well 6 point sockets works fine. Agood assortment of screwdrivers and pliars. Speciality tools will include pin pliars for "cir" clips, threaded gear puller (at least 5 inch or larger), small engine type valve spring compressor, valve lapping compound and a valve lapper with the suction rubber ends, maybe a ring compressor (radiator hose clamps will do this also). These things can add quickly, check the flea markets and garage sales.

-- mitch hearn (moopups@citlink.net), October 31, 2001.

Chilton puts out a small engine repair manual that covers Briggs Techseme and some others from 1-20 hps covers all things pretty well like torque values and gaps and rebuild recomndations dale

-- dale (dgarr@fidnet.com), October 31, 2001.

I had the Chilton book and liked it a lot.

-- Eric in TN (eric_m_stone@yahoo.com), November 01, 2001.

Look for adult Education courses set up by your local school system. I paid $15. anumber of years ago and it was the best money I ever spent. The course even included a manual.

-- Paul (treewizard@buffalo.com), November 01, 2001.


David, have you thought about taking a small engine repair coarse at your nearest tech. center? You would be amazed at how easy they are to repair. I took a coarse last winter for $45. and it was well worth it. I usually spend that much each fall and spring to have either a chain saw, garden tiller, or lawn mower fixed. Now that I know just how simple they are I can keep that $45 for myself.

-- r.h. in okla. (rhays@sstelco.com), November 04, 2001.

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