Editors of Cool Springs Press - Small Engines and Outdoor Power Equipment: A Care & Repair Guide for: Lawn Mowers, Snowblowers & Small Gas-Powered Implements

A CARE & REPAIR GUIDE FOR: LAWN MOWERS, SNOWBLOWERS & SMALL GAS-POWERED IMPLEMENTS

Edited by Peter Hunn

21 Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.

Text 2014, 2021 Cool Springs Press

This edition published in 2020

First Published in 2014 by Cool Springs Press, an imprint of The Quarto Group,

100 Cummings Center, Suite 265-D, Beverly, MA 01915, USA.

T (978) 282-9590 F (978) 283-2742 QuartoKnows.com

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the copyright owners. All images in this book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the artists concerned, and no responsibility is accepted by producer, publisher, or printer for any infringement of copyright or otherwise, arising from the contents of this publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that credits accurately comply with information supplied. We apologize for any inaccuracies that may have occurred and will resolve inaccurate or missing information in a subsequent reprinting of the book.

Cool Springs Press titles are also available at discount for retail, wholesale, promotional, and bulk purchase. For details, contact the Special Sales Manager by email at or by mail at The Quarto Group, Attn: Special Sales Manager, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 265-D, Beverly, MA 01915, USA.

Digital edition: 978-0-76036-879-4
Softcover edition: 978-0-76036-878-7

Digital edition published in 2020

Originally found under the following Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Small engines and outdoor power equipment : a care & repair

guide for lawn mowers, snowblowers & small gas-powered

implements / editors of Cool Springs Press.

pages cm

ISBN 978-1-59186-587-2 (pbk)

1. Small gasoline engines--Maintenance and repair. 2.

Gardening--Equipment and supplies--Maintenance and repair. I.

Cool Springs Press. II. Title: Small engines and outdoor power

equipment.

TJ790.S5827 2013

621.4340288--dc23

2013028515

Photography: Images on pages by shuttestock

Technical review: Steve Hall

Unless youre among the small but enthusiastic group of motorheads who collect, troubleshoot, and restore vintage lawn mowers, chain saws, garden tractors, snowblowers, or old outboard motors as a hobby, you probably opened this book because some small engine in your life just isnt running right. Maybe its hard to start or sometimes doesnt start at all. Perhaps your small engine runs, but sounds strange; like its got real problems somewhere deep down inside.

Quite possibly youre wishing you had the mechanical equivalent of a green thumb so you could save money on small-engine repairs. With most power equipment shops charging hourly repair rates comparable to those of a luxury car dealerships service department, it is no wonder why many folks who dont consider themselves particularly handy get so darn frustrated by their persnickety weed-whacker or messed-up mower that they feel theres no alternative but to buy a new one. With all due respect to those who lack confidence in their ability to keep their little motors purring proudly season after season, Small Engines & Outdoor Power Equipment is written to prove them wrong.

This book walks you through lots of real world mechanical cures and problem prevention, based on the most widely used small-engine designs. You can find the step-by-step directions for your specific maintenance or fix-up project in the Table of Contents (shown ) or by delving right into one of the sections listed below. Each offers safety tips, key to efficient diagnosis, and proficient wrenching.

Things That Make A Small Engine Run (shown ) identifies parts of the small engine and outlines how they are arranged into systems: They are the compression system, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication and cooling system, braking system, and the electrical system. This chapter also identifies good tools to have on hand for repair work, as well as some pointers on safe small-engine servicing.

Diagnosing & Troubleshooting (focuses on troubleshooting that poor old motors funny noises or maybe getting it to say something nice to you again (shown ).

Easy But Important Maintenance (shown ) offers a convenient schedule and checklist for inspecting and changing the oil, spark plugs, and filters.

Doctoring The Ailing Engine Basic Engine Repairs (shown ), guide you through being able to and repair of the most common problems. Also covered are engine maladies, that some might consider to be a bit more challenging.

2-Stroke Power Equipment (shown ) introduces you to the basics of 2-stroke engine operation and then guides you through basic maintenance and repair common to outdoor power equipment implements such as chain saws, string trimmers, snowblowers, and gas blowers.

NOTICE TO READERS

F or safety, use caution, care, and good judgment when following the procedures described in this book. The publisher cannot assume responsibility for any damage to property or injury to persons as a result of misuse of the information provided.

The techniques shown in this book are general techniques for various applications. In some instances, additional techniques not shown in this book may be required. Always follow manufacturers instructions included with products, since deviating from the directions may void warranties. The projects in this book vary widely as to skill levels required: some may not be appropriate for all do-it-yourselfers, and some may require professional help.

T he biggest difference between small gasoline engines and other types of fuel-burning motors is their small capacity and simplicity of design. Small engines generate modest amounts of powergenerally 2 to 25 horsepowercompared to a typical family car boasting 150 or more horses. And a small engines compact size also makes it easier to maintain and repair.

A typical 4-stroke, overhead valve gas engine. At 6.5 horsepower it is of average power for a lawn mower.

Because small engines are designed for relatively simple tasks like cutting grass and blowing snow, their construction is uncomplicated compared to other engines. Unlike cars and other vehicles that frequently accelerate, slow down, or idle for long periods, small engines are usually run at constant speed or change speed slightly when encountering modest changes in the load, such as when a lawn mower hits a patch of thick grass, or when a snowblower tries to digest a pile of packed snow recently shoveled off the roof and into the driveway.